Would you befriend a non-religious person?

Question

I'm completely non-religious and, in fact, I don't have any type of "faith." As a scientist, I value doubt more than conviction and I'm always asking more questions than I can answer.

I don't believe in anything, not even in the "reality" around me. And not even in mathematics (no one has ever proven logically that 1 + 0 = 1). I don't trust my senses, and I wouldn't follow my instincts (they are nothing but fluctuations of the chemicals in my body).

The idea that people can believe in things for which they have absolutely no proof baffles me. I must say I think most religious people must be pretending. I just cannot fathom such a thing as "belief" or "faith."

I don't understand "hope" either. I can assess a trend to have possible positive consequences to a certain point, but the final analysis of all future branches goes beyond human capabilities. Saving a child from starving may, in the end, cause a world war.

I've noticed this makes it hard for people to be my friends.

I'm a biochemist, into biotechnology. I must say sometimes I do envy those capable of faith. Yes, I know, there are scientists who have faith, hope and such.

But, for me, my research is who I am. I'm afraid in some way I feel I can come across as someone who is rather robotic. It's not the impression I want to cause, just who I happen to be.

Everybody says that if you just are honest and show yourself true to the person you really are, people will like you. I'm living proof that is not so. Some among us are disliked the more the more honest we are about ourselves.

Answer 1

Yes, I might befriend them, but like anyone else it would depend on whether or not we "clicked". I am very religious and I have several atheist friends. Religion (or non-religion) isn't an issue. We respect each other.

Answer 2

Yes, I would befriend a non-religious person. I have friends of all faiths, and lack-of-faiths.

However, to be friends with those who are different then you, you need to see the world in a similiar way. If you cannot understand someone, or support their belief system, then there is not a good foundation for a friendship. That's what friends are for. To go to when things are bad and if you do not believe in 'hope' how can you convince them things will get better?

It's about finding a middle ground that both parties can agree on.

Answer 3

Just because one cannot fathom doesnt mean its not true either. It is only true to the extent of what you have experienced... only someone who has tasted an orange and understand what an orange tastes like... no one can "bestow" you that taste, until you reach out and experience it yourself.

Yes it could be true that to be your friend may be difficult, but have you ever considered that friendship is not about cutting down the belief systems of others but about being kind and caring to one another?

Could it be that you are constantly badgering and proving how "stupid" others are and how supreme you are that ticks people off from you? Being highly intelligent and analytical still does not condone a person to trample on others of lesser mental prowess... treat others the way you want other to treat you, maybe you will find making friends isn't about OTHERS wanting to BE your friend, but YOU wanting to be-friend another.

Add: Being honest doesn't mean being unkind in speech. I guess the best way to go about that is... Would we speak to our mothers and fathers in a Honest but unrestrainted or disrespectful manner? Honesty can be coupled with a caring or kind heart.

Answer 4

Yes, I do, many.

However, I disagree with your supposition that you do not have any type of faith. Yet, you asked this question with the belief that someone would probably answer it, and you were hoping they could provide you some type of insight to either promote your agenda of uncertainity, or something that would shatter your lack of trust in anything, which I highly doubt, by giving you information that would lead you to an epiphany.

Plus, I know that you are lying in your supposition. Trust and faith is required everytime you eat something. A person who was living truely under your premise could not function in society much less be online asking question of people they wouldn't trust to begin with... it would not fit the hypothesis. SO which is it?

Maybe you should step out of your comfort zone too.

Answer 5

i would because that is Ur way of life and i have no argument towards that u r a scientist and u have Ur reasons for not believing in anything. I am Catholic and i have friends that are Christan, Mormon and even haves witness. this does not break us apart it just lets us get closer so that we can talk about something important u know other than hair products.i personally think it is cool that u r that way because their r many different ways to look at religion and its cool that u have that different perspective towards it.

Answer 6

I have never chose a friend on whether they were religious. I have friends who are believers and non-believers.

You could just open your heart and try getting to know a person for who they are in their heart, instead of whether they are religious or non-religious, educated or un-educated. Be open to the differences in people. That is what makes life fun.

I'm sure there is already someone in your life that would like to be your friend if you would just open your heart a little.

Try it for a few weeks and see if it works. okay? :)

Answer 7

"As a scientist. . ." is a copout. I am a med student and a lifelong researcher and have a very deep faith in God.

Science and Religion are NOT exclusive of each other.

You need to really step out of your little science world as much as those "overly religious" people need to step out of the church building every so often. I think you will find there is such a beautiful world out here that even science can not explain.

Answer 8

I would, yes I would. Even a Christian, I would. A Baptist, yes, but that's a stretch.

Furthermore, I believe in reality, cause it is so realistic.

If you cannot understand raw belief, think of it as analogous to raw emotion. Something comes over the human mind and oppresses it.

Answer 9

Yes, but I'm careful about befriending religious people. Not because they are religious, but because most religious people actually lack in the morals department and choose a religion out of fear. I judge people by their actions, not if they believe in a god.

Answer 10

Your thinking is correct, to a point. You have to believe in something, otherwise, you would not be asking. Lets start a new religion, based on the truths that we know today. Visit my blog at yahoo 360. I need your help and input.