I have two very good friends that i love to hang out with. But, they are atheist. I respect there opinion but I would hate to seem them not go to heaven. How can I try to lead them to God without pressuring or harassing them? How can I persuade them that there really is a God?
2006-12-07 14:02:08 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
I can only imagine what he must ask the Religion & Spirituality category
LOL
2006-12-07 14:06:17 · answer #1 · answered by imaginary friend 5 · 14⤊ 2⤋
of route you need to be acquaintances. As for a relationship, that relies upon on many elements. human beings of different faiths have relationships each and each and every of the time. It relies upon upon the adulthood of the couple. Can both of you may settle for the different for having different beliefs? it really is quite as a lot as both of you. i understand you're saying you're in common words 17, yet realistically issues can ensue, that improve the relationship. What if toddlers come into the photo. What in case you fall head over heels in love and opt to marry? At that aspect there are expectancies from each and each and every of your respective households. Your moms and dads will probable need slightly one christened. His moms and dads maximum probable will be adverse to that. that continually positioned rigidity on the couple. back, you're youthful, i do not opt to get to heavy, yet attempt to imagine about a number of those issues. So from that perspective there is this previous suggestion "by no skill date everybody you does no longer marry." save that interior the decrease back of your thoughts. you're youthful, you're only starting up the courting international. It doesn't advise you want to marry anybody you date. yet when there is a few thing accessible it extremely is only too radical to settle for, then bypass on. because back issues ensue. you need to fall in love and then be compelled to handle this stuff which makes it harder.
2016-11-24 22:11:16 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your intentions are good, and while I'm sure you'd be thrilled to be the one to "save" these friends of yours, it's really not your business to do so.
As an atheist, I would find such efforts irritating and offensive. Proselytizing to your friends would show them that, contrary to your claim, you do not respect their opinion.
How would you feel if someone came up to you and said, "You know, I really like you and I would just hate to see you not go to Valhalla. I respect your beliefs and all, but they're completely wrong, and will land you in the netherworld if you cling to them. *My* beliefs, on the other hand, are the right ones to have. Here, let me explain them to you in detail, and their truth and grace will become self-evident..."
Smug and condescending, isn't it?
The fact of the matter is, you can't "lead" anyone to God without being smug and condescending, because no matter what you say or how you say it, the implicit assumption is that you know better than they do; that you are right and they are wrong; that it doesn't matter how "good" they are, they are damned for as long as they do not share your beliefs.
2006-12-07 14:54:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
As a Christian it is your job to minister the word of god and the Lord. Try inviting tem to a Church function. Meeting with them and your Pastor. Talking to them about it. Let them know how much you care about them and that you want to make sure they have everlasting life in Heaven.
But you must remember, you must respect their beleifs as well. Dont pressure they at all. Let them make the decesion.
2006-12-08 05:57:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Praying for them everyday...and inviting them to church and events put on by the church. Talk to them about God, but don't over do-it, they could become rebelious and stop hanging out with you. But the big thing is pray for them. I broke three of my friends, and my boyfriend to Christ this way...and it was the same way I was saved.
2006-12-11 08:59:44 · answer #5 · answered by tiggerchic006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously you have a strong belief in Christianity. There is nothing wrong with letting that come out in conversation, but make it comfortable for them. Just like you wouldn't like it if they made strong athiest statements, you shouldn't make strong Christian statements - I'm talking about absolutes that assume that your beliefs are right. Qualify God statements with words like "I believe" and use them sparingly-only when you really want to confide in your friends about a personal experience you are having. Don't make it about them - its not your job to convert their beliefs, and it is a sign that you do not accept them unconditionally which is hard for a friendship.
2006-12-07 14:12:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
The way you live your life. The bible says 'by their fruits, ye shall know them.' This is the best way. And when they ask you why you are so honest/kind/stable, tell them.
And believe me, after they have known you for awhile, they will definitely ask.
Be well.
edited to add:
It's good to see a fellow Christian in this section who isn't preaching against homosexuality, and who cares enough about their friends to share the good news with them. God is love, and if you don't have love in your heart, you don't have anything.
2006-12-07 18:36:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't you think that if God was so worried about people going to hell because they don't believe in her, she would come out and show herself? There are so many religions in the world, and so many non-believers. Let your friends be who they are, and if there is a god, let her sort things out with them in the end. They're not going to go to hell or heaven based on what you do or don't do.
2006-12-07 14:06:34 · answer #8 · answered by jenjubatus 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I don't want you to persuade me to believe in anything, thank you. Mind your own business... "I respect their opinions, but I would hate to see them not go to heaven." Riiiight... like THAT makes any sense. I suspect this has more to do with your blind self-righteousness and wanting to feel good about YOURSELF because you accomplished a "good deed" than wanting to "help" them. Notice the quotes...
2006-12-07 14:43:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
it isn't up to you to persuade them. Ya talk to them, trust that you've planted the seed of the word, and leave the rest to god. You could scare them away due to your own doubt that god is in control of everything.
Just some things to think over. Remember YOU cannot save anyone. You can only deliver the message, leave it with them, and head on your way in faith.
-Gabriel
2006-12-07 14:18:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
Be more respectful of other people. If perfectly fine to believe what you want but when you try to shove it down the throats of people who don't believe the same thing you're really stepping on toes. I have friends who don't agree with some of my beliefs and I don't agree with some of theirs. But we accept that and respect each other. If you insist on pushing your way of thinking on your friends it's highly likely to irritate them and they will not want you in their lives.
2006-12-07 16:21:40 · answer #11 · answered by DawnDavenport 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋