A couple months ago there were a lot of girls hanging around with me in my dorm. At one point one of them asked if I believed in God and I said, "No, I'm an atheist." She looked at me with a mix of horror and disbelief. She and the others left right away without looking at me.
I really hate that theists think atheists are immoral, evil people living a sinful, dark life. I believe a life without a god that has zero evidence and of which the probability of existing is vanishingly small is very freeing. I don't have to suck-up to a god to be moral. I don't have to be fearful of existing forever (whether it be Heaven or Hell - both are equally horrendous). I don't have to live a life of lies where I was indoctrinated to believe and according to a book (and a heinous book at that). I don't have to be looked down upon if I use common sense and logic and evidence or have people of my "faith" kill others who don't believe in the same imaginary friend. I can live as a human knowing the truth.
2006-12-11 10:56:16 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Let's see....I think:
"Wow. An atheist. Wanna go grab a cold one and watch the ball game?"
2006-12-11 10:59:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
First of all I don't think you know the truth but that is another conversation.When you are talking to people of faith, I hope you do not use phrases like "imaginary friend" and things like that. It should not matter what you believe, there should be a respect for others beliefs from both parties.You mentioned your dorm.As you get older, you will find people more respectful.sometimes girls in their late teens early twenties are too self involved and haven't grown a brain yet.You just hold your head up and don't let them bother you.Be respectful to their beliefs and continue being a good person.I am Christian and I have a dear friend who is an Atheist. It can happen.
2006-12-11 11:04:46 · answer #2 · answered by Piper 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar reaction from co-workers when I first took the job I now hold. I certainly didn't bring it up, but when asked about my religious beliefs, I didn't lie or prevaricate. I don't believe in being gutless, especially not when I'm a citizen of a free nation. Turns out everyone else in the building is an evangelical Christian.
It took a while, but now only a couple people still avoid me or look at me with a mixture of fear and suspicion. Everyone else treats me just as they do one another, and I show them and their beliefs the same respect I hope for from them.
"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." ~ Mohandas K. Gandhi
2006-12-11 10:59:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
It really doesn't matter to me. Depending on how and why the issue came up, the worse I can think of in my own reaction would be "okay that's cool. I'm Catholic. Is this going to cause problems?" The only thing I can't deal with are people who insist on insulting my religion, but that isn't limitted to atheists, so I don't think it matters to this answer.
By the way, I know some atheists who are better people (in my opinion) than some Christians I know. And I believe that God judges on our actions as well as our beliefs. So please know that there are some theists out there who don't look down on atheists.
2006-12-11 11:03:48 · answer #4 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and I believe in God. But if a person tells me that they're an atheist then I don't do nothing. I will still talk to the person no matter what because nobody can change a person and I accept that person whether they're an atheist or not.
2006-12-11 11:05:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same way when someone says they are Christian. It may or may not be true. They may think they are, but their lives don't reflect the fact. I find an atheist will still say Merry Christmas, and even give gifts. A Christian will do things like have sexual relations outside marriage.
2006-12-11 11:56:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all--i would NOT have reacted the way those girls did, a sign of thier immaturity. I respect your right to believe the way you do and am sure that you would in kind respect my devout belief in God. I wouldn't beat you over the head w/ my bible or try to drown you in the baptism pool. I would just cont. to be kind and treat you the way I would like to be treated myself...with kindness. I do not have a stereotypical conception of athiest..I have actually known one or two and found them quite pleasant to be around. In research I've found that a majority (not all) have been committed to the "faith" at one time or another.
I am sorry for your bad experiences w/ christians. Please do not stereotype us either.
Be Blessed...
P.S.
Although I would continue to hold you up in prayer. What would it hurt? You'ld never know...don't worry...I never pray for bad things to happen to people.
Anyway...that's how I'ld react.
:)
2006-12-11 11:13:16 · answer #7 · answered by motherbear 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That was not right they should not of done that we are all sinners
we have all sinned we all fall short of the glory of God. I was not a believe once. But i love the Lord now my Husband does not believe but I still Love him and he Loves me I pray that God will show him the Light that he will believe and i have left that up to God and trust that he will bring him into that light.There are some that are not what they seem to be, But then Jesus did worn us to
to beware of wolfs in sheep's clothing, May Jesus fill you heart with his Love, Joy and Peace this Christmas and for many years to Come Merry Christmas- You no Jesus loves you more than you can imagine God bless you
2006-12-11 11:17:46 · answer #8 · answered by jan d 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I wouldn't react at all. I'm Christian, but married to an agnostic.
However, I would state that we must all show respect to get it, and you obviously have little respect for Christians, at least from the tone and verbage of your question. There are many Christians who also youse common sense and logic in coming to a conclusion about their beliefs, and I am one of them. If you really want to live in a world where people don't judge you, try not judging yourself.
I respect all religious or non-religious people, that is one of the beauties of the world.
2006-12-11 11:03:01 · answer #9 · answered by straightup 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
As a Christian, I feel called to love people no matter what their beliefs. I have friends of every kind of faith, and non-faith, and love all the same. I would never judge because you don't share my beliefs.
2006-12-11 10:59:25 · answer #10 · answered by whooblue42 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋