I was having a discussion with a family friend who happens to be a member of a Pentacostal church. The topic of religion came up, and although I am strictly agnostic, I found myself 'pulling my punches' during the discussion. I realized I had no desire to try to talk this man out of his faith. (By the way, this guy is one of the good ones...completely non-judgemental and kind beyond words. If he was some raving hate-monger, I would not have felt that way.)
My question: Do you have any wish to 'convert' people? Would you feel badly if you suceeded, or would you feel you opened their eyes?
2007-01-26 17:46:59 · 17 answers · asked by Omni D 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm an atheist, but also a humanist. If someone's religion is what makes him feel good about himself, I have no right to try to take his faith away from him. I wouldn't even consider it. If all of the religionists were like your friend, the world would be a more peaceful place, with a lot less shouting. Biblical "duty" aside, the religionists need to realize they are never, ever, going to convert the entire world, or even a substantial percentage of it. If there is a god and he sends all of us atheists into eternal damnation, that's our problem. I wish I could get the bible-thumpers to understand that.
But good on you for not arguing with your friend. And good on him for being a "good one."
2007-01-26 17:57:59 · answer #1 · answered by link955 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Its funny how ones mind can be so sure about their faith (no matter agnostic, atheist, or theist) that they feel they are right. Of course the atheist who is so sure of themselves wants to convert those who "dont know". The same goes for the theist wanting to convert those who "dont know" and so on, Its human nature. People who are sure of themselves should not feel bad that they are trying to open peoples eyes. Just like I dont feel bad about trying to do the same. I feel Im right, just like you feel your right. I dont thing God or no God will hold ignorance against a human race thats surrounded by it. Its still up to that person to make the decision, its not as if you're making the decision for them. I respect that your agnostic, just like I hope you respect that Im christian, its when people look down on eachother as if anyone has the slightest clue to the pure vastness and greatness of this universe and beyond that bugs me. At this point Ive determined their is a God, in fact Im 100% sure there's one, but I probably know .00000000001% of what it is.
2007-01-26 18:17:24 · answer #2 · answered by Murfdigidy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no interest in converting anyone. I truly believe in freedom of religion. I don't want others telling me what I must or must not believe, so I don't tell others what they must or must not. My primary concern with religious people is that they not try to legislate their beliefs, thus forcing the rest of us to abide by their mystical and often antiquated traditions. If they want to avoid eating pork on certain days, count their rosaries, and wear veils in public, that's fine with me, but don't try to tell me how to live.
I genuinely enjoy chatting with people of faith and working alongside them on service projects. Many of my friends and family members are religious. I respect their right to pursue happiness in any way they desire, so long as they don't try to rob others of the same freedom. In short, I am not-religious, not anti-religious.
2007-01-26 17:58:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am perfectly comfortable in my atheist beliefs. I have no desire to 'convert' anyone. If someone asks me why I feel the way I do I tell them but that is as far any conversion goes. It is their place to decide for themselves, not mine.
2007-01-26 18:49:15 · answer #4 · answered by ndmagicman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opened there eyes and i would feel good about it. I do want people to think about morality. I want people to understand the history of there church every religion is build on pieces of other religions. Mostly pagan ones.
2007-01-26 17:51:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
In general, all I want is for them to believe that my beliefs are just as valid. Not moreso, but as valid.
I only feel like I have to be superior when I'm presented with their beliefs and mine are belittled. Then I am quite happy to point out the issues with their beliefs.
2007-01-26 18:02:40 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We ALL take psychological shortcuts to deal with the complexity of life. There are natural myths as well as supernatural ones. If someone's belief system works for them, who am I to say mine is better, that my delusions are more pure because I don't populate them with fantasy figures. I say live and let.
As for those whose belief system is NOT working for them, I'm open for consultation.
2007-01-26 19:36:54 · answer #7 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nah, I respect their beliefs, as long as they don't try to convert me or other atheists (It's really hard to "open" the eyes of a stubborn creature, you know)
Small note: I'm happy if I could smack some sense to their beliefs
2007-01-26 17:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by FAUUFDDaa 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No. the faith and belief in religion should originate from the heart
2007-01-26 17:52:44 · answer #9 · answered by esan s 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do the same thing. I'm not looking to crush the spirit in a man who might end his life because his beliefs have been disproven.
2007-01-26 17:53:16 · answer #10 · answered by S K 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋