Would you back down from your religious beliefs, just to avoid offending someone?

Question

I recieved an email regarding abortion, which said to repost it if you are against abortion, which I did. I recieved a response from someone on my MySpace friends list, a woman who I am just casual friends with, who was obviously offended by the email, since she had had an abortion. In the beginning, I suggested that we not talk about abortion for the sake of our friendship, since we both have different views on it. My view is based upon the teachings of my religion. Instead of dropping the subject she continued on and on about why I was wrong. I don't believe in compromising my religious beliefs, regardless of the subject, just for the sake of not offending someone, therefore I put in my 2 cents as well. This obviously greatly offended her. However, I don't feel that I should have been afraid to stand up for my religious beliefs, simply to avoid offending her, as I feel she is not the one I am meant to please, I think God is. Would you have done the same for your religious beliefs?

MOONSTAR: THANK YOU SO MUCH!

That is exactly what I said to her. In fact I quoted the Bible and said "Jesus said,'Deny me to man, and I will deny you to my father.'" and I told her that to push aside my beliefs to avoid offending her, was the same thing to me as denying Jesus, and I was not preparred to do that.

Answer 1

Hitler didn't back down from his beliefs and neither should you. Steadfastness is a virtue.

Answer 2

One should not back down from their religious beliefs, or lack thereof. I am an atheist, and I do not hold back at all. I know for a fact, given I live in a small town in TX, that my being an atheist offends many of the people here. There is nothing I can do about that. When asked, I will always be very open about my lack of belief. If they are offended, they should not have asked. If you ask me a question, you get an honest answer.

Just like when my ex would ask me if certain pants made her @ss look fat. If they did, I told her.

I still don't know why that marriage did not work out!?!

Answer 3

Sounds like your friend was more convicted than offended so she felt she had to defend her actions. Most women are told that an abortion is harmless and won't have any psychological affects because they are merely "discarding a fetus"... This of course is a lie. Once they have the abortion then they realize deep inside that it was another human being they killed and that is deeply disturbing and convicting to them (whether they are religious or not). No, you were not wrong to back down... however, the Bible tells us to be ready to give a defense for the hope we have within us but do so with grace and respect. Pray about ways you can continue to share the Truth with your friend.

Answer 4

I never have backed off.

I try to not be offensive, but I cannot deny the Turth.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

Sorry if that offends people, but there it is.

About abortion, we need to love the sinner and hate the sin. Your friend may have some residual guilt and resentment over her actions.

Don't be condemning or judgmental about it, but keep loving her. But also don't back off from the right or accept the wrong.

Answer 5

I am pro-life, Pagan, and Libertarian. I tend not to talk about being pro-life (which is not, in itself, a religious belief) on my blogs, as most of my online friends are pro-choice. However, when I'm asked to sign a petition or something, I let them know why I won't do it, and make short, definitive statements. If they go on, I tell them I used to be pro-choice, and have seen all the arguments.

When it comes to my religion, I do talk about that. I don't back down. If I see an insult against it, I say something.

You of course both had the rights to your opinions, and if you defriend each other, that's okay, too. Real friends will respect your convictions, if not agree with them all the time. All my real-world friends know exactly what I think.

Answer 6

Now you know who not to forward anti-abortion issues to again. And they know your position. That she went on and on about the issue shows that she is possibly trying to justify herself to you . There is a great need in humans to be right and to obtain validation for their position on certain issues. Unfrortunatly if she was offended by your beliefs then that likely shows that she feels convicted and may have viewed your view as condemnation. There is a vast difference. We should endeavor to not offend and argue with others if they become hurt. No, I will continue my beliefs but endeavor not to push them on anyone else. Let God do his job and do the convicting and you can definately expect someone to take offense at whatever you belive, yes even the pink bunny religion will draw critisism and and offense. Endeavor to state your position and learn to communicate that she has the freedom to belive what she does even if you feel that it is wrong. Free will. Trying to diffuse the situation like you reported by dropping the subject that is sensitive is a good aproach but sounds like it didn't work in this case. Jesus said to not cast your pearls before swine. Who knows?, your forwarding the email may lead to her changing her mind in the future. Keep spreading the gospel and there is no was to skirt around some issues. Isn't it silly that some folks react so strongly to others beliefs? And wars are fought over it? Remember abortion may not have been an easy decision for her. Show her the love that your opinion/belief is based on. PS sin is offensive.

Answer 7

This woman is clearly uncomfortable with her own view if she has to back it up and defend it all the time. I would NEVER compromise my beliefs in any way to make someone else happy/not offend them. If they aren't happy with me and my beliefs, then they can find a new friend. No one should ever be offended by a religious belief, because everyone has different beliefs. It's almost like me telling you that I like green skittles best and that all other skittles are wrong, and you getting completely flustered over it and defending why you think that ONLY green skittles are wrong.

Answer 8

If you can express yourself in a respectful and loving way, and not try to be "in your face" about it, then I think if she is a friend she needs to learn to accept and respect your conviction even if she doesn't agree with you. You can be against abortion without being judgemental about it. What I mean is: i am definitely against abortion, but I also can understand the anguish that some prospective mothers go through, that leads them to abortion (for instance, a pregnant teenager). Abortion is not the right choice. But neither does it help to heap a burden of guilt on them.
In this case, you really did not want to talk about it, and your friend insisted on going after you, so in a sense, she asked for it.

Answer 9

Touchy subject.
People who are convicted are unstable and in spiritual pain. They can be very hostile. *The good news* If they are really upset then the Holy Spirit is working inside them. That's the very reason I do not worry about the people who hate Christians. The ones who don't care scare me much more. You don't have to change your beliefs. Just realize that people have 100% free will and the rite to kill all the unborn babies they want in the USA.
I would phrase it a lot more gently then that to them directly.

Shalom.

Answer 10

You did what you are supposed to do. Abortion is the murder of your own child. You should have told her that. Good for you. I will never back down from my religious beliefs. Even if it means losing a friend, which I already have lost several because I do not live the party life anymore. Oh well, I would rather please God.

Answer 11

Apologize for offending her, for sending the e-mail to her. Then firmly and politely tell her that you can agree to disagree. If she argues more, don't reply.

I would not back down from my beliefs for any person, but I am willing to listen to different points of view. If I am in error, I will always change my mind, but if I am not, I will not.