Atheists and religion? And death? And friends?

Question

I've got a bunch of irreligious / lapsed / atheist friends. In fact, I'd guess that among my friends I'm in the minority, thinking about religious things. No problem with that, they're all pretty intelligently philosophical, and they don't try to convert me, nor I them.

But here's the deal - often, when an issue that is "significant" comes up (like, say, their family, or an important death, or a "moral" choice) they swing by my place, and talk about it with me. Not so that they can get a "religious perspective," whatever that might be - and I don't introduce God into the coversation - but the subtext is always there.

This was brought home to me, rather forcefully, when a buddy of mine - not religious - found out that his wife was dying. He's got family - brothers and sisters and kids - but he wants to talk about it with me.

And I'm proud to be the one he called. And of course I won't bring up God. But do you guys ever just like to talk about it with a religious guy?

Answer 1

You are a person who by your nature, bring succour to your friends.

We do not know what god is, so we should not preach Him.

But keeping on a discussion about god is always fruitfull.
Don't force the topic on those not interested. Instead find the company where this subject is not a taboo.

Don't worry about what others think of you. This subject is such that not many can understand the importance of it.

Answer 2

Coming to grips with one's own, mortality is oftentimes, apparent when there is a death comes "knocking" on the door of a spouse or close friend. The anxiety death arouses is there to draw our attention to consider the other side of life's "coin" - life after death ! Since we as humans are temporary - transitory, we are subject to death but something in us wants to reach out into the realm of the permanent - the eternal. Remember though, YOU are the one who has to make the choice given the opportunity to have a relationship with God. Perhaps this is not for you at this time in your life and that is alright, too ! Be honest with your feelings and discuss your views on the topic if it comes up. Stay with the issue and do not attack the person. It's okay to be an Atheist or an Agnostic too.

Answer 3

They might just be talking about it with you because you are by nature a good talker, and a good listener. Some people just have that talent, and inherently know how to make people comfortable when talking to them. It probably doesn't really have anything to do with you being religious, especially if you don't bring religion into the conversation. Kudos to you for being a good person to talk to, and for being respectful of others beliefs.

Answer 4

Be proud that ur friends trust you as a FRIEND. Now dun turn egoistic about and try flaw your priceless friendship. They come to you not to seek relgious guidance as you yourself have said. They jus want to ease themselves by talkin to a Friend...value that...and dun make yourself God...

Answer 5

I don't bring it up with a religous guy, I bring it up with a friend that I can trust and will be serious. Your friends don't care if your religous or not, you have good advice and you are a good friend to them.

Answer 6

More than likely your friends see the strength you have taken from your spirituality and admire it, and you. In times of crisis, someone strong is a good one to go to.

Answer 7

i think he's looking for your help and your comfort not of a god. he needs "real life" friendship and guidance, that no supernatural being can give. the same way you turn to god to hear you in need, he wants someone (you) who he thinks will listen.

Answer 8

No I'm not a homo thanks.