I'm a Christian, but the dude on my avatar is an atheist, whose talents, knowledge and wisdom I've admired most of my life. More than almost anyone I've ever met, regardless of their personal religious convictions. I wonder if God disapproves ///?
2007-05-20 14:17:51 · 20 answers · asked by Dirk Johnson 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm sure nobody gives a rip, but I'm posting it anyway. Thanks for being real, Neil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Peart
2007-05-20 14:40:27 · update #1
So who is the dude in your avatar pic? (It's too small for me to ID his face.)
And I'd say that it's okay to admire anybody, but only for the right reasons -- that is, does he act in an admirable manner?
2007-05-20 14:26:53 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I dont think so at all. I think that it is perfectly ok! Just because he is not christain does not mean he is not a good person and that is always something to admire. You cannot blame someone for not being christain - some people are just brought up that way. I would be almost impossible to be christian if you were brought up in a certain way. I do believe that people like that are still doing gods work even if they dont realise it. I believe that they will be met in heaven with open arms.
2007-05-20 21:26:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think as long as you admire the person, and are careful to not get caught up in his belief (or lack thereof) position, you wil be fine.
Many of my friends are not believers, and are of different faiths. But God does not frown upon that, because I am able to be an example to them, and to answer their questions, and to present the gospel to them.
However, I am firm in my belief in God, and my faith in the salvation that comes through belief in Christ alone.
Keep your hand firmly in God's and check yourself regularly to make sure that you are not being moved in the wrong direction by your admiration. If this should occur, let it go.
Then again, you should probably ask God, who would give you the best answer of all.
Keep these verses in mind:
Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
2 Corintians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (while this is traditionally used regarding marriage or dating, the second part is referring to any association with any person or place or thing.)
God bless you.
Hope I helped.
2007-05-20 21:48:07 · answer #3 · answered by 1985 & going strong 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why not? You don't have to have all the same beliefs as someone to admire them. I'm atheist, and there are Christians I know, and Christians throughout history that I greatly admire. Judge people by their DEEDS, not by their religious beliefs.
2007-05-20 22:27:40 · answer #4 · answered by Jess H 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly fine for a Christian to admire an atheist.
2007-05-20 21:39:19 · answer #5 · answered by Terri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would God disapprove? We are supposed to love our neighbors. God loves you just the same, he said he would never leave or forsake us. I've not as of yet found any conditions on that. God Bless
2007-05-20 21:24:28 · answer #6 · answered by Sigmondo, The Other Green Meat 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If your atheist avatar dude has said anything you consider wise or intelligent, then remember it came from God, he didn't do this on his own, even though he thinks he did.
There are many things we cannot do, such as hold our breath for fifteen minutes and to me this proves there is a greater power at work and he is God.
The Bible says no man can retain his own spirit and death proves this everyday.
It is God who has blessed your atheist friend and what you're admiring are the gifts and talents of God IN him.
2007-05-20 21:26:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
What is there to admire? This dude you're talking about it totally against God, and who He is. So tell me, do you think God approves that? The knowledge of the world is a foolishness in the eyes of God. If he or you think he's smart, tell him to check out my God!!
2007-05-20 21:26:15 · answer #8 · answered by Some call me "E" 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Sure. I admire the band RUSH, and they are not Christian. Sometimes what they sing about is crap, but the music is cool.
2007-05-20 21:22:09 · answer #9 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What do you think?
We all have a divine aspect, even athiests (I know, they don't believe it, but I do). I think taking a line from the Wiccan rede is good here: As it harms no-one, do as you will.
Does your admiration harm anyone?
2007-05-20 21:24:00 · answer #10 · answered by Taliesin Pen Beirdd 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋