A question for Christians with non-Christian friends?

Question

Does your differences in faith create a barrier between you? If so, in what ways?
In what ways does your differences in faith alter your relationship?
Thank you very much in advance for your replies! I look forward to reading them. ^_^

Answer 1

I respect their beliefs, or lack of, and they respect mine.
I talk about what I believe, but I do not try to force what I believe on them.
I am not ashamed of what i believe, and they respect that.

Answer 2

No barriers at all. Seriously. And at 50-something I've had good, close friendships with people of many faiths and backgrounds. While we have differences there, we also have common ground that drew us together in the first place -- work, community involvement, a hobby, our kids/grandkids, or just living in the same neighborhood. Maybe I've just been extraordinarily fortunate, but I've never been in a position where I've had to drop a friendship (or been dropped) due to a conflict with my faith. I certainly don't hide the fact that I'm Christian -- but neither do I use the friendship as a conversion project. St. Francis of Assisi reportedly said "preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words". My friends of all faiths enrich my life; I pray that I do the same for them.

Answer 3

I'm on the other side of this question. I am a non-Christian with a Christian Best friend. I love her with all my heart, and all my soul. She is as much family to me as my wonderful parents.

When she met her husband and they started going out and got serious they began looking for a church to attend together. She was Catholic and her husband to be was Baptist. In fact he went to church at the same church that I had been born into. They finally decided on being jointly Methodist, and my best friend became enthralled by her new-found faith. She became very active in her church and I was so thrilled for her at the joy she had found.

When I decided to tell her about my religious decision, she was less receptive. She began a long diatribe on sin and death and hell. With her new found enthusiasm, I should have expected it. I recognize, that in line with her beliefs, her tirade came from fear for my soul, because she loved me. Even in her tirade I recognized this and was warmed by it somewhat, but still did not want another's religion forced upon me.

It strained our relationship for a while, but once the shock wore of we 'agreed to disagree'. But I must say that that is never a true statement. If the subject comes up, we still argue over it. But we do try to avoid the subject. Silent hints are still a part of our relationship though. Birthday cards, christmas gifts, and etc. from her still contain bible verses and Christian Iconography. Just as I make it plain with my actions and appearance (religious jewelry, etc.) that I have made my choice and am happy with it.

The point is, we worked it out. We get along. We love each other. Sure, there are still topics that are conversation no-nos, but we know the limits, and do our best to stay within them.

Answer 4

No, not really a barrier. I think the physical distance for the most part takes care of that one.
Our differences make me question things and stay active in my faith. Our continued verbal interactions make me want to meet them in person even more. The cool thing is the mutual respect we display towards each other regardless of our beliefs.

Answer 5

I focus first on keeping my relationship with God the number-one thing in my life, because the only way I can truly love ANYONE--Christian or not--is if His love is evident and overflowing in my life. And I've seen that as His love shapes my actions, words and attitudes, it breaks down barriers between me and non-Christian friends. My non-Christian friends know exactly where I stand with my faith in Christ, but I'm not in their faces about it--I just try to let Him use me to show them His love and let my friendships be shaped by Him.

Answer 6

Depends on what religion the other person is.
I'm a pentecostal christian (at least i was raised that way,
i don't go to church) and i have catholic friends. We
share similar beliefs but there are some that do not
match. you have to respect their opinion, (and if you
want to try to share yours with them) don't try changing
them so they'll be an exact copy of you and your beliefs,
that would TOTALLY create a barrier between the two
of you.

Answer 7

It does make a difference. To look for answers is acceptable, but if you think you have found the answer...Look out!! They will do anything to talk you out of being a Christian. They think you have suddenly turned stupid, that you are afraid of life and death. They think that you disapprove of their lifestyle and that you are a better person than them because you have found your path. All of it is silly as we are all growing in this life in different ways and speeds. I goout with my friends anywhere they want. I was never a big drinker, smoker, or swearer, which my friends think are the best sins...I happen to have other sins that I share with them. I don't understand why my Christianity is such a threat to them. I don't wear it on my sleeve and don't talk about it unless asked...so go figure.

Answer 8

There are certain things that I will choose not to do. I am not going to go to a strip club, because I don't want to commit adultery in my heart. The guys at work with whom I am friend might think that I am strange for not wanting to go.

I will not date a non Christian believer. I can be friends with women and they may want to date me but until they profess to be a Christian, they are off limits to me.

I often get into with the religious vegetarians. I believe that Jesus approved of eating fish (He feed the 5000 with fish and bread) and as a Jew he ate the passover meal. Why should I take a pagan or Hindu idea and incorporate it into my life.

Many on Yahoo will say that I am closed minded. I say that I could careless on most issues. You can live your life and I will live mine. These examples should serve as starters for your discussion.

Answer 9

As a Christian, you should always be living life as a Christian, looking for ways to stay in step with Salvation and ways to stay away from the worldly temptations.

I find it was very hard to have non-Christian friends because the only things I wanted to do was "Christian" things and talk about "Christian" things.

If the friend talked about something else, I couldn't help it, I always turned it into what Christ would do or what the Bible says.

If you are a Christian and the non-Christian sees no difference in you then you are not much of a Christian.

Answer 10

Differences normally separate people because of their ego.
Some people remain closed minded because they are taught a certain way and cannot or will not attempt to see another possibility. I think we all have something to contribute or not to the whole. I chose to be non-denominational because of that reason and feel that there should only be one religion. The Religion of Love.
Rev. TomCat

Answer 11

I have friends that have different beliefs then me. It does not cause problems at all, we respect that the other has their own personal beliefs and we usually don't talk about it.
there are many things friends can do and talk about that do not have to involve a discussion about faith.