Christians, what have you learned from atheists? and vice versa?

Question

Okay guys let's be nice now, no jabs, only positive things you have learned from eachother.

Answer 1

I have learned most have no clue about the Bible, they are for the most part pretty rude and arrogant with thier atheist views..Maybe they are nice people don't know or am I trying to jude them as people ONLY THIER VIEWS
Most lack the knowledge of GOD SON and HOly Spirit and have no hope only the exsistence they are in.

Answer 2

Well, growing up I was always under the impression that atheist = satanist. So I have learned for sure that is NOT the case. I don't know that I've learned alot from atheists on Y!Answers - I don't hang out in R&S on a regular basis so that is why. However, a very dear close friend of mine is an atheist and knowing her has changed a lot of my pre-conceived notions. She's an extremely caring, loving, generous, kind, fun, friendly, helpful woman who is a sheer joy to spend time with. She has strong moral character and doesn't live a life full of sin - she just happens to believe that there is no form of a higher power.

A lot of what goes on here in R&S is disturbing. Mean spirited questions and answers from both Atheists and Christians. It's sad and completely uncalled for. It's a poor poor representation of both sides in many instances.

Kudos to you for an honest, open question that encourages us all to reflect on positive things, regardless of what our religious beliefs or lack thereof are. You rock like a chair!!!!

:)

P.S. Sadder still is that you specifically asked for no jabs and people on BOTH sides still just had to get them in on here in several answers. It's the main reason I don't hang out in R&S more often.

Answer 3

In my humble opinion, what differentiates someone who is Christian from someone who superficially has faith is their genuine capacity for hope, compassion, and understanding for all people. Those rare Christian individuals who reach beyond religious prejudice and cursory judgment have influenced my outlook on life without forcing their religion down my throat.

In spite of our differences, true Christians have taught me hope. Often, in this bleak world, to maintain belief in higher virtues seems downright impossible, unrealistic, and even childish. Yet, they steadfastly pursue "something better" despite overwhelming obsticles.

While they believe in the better place in the afterworld, I try to create an idealistic world here on earth. This is possible by not succumbing to pessimism, or falling into nihilism by letting the evil truths of the world devour me and my dreams. Overall, I admire their persistance for not giving up.

I believe that atheists and Christians would learn a lot from each other if they stop judging or attempting to convert one another and start listening with an open mind. No matter what you believe, each human being can be self-righteous. So here's the essence of what I learned: Turn away from who's right or wrong and focus on improving the world around you.

Answer 4

I dont have Faith but, I dont consider myself an Atheist. I dont like all the Faith-bashing that some Atheists and Anti-Theists do and dont want to be associated with that type of mentality or person. My parents were Catholic and I was brought up through to my Confirmation. All along, the religion that was explained to me just didnt seem to make any sense. Nothing really added up. Dont get me wrong, to this day I love learning about religion and I truly enjoy the Theists but, I could never make the leap to having Faith. In many ways, it makes me feel like there's something that I'm just not getting.

Answer 5

Here, well Father K. keeps me on my toes. He’s very sharp and has a great wit.

In FTF meetings I’ve learned a bit of church history and some interesting things about Jewish culture around the time that Jesus lived. I have enjoyed reading some St. John of the Cross. His concept of the Dark Night of the Soul is very worthwhile. Also locally an Episcopal Father I know has been helping me understand the practice of silence as a spiritual discipline.

Answer 6

Well there have been some that I chatted with that did at least respect ones right to believe in God (now that's a good thing right there), but of course Madalyn Murray O'Hair was super dedicated to getting people to quit believing in God, as if she wanted to get rid of any traces of God.

But her son William Murray (who she used in her wicked lawsuit even though his School was excusing him from Prayer) became a born again Christian, apologized for being associated with his Mom's lawsuit and is nowadays a Minister.

Answer 7

I have learned many things from my friends who are atheists...
I love have conversations where my faith is questioned...because I feel like belief in god should never be taken for granted...it is something that should constantly be questioned and tested...
So I guess that's not something that I learned but something that I appreciate.

I have learned a lot about love and tolerance.... and about how stereotypes are so wrong.

I hope that was the kind of answer that you were looking for...

Answer 8

The only useful things I have learned from Christians had nothing to do with Christianity:

Math, Economics, Chemistry, Biology etc;
How to make BBQ sauce, risotto, homemade mac and cheese etc;

Hell I have even learned some logic from Christians. Why those Christians don't apply that logical reasoning to their religion is beyond me, but they still were good instructors.

Answer 9

Christians in real life or here?

In real life, most of my family and a lot of my friends are Christian. I have learned all kinds of things from them: how they view the world, their thoughts on morality, even how to make excellent fried chicken (what is it with church ladies and their fried chicken?).

Here... unfortunately, the majority of what I have learned here is that some Christians hear the word "atheist" and immediately shut down. Some treat us as second-class citizens or worse. Christians are, apparently, not necessarily prone to loving or accepting behavior.

Answer 10

I've learned that it isnt that atheist hate ALL Christians, only the rude,judgemental,hypocritical ones...And thats not me so..WHOO HOO!!! Also, that there has just been alot of mis-communication. And we would probably understand and respect eachother more if we asked questions out of sought for knowledge rather than trying to degrade one another...? Just my opinion though...

Answer 11

I agree with Skalite5's answer, too funny, but in my own words..I would have to say that most christians have the right intention and that is to live with love in your life and to treat people with respect. In all fairness, there are many here on all sides that like to play rough but most want the best for everyone. where would we be w/o eachother really.