I got a friend who just told me he was an atheist. This guy is probably the coolest guy I know. He is probably the nicest guy I know too. He even once got hit by a car so he could save a dog that was standing in the street. Luckily he did not get hurt. He has also never made fun of anyone who does not share the same beliefs as him. However, I still find myself thinking less of him now that I know he is not a Christian like I originally thought. Why is it that I think more highly of bad Christians than I do of good atheists?????
2007-07-08 15:04:39 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You're prejudiced. Plain and simple. Maybe you should rethink you religion, since its obviously what taught you to be that way.
2007-07-08 15:07:27 · answer #1 · answered by Surf Forever 5 · 14⤊ 2⤋
It's just all the various "input" you've had, meaning all the subtle and not so subtle facial expressions, gestures, attitudes, and outright disdain that the people you've been around have toward not only atheists but anyone who doesn't believe what they believe.
It's a very powerful thing. That's why a lot of religions and cults forbid their followers from watching mainstream TV, reading newspapers, magazines, books, going to non-Christian colleges, etc. They want to control all the input, it's called mind-conditioning. Google a phrase like "the process of mind-conditioning", it should be an interesting read for you.
2007-07-08 15:29:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have been raised to be prejudice of other's your whole life. It's not going to change overnight but asking yourself why is a good start. Try to closely re-examine your religion. You do not have to leave it or anything but it would be best to have a better understanding of it. Despite the fact that he is an atheist with opposing views he is still a human being that deserves the same level of respect from you as you would give any other person.
2007-07-08 15:11:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
If you've been told all your life, even subtly, that people who don't follow the same religion as you are "bad people" then it's likely to stick, at least a while after you realise it's not true.
Basically you just need to get over your prejudice and accept that he IS a decent person, regardless of his religious beliefs or lack thereof.
2007-07-09 00:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tend to dislike Christians. So i guess i share your problem but the other way.
I still treat them the same as any other person since they can be very nice, without dragging religion into everything.
2007-07-09 00:26:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be truthful the word "atheist" has been give a bad connotation. It is quite sad how some atheists are really decent people yet frowned upon because of their beliefs. Try not to look down upon your atheist friend....
2007-07-08 15:09:01 · answer #6 · answered by Searcher 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the 1st step to the rest of your life. This is a great question. Would you believe that it is your personal ideology that you learned because of your religious upbringing.
Similar to learning racism from those around you before you had a chance to make your own choice.
This belief system has been indoctrinated into your mind. You have to understand that "superiority" complex is as old as the church.
I have no problem with you believing. Though I don't believe myself, try taking time off and examing your own beliefs.
2007-07-08 15:09:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Because you've been taught that atheists are bad. I would think that have a great guy like that for a friend would open your mind a bit so you realize atheists can be great people.
2007-07-08 15:10:36 · answer #8 · answered by Dawn 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You have a big problem, maybe that's why you're a Christian. You admit that your Atheist friend is a better person than you.
2007-07-08 15:11:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's sad.
Where did you misinterpret. "Love one another"?
If "Love" is a word for you to use only with family memebers, then at least replace it with "Respect"
The only thing I can suggest is to give him is a blessing..........not verbally......but from within you.
A blessing of a good life.
A blessing of a happy life.
Seek knowledge not only in other beliefs but in just plain humanity.
And please search what "bad Christians" are............
2007-07-11 06:58:26 · answer #10 · answered by cashelmara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh god. i hope my friends don't think less of me since i told them i was atheist. that would make me feel really bad.
maybe you just need to get over the fact that they don't believe in god. move on with ya life. become atheist yourself.
2007-07-11 03:44:20 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋