Who should I associate with more?
The non-religious ones that don't go to church or believe in a God OR
The ones that go to church on sundays and pray and believe in a God.
They both have their own philosophies, but the religious ones are more conservative.
2007-08-26 13:35:49 · 23 answers · asked by eoc1000 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know the people you are referring to, but in general, you will be treated more honestly and get to know people more fully if they are not religious. The religion filter stops people from sharing some things that they otherwise might disclose, and often turns them into judges of others' character.
^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^
2007-08-26 13:41:03 · answer #1 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Associate with the ones that, if you were in a total emergency and you rang them for help, you would be sure they would come.
What people believe is nothing compared to what their beliefs make of them. If your non-religious friends are good people who you trust but your religious friends are difficult, judgmental people who only look after their own, then your non-religious friends are better people. On the other hand, if you think your non-religious friends would abandon you in a crisis while your religious friends would always be there for you, then your religious friends are better.
It all depends not on what your friends believe, but on your assessment of their character. This is the only truly infallible guide to conduct. I would rather have two or three loyal and loving atheist friends who will drop everything and come when I am in trouble for whatever reason, than a million friends who only stick by me because I share the same religious faith and who will drop me in a heartbeat because I offend against that faith.
It so happens that I am in the former situation rather than the latter, and count myself very lucky for being so.
2007-08-26 13:47:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why? Aren't you independent enough to be friends with both types of person? Or are you the sort who has to depend on what all of your friends say/do/choose for your self-worth?
Look to yourself FIRST then choose your friends based on who THEY are and the type of friend they are. Religion is, ultimately, such a small part of the picture, after all. Are they GOOD people? Do you treat each other with respect? Do you like the same music/movies/books? Have you got other things in common?
Respecting yourself will go a long way towards helping you respect others and their choices - spiritual and otherwise. Good luck with that.
2007-08-26 15:28:11 · answer #3 · answered by silverdolffyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should associate with people who overall share common interests.... the whole point of having friends is to interact with people who you feel good with and have a connection with.
that doesn't mean that you have to stop associating yourself with other people who don't believe in what you believe, but obviously you will have less things in common.
ex. if you like to play sports and are christian, you will probably have less in common with an atheist that doesn't play sports. get it?
religion should not be the only deciding factor when choosing friends.
2007-08-26 13:45:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't base your relationships entirely on religion. Associate with people who you get along with, and don't judge the spiritual ones just because they go to church, or the nonspiritual ones because they don't. Give them a chance, and you may find the best friends you've ever had.
2007-08-26 13:41:29 · answer #5 · answered by lone_battosai 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Associate with both. Disassociate with those who object. You shouldn't have to choose some friends over others. Have fun and enjoy the company your friends can give.
2007-08-26 13:44:18 · answer #6 · answered by lalasnake 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have friends that are both religious and non-religious to varying degrees, there isn't any reason you can't be friends with both, I usually prefer my friends who are more on the conservative side my own self.
2007-08-26 13:42:41 · answer #7 · answered by LaptopJesus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend that you choose your friends very carefully, remembering that quality of friends, not quantity matters; this is very important; so associate with both, and when one from either side decides to act in an un-friendly manner, avoid them.
2007-08-26 13:42:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Associate with good people who you can be proud to call friend. People who make you a better person and vice versa.
2007-08-26 13:43:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why would you have to associate with only one? If one group is pressuring you not to associate with another group, that is the group you should drop.
2007-08-26 13:41:19 · answer #10 · answered by ValleyViolet 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋