HELP - What should an atheist do at a Christian discussion group? There's no chance of conversion, by the way.

Question

I've been invited to attend a "Christian Discussion Group" meeting with one of my friends. It's not that I don't want to go... I just wouldn't know what to do or say. I mean, should I verbally disagree with those things I honestly disagree with, or just shut up and let them talk... you know, to see how they think? Should I toss in my two cents if they ask or should I refrain in order to avoid a big noisy confrontation (because I'm sure my point of view won't be taken quietly)?

Fuzzy Tail, my friend knows but the "group" doesn't.

Answer 1

If you really feel the need to support your friend (perfectly understandable), perhaps you should putter around serving refreshments and loitering in the shadows. After all, it's your friend's gig and you certainly don't want to turn it into a fierce debate.

On the other hand -- SURPRISE -- you could be the "guest of honor" and they all intend to convert you. (Oh, yuck!) Like many religious concepts, you'll only know the truth when you get there. Either way, you'll surely have something to share with us after.

Personally, I'm literally socially retarded and terrible in those sort of interpersonal situations. I would not be able to remain in control of myself, so I wouldn't attend that discussion group for either love or money. On the other hand, I'm intensely curious and would love to hear how your evening turns out. Please share the pertinent details afterwords.

Edit: Just discussed your situation with my wife at dinner and her slant was that it could well be an "intervention," as is frequently done with smokers, drunks, and druggies. They may well be determined to save your soul, regardless of how you feel about it. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Well, I understand your situation. You should really see what kind of people are going to this meeting. If they're the ones that just have to be right, they might get a little fiesty, and then leave you looking like the bad guy because you tried to say something you wanted to. But if these people are truely honest, and especially if they ask for your opinion, I'm sure they would understand why you're saying what you want to say without freaking out. They may not agree, but they can at least converse with you without getting ticked. You should be able to speak what you want, but it is called a "Christian" Discussion Group... Maybe you could listen for the first bit, get a little into it, and then ask some questions. Then make your opinion heard. This is from a Christian btw.

Answer 3

Well Zero from what I have seen from you so far I would recommend that you stay home. I don't believe you could just sit and listen respectfully and diplomatically as you love the sound of your own voice too much.
Further this is not a meeting to argue issues of belief or they wouldn't call it a Christian group. Why force your opinions on them as you have accused people of doing here I'm sure?
Keep your two cents and be honest with your friend the only interest you would have is showing your butt and antagonizing people.

Answer 4

Go---I have an ideal that your friend might be taking you in hopes that you change your mind about your belief.

If you are going to start trouble, then by all means stay at home. If you are going because you are really wanting to and you feel that going will help you in your believe than by all means go. But remember that you are on their turf and that you were invited by someone that is really not being fair to the group by not telling them about you.

If you asked a question, then ask it in away that it looks like you don't know the anwer and you would really like to know. Don't start preaching your beliefs and by all means if you feel that you can't keep your mouth shut, then get a sudden headache and leave.

Answer 5

If you go in and immediately say the Bible is myth and fantasy, then there's no point in you going. It will be an argument, not a discussion.

But if you approach any Bible verses critically, and evaluate them for what they say (Kind of like Red Badge of Courage -- some people may think it's real, others think it's fiction, and then both sides discuss the meanings of the words) you'll probably have fun.

The people who invited you probably have some idea of your perspective, so you may surprise them with your thoughtful responses.

By the way, followers of Christ have been learning from each other exactly like this since before Jesus died. After his death, discussion groups like this flourished for years, before the Bible was ever written. There are oral traditions passed down through the centuries that aren't in the Bible, but are practiced today.

Godspeed.

Answer 6

For what purpose did your friend invite you? I would think that's the deciding factor in what should be done. If you were invited for the purpose of discussion, then discuss by all means. If you were invited for the purpose of converting you, it's probably less likely that calm discussion would be possible.

In any case, don't volunteer too much information at first. Let them ask you questions and listen for a bit... until you get a "feel" for how they will react to your views. That should give you a good gauge by which you can decide how much and what to say if anything.

Answer 7

Don't be overtly antagonistic towards their view. Explain that you are not a Christian, and don't believe in God, but are prepared to change that view if definitive proof exists. Let them lead the discussion, that way they're not going to be offended. If they say something you disagree with contradict it, but don't start out by disagreeing with them. If you end up with every Christian earnestly trying to convert you, I'd politely withdraw from the conversation instead of turning it into a full-scale argument.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I wouldn't go.

Personally, I'd feel VERY uncomfortable listening to what I think is rubbish. But if I went there, I'd sort of agree to do just that, because going to a Christian Discussion Group and starting an argument (and it will be one) because you are an atheist does sound quite rude to me. So no argument. Meaning: keeping quiet, and being uncomfortable.

I guess I'd politely reject the invitation and say that it's just not what you believe in. Or does your friend want you there BECAUSE you are an atheist? Then I might check whether he's sure he knows what he'd get ...

All in all, I think discussing my atheistic view during a group meeting of Christians is more than inappropriate, and keeping quiet would make ME rather furious, so if it were me, I wouldn't go.

Answer 9

this could be overly simplified, however the way i seem at that's that this: while i think of of the assumption of a "God," all i will see is a great snowball with a guy in a white gown status there shaking it up with each whim he has, attempting to administration our lives. i'm no longer identifying to purchase it. And definite, i'm an atheist. What i do no longer understand is why individuals care what faith i'm besides? do no longer we've the liberty to be certain on how we ought to stay, no count if or no longer it is with or without faith? (No offense meant for the Questioner, i've got felt this way for an prolonged time) It took me years to tell my father and mom i replaced into an Atheist. My complete kin on the two facets is all Christian and that they tried to advance me in Christianity. I went to sunday college for years, till i replaced into in third grade. Then sooner or later it purely hit me how ludicrous the assumption of a "God" sounded to ME. What i do no longer understand in myself, finding returned, is why I even bothered to be annoying for many of years approximately telling my father and mom my non secular alternatives. finding returned, it variety of feels stupid that I even hesitated. we are an in depth-knit kin, yet that doesn't propose that my non secular ideals could make me a questionable kin member, does it? i do no longer attempt to convince all of us else to end or start up believing in god. Now, I comprehend that others don't experience this way, and that's high-quality with me. so a techniques as i'm in touch, to each is very own. in spite of makes you happy without inflicting soreness or harm to a distinctive is high-quality in my international.

Answer 10

You should share your veiws with them even if they do not ask, because they do not know everything, in fact they could stand to learn from the experience just as you can. You both will see the others point of veiw and will be able to connect with the topic more and that will lead to a better understanding of both sides, even if their goal is to convert you, yours should be to enlighten them in your own ways, so that they can see the truth of all truths, that christianity is not the only way, I can say that because I was/am a Christian, but now my beliefes have grown and expanded to except more than just one way of thinking about religion, infact I believe the wiccans got it right when they say "We do not convert, but rather share our knowledge with those who ernestly seak the light, and find it of their own accord."

let me know how the encounter goes.