So because I'm an atheist I can't talk about religion?

Question

Pretty much all my friends are Christians. they know I'm an atheist, but sometimes they do talk about Christianity because I don't really mind as long as they don't tell me I'm going to hell / try to convert me. Anyways, when they do talk about Chrstianity sometimes I do join the conversation and, in a sense, suspend my disbelief and talk about Jesus as if he was real, and will sometimes talk about the bible. Now today we were talking about Christianity and person was like "I thought you were atheist.... why in the world are you talking about Jesus?"

So, apparently, because I'm an atheist I'm denied the right to talk about him? What are your opinions?


(I personally compare it to talking about Harry Potter. even though I don't believe he's real, or his world is real, I can still talk about his magic, right?)

Oh, I didn't mean to offend anybody by the Harry Potter comparison. Sorry D:

Answer 1

You know things about Jesus and the Bible and about the religions that grew up around him. YOu have opinions. Why can't you talk about them.

What your friend is insinuating is that because you have a different interpretation of those stories (perhaps a metaphorical one rather than metaphysical) your view isn't valid and that is just not right.

Religious stories are often very moving and can have meaning even to those who do not believe they literally happened.

Answer 2

I think that you are right as long as you don't tell them that they are stupid for believing. A conversation is an exchange of ideas. I like what you have had to say. I only wish we would hear something from atheist on here to where ideas are shared without put downs on either side. Also wish this for the gay issue. No matter what is said it gets a negative response. Seems like for both issues if you don't understand their way then no talk can take place.

Answer 3

Well you dont like people telling you your wrong. Why would they feel differant. To me the most annoying people on earth are Evangalists and evangalist atheists. Comparing A persons deity to Harry Potter is just as vicious as people telling you your going to burn in hell.
It is a subject very very personal to people if you cant treat them with respect dont talk about it.

I need to know also where do you people live for Gods sake Im 37 and I have never met that many religios freeks. WHere do you people live?

Answer 4

You can talk about anything you want and if people don't like it, that's their problem. My husband and I are Pagan but he talks about the Bible a lot because he pretty much knows it inside out, as well as the history of Christianity (he's a former Christian minister). Some would say he has no right to talk about it, but those would be the people who can't refute what he says because he uses the Bible's own verses to back up what he says.

Answer 5

I would guess that you cannot talk about anything other than what you think is real....but in all seriousness...talk about whatever the Hell you want...and in that line of thinking, since more than likely the Christan who said that (and indeed, a VAST majority of Christians) do not believe in Evolution...then that means that should shut up about it...right? Oh wait...they can pick and choose what to do.... -_-

Answer 6

You can talk about anything you want to. The question is, does it make sense for you to talk about something you don't believe in? For example, in my circle of people, there's a guy who believes in aliens and colonization of earth by aliens from somewhere in the galaxy. At the exact moment he begins this tirade, I excuse myself, get up, and walk away until he's done. I simply do not ascribe to such things, and have nothing to contribute to the conversation.

Answer 7

you can talk about you want about jesus. whether or not your opine is valid or based on facts other than your own opine or feelings is another issue. most atheists tend to know a little about the bible, but it comes from the traditions of men and churches and very little is in the manuscripts which they/athiests site as factual because it's "taught" by a church.

Answer 8

Talk about the two sorts of religion compared in Bible:
- IMPure religions: arrive defiled, and then get worse-end.
- Pure religion: arrived undefiled, and remained unspotted.

- Law: by laws all perish
- Grace: by grace none perish

False God is mirrorly the reverse of the only true God,
like Dog is the reverse of God; Am I & I Am, CJ & JC.

The LAW of their Lord Christ Jesus against you all. Ouch.
The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.

Answer 9

Apparently so... at least around people in this section.

I don't think I'll be going to any more Christian "discussion group" meetings as they quite bluntly and continually told me that atheists go to Hell for not accepting Jesus as their personal savior.

Answer 10

some christians get nervous talking to atheists because eventually the question comes up about proving it or about the bible just being a book. they don't like to talk about those things because what can they really say.