Have you found yourself to be capable of strong friendship with even those very different from yourself? Perhaps opposite philosophic or religious beliefs? Or at least to not be contentious? It seems people find it a badge of honor to stir up as much trouble as possible in opposing groups. Can you have a lively discussion/argument with someone and stay away from ad hominem and condensencion?
2007-09-25 02:01:10 · 13 answers · asked by sojourning.sarah 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I have lots of friends who are very different from me. I'm good friends with several strong Christians, several Jews, and a few Muslims. The thing that keeps our friendships going is the willingness of everyone involved to accept the others without preaching or condemning, and when the topic of religion comes up, we discuss it fairly.
2007-09-25 02:04:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I always try to keep the arguments logical. I do disagree with many, but I can respect their beliefs. I like lively debate, as it helps me sharpen up on what I believe. I think ad hominem is a last resort attack when one doesn't have a leg to stand on. I know it is popular, especially in politics. Just stick with the facts, if known, and present the best argument. I have some "friends" that I don't agree with. They know where I stand, and where I stand. Usually we don't debate that point.
2007-09-25 02:07:51 · answer #2 · answered by RB 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah. I'm Christian and I've a friend who is agnostic and naturalistic. We both share the same interest in intellectualism, rational reasoning and Classical Antiquity (Roman and Greek civilisation). I also have friends who are Jewish, one from my course and another who lives in my dormitory. We have discussed religion before but from a neutral POV. I also know someone who is Wiccan and we both share the same interest in music. My Wiccan friend has helped me clear a lot of misconceptions about Wicca (I thought it was Satanic and evil at first but I didn't realise it is purely pagan and naturalistic).
Also, I have friends who play soccer and a lot of sports and who are very cheery and brotherly. In contrast, I'm not into sports but I like reading, writing, movies and music. I'm also kinda melancholic (I'm not an emo or Goth btw).
So all of us mentioned here are as different as we can get.
2007-09-25 02:08:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Two of my best friends are an atheists, I'm a Christian. We get along very well although we have had lively discussions before! It doesn't make any difference to our friendship, though.
2007-09-25 02:06:24 · answer #4 · answered by Amelie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YES! One of my longest friends is bipolar, has multiple personalities and is into bizarre sex. She is also a "Jesus freak" (sorry to use an offensive term, but she has religious icons all over her house, especially of Mary and Jesus, and even has a prayer bench). She is also into some dark and evil practices including cutting herself and loves Gothic music. No one understands how I can be her friend but I truly love her as a sister. I don't judge her even though I have some pretty serious concerns about her behavior. She knows she can always turn to me when she needs me and I will always be there.
2007-09-25 02:08:34 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ terry g ♥ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am an atheist and call my best friend The Pentium Pentacostal. He thinks it's hilarious and wants to make a t shirt saying just that.
2007-09-25 02:09:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, many, I have friends who are gay, atheist, and varying religious backgrounds and we get along just fine.
2007-09-25 02:09:29 · answer #7 · answered by LaptopJesus 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have very religious friends and we get along fine. They know if they question their faith, they can talk to me, but otherwise, it's live and let live.
2007-09-25 02:03:48 · answer #8 · answered by Militant Agnostic 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes ! and we get along like a house on fire !!
2007-09-25 02:06:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have an atheist friend.
I am a Catholic.
2007-09-25 02:08:48 · answer #10 · answered by Vernacular Catholic 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋