My sister can never seem to understand why I choose to be agnostic. We both grew up very Catholic, Sunday school, communion, confirmation, the whole bit. Now she is born again, goes to a Baptist church several times a week and is very devout. I respect her decision, and am very proud of her commitment to it. However, when I'm back home she batters me with the I'm going to hell, and you need to find god, aka the Christian god. I understand it's part of her religion to try and sway people to their side,(which I believe is close minded, self-rightous, and plain wrong), but she needs to leave things as they are, and respect my choice as I respect hers. And no, I'm am not a bitter Atheist, or an undecided Agnostic. I choose to be Agnostic as not to be so arrogant as to think I know everything, and remain objective. I'm looking for honest, un-bias opinions from both the religious, and non religious. Please, no bickering about faiths, or lack there of. It justs wastes time. Thanks
2007-10-07 08:14:56 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sit down with her and tell her you love her, but you don't want to be pressured into her religion. Tell her what you believe and ask that she respect it. Tell her you will only discuss religion with her if you can both agree not to pressure each other into believing as the other does, and it needs to be respectful.
My family is Mormon. I dropped out in my late teens/early 20's. For a while my family tried to pressure me into going back. When I clearly let them know I wasn't going to go back and I didn't wish to discuss it any further, they respected my wishes. We don't talk about religion much and get along fine. It does create a kind of distance, which sucks, but we're at the point where we can respect each others views and get along.
2007-10-07 08:24:57 · answer #1 · answered by Lillith 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist and my brother is a Catholic missionary...I can see him going into seminary some day. When we get together we don't talk about religion. Of course we get into discussions about social issues such as abortion and gay rights but it never escalates to the point where it hurts our relationship with each other. We are able to do this by not taking offense to anything the other says and maybe taking into consideration what the other says. Nobody can choose a person's faith. Tell her that and that if God means for you to be an ardent believer that he will show you the way...or something along those lines. Or you could use the bible...Show her Matthew 5:22-"But whosoever shall say 'Thou fool' shall be in danger of hell fire." Other than that I don't really know what to say for you...you could always quit talking to her but that's a bit harsh. Hope you find something to help you out.
2007-10-07 08:29:04 · answer #2 · answered by Inigo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a really hard question, Just tell her that religion is a matter of choice and only God can decide who goes to heaven or Hell, let her know you respect her and love her but she needs to respect your belief's as well. Its pretty arrogant to think another will go to hell if they don't believe the same as you do. When she tells you to find God, just say you didn't know he was lost, Ask her where she put him. I hope i helped you a little, like i said this is a very hard question. Good Luck
2007-10-07 09:02:01 · answer #3 · answered by lovie m steiner 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tell her if she wishes to continue to have a relationship with you, she should respect your decision as you have hers. You really dont deserve to be battered about your faith. Your life, your choice. Next time she engages you in religious talk, just ignore her. She'll get the point eventually.
2007-10-07 08:20:30 · answer #4 · answered by mommyjessp 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hear ya. I have a fundie sister who turns family functions into religious gatherings, insists that the earth is 6000 years old, and that Bush was ordained by God. This is from a person with a MA. Go figure. I subtly try and steer the conversation away from religion whenever possible and if not I go watch football / golf / etc and ignore the drone.
2007-10-07 08:37:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Your sister is getting god's word mixed up with religious zealotry. God is love, not hate. He would not want the person spreading his word being angry and full of rage. She needs to pray for you, if she really loves you. Not by pushing her beliefs onto you. That will make you move further away from God. If you start associating her venom with the word of god. You need to tell her this. Let her know your undecided, searching for enlightenment. What ever that might be to you. Being a atheist has nothing to do with the devil. It means that you don't pretend to know the unknown. You know theirs a greater power. But don't know exactly what it is , or who it is ! Good Luck. No matter what your decision. Be good to yourself and others. You'll be fine.
2007-10-07 08:35:21 · answer #6 · answered by Tarrimarie B 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'm guessing your sister is somewhat new in her faith. Many "born again" Christians are most zealous when they first find Jesus. Unfortunately, this type of ambitious evangelism really pushes people away. Tell her that you love her and want to have a good relationship with her, but that her constant condemnation is not a good representation of Jesus' message of love and forgiveness.
2007-10-07 08:24:54 · answer #7 · answered by Monica O 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dude , she is spiritually good.. u dont know wht ur either Atheist or Agnostic. so ur still in dilema. make up ur mind.. Dude if ur a Atheist also its a faith u believe tht there is nothign called god, its only good n bad, brother the world is on faith, she is spiritually when she goes to church she get to hear some kinda stuff n she cares for u n love u a lot so she comes straight away n tells u wht she know ..
2007-10-07 08:20:47 · answer #8 · answered by Idlebar 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
There is no shame in your being Agnostic.
You are just admitting that your mind is not closed.
Perhaps, one day, you will rediscover your Catholic roots.
Your sister is going through the excitement of conversion.
She believes what she has done is right for her.
Be patient, she just wants to share that with you.
But NOBODY has a right to tell another they are condemned!
The Bible itself is very clear about that, you can tell her.
2007-10-07 08:23:14 · answer #9 · answered by Robert S 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Just tell her to relax a little bit about it, and tell her that she needs to respect your views. If you aren't trying to turn her away from her faith, tell her she shouldn't be trying to turn you away from yours, either.
Tell her that you respect her decision and are very proud of her committment to it, as you stated her, but for you right now, it isn't the right choice.
2007-10-07 08:18:37 · answer #10 · answered by dontworrybehappy 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋