as a roman catholic, should i accept an atheists choice or reject them completely?

Question

i dont know what to do!
my immediate reaction is it reject them because they are usually so outspoken (sorry for the stereotype!!) but as a catholic i don't know what i should do!

Answer 1

You don't have to "like" what others do, but you do have to "love" your neighbor as Christ loved us and as He commanded us to do. Love as in, you would lay down your life for them, as Christ laid down His life for us. Why? Because they too, were created in the likeness of God. If God loves them, then so must we. We are no better or worse, all sinners, in need of God's infinite mercy. It is up to us to see Christ in others and to be Christ to others.

God be with you

Answer 2

Acknowledging that we are all sinners, Catholics do not reject anyone.

Created in the image of the one God and equally endowed with rational souls, all men have the same nature and the same origin. Redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ, all are called to participate in the same divine beatitude: all therefore enjoy an equal dignity (even Atheists).

It is true that some "Christians" treat non-Christians in an unchristian manner. These people are not true Christians.

English is a weak language for talking about different kinds of love. The Greek of the New Testament is much better:
+ Eros: Romantic love
+ Philia: Brotherly (or sisterly) love
+ Storge: Parental love
+ Agape: Godly love

Eros and philia are based on emotions and storge is almost an instinct.

But Agape is a decision to wish for the best for someone.

Christians are commanded to love (agape) their neighbors and enemies. This does not mean we have to like them or approve of their actions.

This love (agape) is almost impossible to do without God's help.

We need to love (agape) the Atheists around us.

I also suggest that you study so that you can dialog effectively and respectfully with them.

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

Being a Roman Catholic has nothing to do with accepting an Atheist's choice. That doesn't mean you have to believe in it, but acceptance is not necessarily conversion. It is merely respect for another's belief (or lack thereof). It would be a boring world indeed, if we all thought alike. Diversion is what makes the world go round.

Answer 4

Don't reject them. I was an athiest until recently but searching. The key is to find why they don't believe or if another religion why they don't believe as you do. Then work on the things you can agree on. Following that discuss your differences. Don't try to get them to believe exactly like you. And on parts where you disagree try to understand their reasoning. I still believe in science as well as other history. So, I'm not going to accept the Bible word for word. Plenty of Christians might not like that. But, I have managed to resolve the major obsticles that once prevented me from believing. All the rest are minor issues. Probably the worst thing to do is try to get a person to believe when thy don't.
You can also make quite an impression by the way you live your life. And you can also make headway by telling of your own relation to God. Not just from upbringing and church. It might be something like being saved from peril, even hearing God. I finally made the connection. I didn't believe in God, if He existed, abandoned. Everything has changed. A wonderful woman entered my life and God entered. And with all the recent changes, I know God exists. And for the first time in my life I feel loved. So don't give up. And change people a little at a time.

Answer 5

you're misinformed. the full Canon of seventy 3 inspired books became as quickly as finalized as quickly as and each and all the time on the Council of Carthage in 397 advert. After that date likely no longer something became as quickly as extra advantageous, taken away, or changed. Trent reaffirmed the specific Canon finalized at Carthage, without changing a single word. This Canon, compiled by utilising the bishops of the Catholic Church, is the only strategies-set all and sundry in the international has of determining which texts are the inspired notice of God and that are no longer. the two their alternatives were infallibly made below the steerage of the Holy Spirit, or they weren't. if that they were, then there are seventy 3 inspired books. although, if the Church erred 7 activities out of seventy 3 (easily Luther had to throw out 10 books, now no longer merely 7), then there is not any objective to be precise that any of their alternatives were ideal, and we have no certainlty of scripture in any admire. you're no longer able to have it each and each strategies. it makes no experience to point that 7 (or 10) of their alternatives were ineffective flawed, although the full rest were infallible.

Answer 6

If they are adults, you can probably assume they have heard (and perhaps read) the Gospel, and chose to disbelieve it for whatever reason. No need to reject *them*, personally -- accepting people as they are is what we're supposed to do, not run screaming from them because they reject God. If your faith is challenged in an argumentative way, then you can choose to either defend it or disengage yourself from further discussion at that point. You're making far too much of it, I think. Praying for them is actually the best thing you can do -- but out of respect, please don't make a point of telling them "I'll pray for you". If they know you're Christian, they'll probably assume you are, but it's not courteous to throw it in their faces.

Answer 7

Not Christian or Catholic, but... you are supposed to "love thy neighbor."

You don't have to agree with them, but it's only fair to accept them, and their views as well, in acknowledgement of their humanity and worth in God's eyes. Just because someone is uninformed doens't make them less worthy as a human.

Again, you don't have to agree, but I think you should tolerate.

The Best thing you can do for yourself, the atheists, and Catholicism is to Be the Best Catholic you can be. Try to live morally, kindly, fairly, and justly, using Jesus as your example. Let them know what you believe, but don't shove it down their throats. That's the best thing you can do. I know the Bible says to spread the good word, but shoving it in their faces is exceedingly counterproductive :P Being the best person you can be, and having peace in your life, is the best way to express your faith. And not judging people and condemning them is the best way to keep them around long enough to see your good example and peace :P

Answer 8

it really depends on what the choice is all about.....

if it's something that is against the teachings of the Church then - yes you should reject them.
if it's something that does not hamper your life in Christ - go with it - they might realize there is something "to this Christian thing after all"!

rejecting someone's ideas/person based upon their denomination is very wrong. Christ Himself sat with,stayed with and broke bread with sinners. even Matthew, in His gospel, reminds us all so we don't forget - he was a "tax collector" a sinner. we are ALL sinners - Christians have just accepted Christ, atheists have yet to do so. as the nuns taught us.... as long a they are "doing good & avoiding evil there is hope for them yet" [to come to Christ].

Answer 9

As a Roman Catholic, you are surely doing something wrong to ask advice from this multifarious group instead of consulting your priest. Why are you asking us? Ask a priest!
We Protestants are charged with reading the Bible & deciding some things for ourselves. In this case, I'd say "Judge not, lest ye be judged." But I can't say that for you, I'm not a priest.
On a secular basis, I would suggest that not engaging in a discussion of religion with these people might allow you to remain friends with them.

Answer 10

Is your experience with atheists entirely limited to R&S? I don't know a lot of atheists who are outspoken in their daily lives. Christians are a lot more vocal.

Frankly, I don't give a rat's #%@ if you accept atheists or not. You may not know this, but our self-esteem is not dependent upon your acceptance. It has little to do with whether or not you're Roman Catholic or Protestant, and more to do with whether or not you are open-minded or an intolerant jerk.