So my last question concerning atheists....?

Question

because some people who have religions look down upon atheists (we obviously don't like that...), and we shouldn't have a religion if we don't really believe it from the heart, what can we do to make this believer-and-atheist relationship work?
I think understanding is the most important, but I don't think everyone is willing and as open as others to understand each other.
And once again, I'm sorry if I offend anyone.

Answer 1

As you can see, as long as thaere are people like Dawed, (and you will have them on both sides of the coin), There will be no middle ground. I know the real reason you are asking these questions. And the anszwer you are looking for is this: LOVE. Love with bridge the gaps and contentions that you may have about religion with that special someone. And if it turns out that it doesn't, that's only because he didn't really love you. And you will be better off finding out sooner than later. I know it would be hard to accept but you know also how much pain I have put up with for love. If the love is not returned.

Answer 2

I agree that we should do our level best to listen and to hear each other. To truly strive to understand the other's point of view. After all, we can't 'argue' anyone into heaven. But after both parties understand where the other is coming from, I believe there should not be 'judgment' put on the other for what they believe and practice. However, it must be understood, that the Christian teachings do not allow the believer to 'go along' with all that an atheist does. So decisions have to be made. And those decisions and actions have to be respected.
The way I see it, if this conversation or many conversations, take place, then both parties surely would understand the 'why' of how a person will react to certain things. If you want a friendship, then that friendship should 'allow' each to walk the walk that he/she has chosen to walk. Both should do all they can not to offend the other. But speaking as a Christian, if some choices by my atheists friend are too offensive, I would have to remove myself . Some things would be too painful. I hope you understand. My faith walk is personal and I answer only to my God.

Answer 3

I'm afraid its a hopeless cause. It is almost the nature of religious belief to be critical of unbelievers and it is the nature of atheists to shake their heads in wonder at the things believeres accept on faith. There is no common ground and only personal dignity and respect prevent the dialogue from being a major insult-fest.

How can an atheist "understand" someone who thinks - well you've heard the insulting analogies to Christianity. And, how can a Christian undertand anyone who has been shown the message and refuses to believe. Perahps we can all accept that Santa Claus doesn't exist and take it from there but I don't see it going far.

Answer 4

ohhh.. understanding is very important. If the other party is reluctant or seems uncomfortable discussing abt religion, well, just let it be. Let the issue dies.

Why provokes others when they did nothing? You don't have to satisfy everyone, because there's bound someone who will disagree..and all in the end will be a futile attempts.

well, believer been brought up with religion values since they are kid, so it's hard to change their mind abt atheism. So, let time be the indicator whether the relationship will be better.

Answer 5

It's an eternal debate and confrontation.People argue,fight ,get tired,become wiser or tolerant and a new crop of people join the system and it continues.What one can clearly see is that as the human knowledge goes on expanding,the so called domain of God is shrinking .It also means that Humans are becoming more and more rational as the time passes.Going by this argument,it's probable that at some point of time in future,the image of believers shall change drastically.Let's hope for that day to come.Right now,the best course of action would be for all to learn to "agree to disagree" and try to live in peace.

Answer 6

Well, I believe that love shouldn't have a religion. I am a Muslim. You are an atheist. It is against our Muslim religion to have any sort of relationship with an atheist. But I love you, (And I hope you feel the same!!) Being in love doesn't need a religion. Love is love, and that shouldn't change. Nothing should get in the way of TRUE love. Nothing.

Answer 7

The best way to make it work is for each person to accept others the way they are and not try to change them. If I ASK a question of a religion, then a person of that religion may answer it, but leave out the judgement. No offense taken.

Answer 8

Well, I'm a gnostic Christian, and my best friend is an atheist. From time to time we have little debates about what we believe, but since our friendship isn't based solely on our beliefs, we have more to talk about than just that, lol. I really don't care what she believes. She is a great and kind person, and I think I am a little better off having known her.

Answer 9

We can't. Sorry to burst your bubble, but as long as religions teach believers to hate non-believer - and they must, as we threaten their existence - the battle between rational thought and faith will continue.

Religion is a parasite. Atheism is a cure for the parasite. The essence of the relationship is antagonistic. The best we can ever hope for is tolerance, tenuous at best, from believers. The best we can do for ourselves is work to eliminate belief (not believers!) through education.

And please quit apologizing. Atheism is nothing to apologize for, nor is asking honest questions seeking information. Those who take offense at such questions are engaging in a power play, and you are indulging them. For all atheism's sake, stop that!

Answer 10

The only way believers are going to start respecting atheists, is for atheists to get in their face. Homosexuals can come out of the closet now because of a similar tactic, and they represent a much smaller fraction of the population than atheists do.