I recently had a strong atheist try to "convert" me! Unbelievable! I was told I was ignorant and a coward...among other things. He repeatedly tried to convince me to believe that because of his logic and his reasoning that there is no god. My stance, from the beginning, was that untill I have undeniable proof of God's existence or non-existence, I am not willing to make claims of either. I have never encountered such a religiously intolerant person. My personal beliefs are my own and I will not disrespect someone for their faith or lack of it. What do you all think and have you encountered this before??
2007-11-13 13:36:30 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's just that I've always practiced religious tolerance and respected people's beliefs irregardless of whether or not they coincided with mine. If they believe in a god/goddess or whatever, more power to them. I really am undecided and do not lean either way. I see both sides.
2007-11-13 13:46:11 · update #1
I've had people try to convert me to their religion, whether it's a Jehovah's Witness, or a Catholic, or a Christian. Heck! I get enough of this from my family! Just didn't know I had to be on my guard around Atheists as well!! I figured that Atheists and Agnostics, both trying to use logic and knowledge to find truth, could at least see the same picture...
2007-11-13 13:49:41 · update #2
Thanks everyone for the support and kind words. I do believe that I have the right to believe in whatever I want to believe in and not be harassed because of it. I believe in personal choice. That person left me with "a bad taste in my mouth" and I hope never to encounter someone like that again.
2007-11-13 14:02:15 · update #3
Let me apologize for someone who claims atheism and does anything so vile. You have the right to believe as you do and I am a very strong atheist. I would never be that crude and there are times when.....Telling a truth - comparing notes and views, that's ok. Down right bullying is very wrong.
2007-11-13 13:54:13 · answer #1 · answered by Tricia R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist, however, I will tell you atheists by nature are agnostic. The only difference between an atheist and an agnostic is the fact atheist do not bother to ponder upon a supreme creature until there are enough evidences of it's existence. Agnostic will ponder upon it.
I will call an agnostic a coward if an agnostic call me names like I am as religious as the theists on the lack of faith on supreme creature part. It is equally invalid.
With that being said, it is my stand that it would be the person who claim positive to proof and not the person who claim negative. Negative cannot be proven.
2007-11-13 22:01:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think it might be this way...
Most atheists are former believers. And if they came from being raised in a form of religion that was rather pushy, or taught to be, well old habits can sometimes die hard.
Especially when a person is raised with a certain influence (i.e. maybe a family was always very pushy with religion), it's not always easy to get out what is etched into a person's personality.
Myself on the other hand, I was raised an atheist, in my family our views were something to keep to ourselves because my parents knew that plenty of people would be happy to hate us for what we are. I have never gone after a person and actually tried to convince them of my side, I couldn't care less what they believe, I just wish for them to leave me alone and I'll respect their space as well.
2007-11-13 21:44:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and my first husband was a Christian-a very controlling personality who's favorite Bible verse I believe was "Wives obey your husband..." so though we were of the same faith our way of behaving and acting upon our belief was not the same.
My second husband was agnostic, did not participate in the services I attended but never had a negative attitude about my practice of faith.
The pushy kinds are in every realm and are an embarrassment to what ever group they identify themselves with.
2007-11-13 21:54:24 · answer #4 · answered by PrivacyNowPlease! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether they realize it or not, both agnostics and atheists are far more judgmental on Christians and try proselytizing more than Christians ever will. That's the problem with those two groups. They CAN'T prove there is no God. I on the other CAN believe in Him. It just drives them nuts!
2007-11-13 21:52:49 · answer #5 · answered by Proverbs twenty7 7teen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't but I have heard of it. Unfortunately some younger converts have become what is strong atheists, I think it's just plain Rude and just as bad when Christians strong arm you. If we work and expect Christians to respect us, We have to respect others first, that means treating with respect all faiths or non faiths.
2007-11-13 21:47:14 · answer #6 · answered by punch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of people are Atheists. Some just aren't very good at it.
"He ... to convice me to believe" proves that he was promoting his religion.
You might also wonder if he really was Atheist or just testing you.
I suppose "Evangelical" Atheism is a logical possibility. But beware if they ask for donations.
2007-11-13 21:57:00 · answer #7 · answered by Happy Camper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How did he know you were agnostic? You had to tell him.
It is usually a good idea to keep your religious beliefs - or lack, thereof, to yourself. If someone tries to pull you into a conversation about it, just smile and say "I'm sorry, I don't discuss my personal beliefs with anyone"....and then, don't. Walk away if you have to.
If you start yakking, it's only going to get into a dog fight.
2007-11-13 21:41:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheism is just as bad as alot of religions, in that it is something that people want to believe in completely, without having any doubts or fear that they could be wrong
Alot of people seem to have this "I know everything" problem and if they encounter someone who has a different view they can't accept it because it puts doubt in their minds.
Be happy in the knowledge that you are alot more mature and advanced in your thinking than he is.
2007-11-13 21:48:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not yet I think my answers are pretty clear that I am nonconvertible. You have the right to believe what you want without being harassed some people will go to any lengths to get their point across
2007-11-13 21:42:27 · answer #10 · answered by mariposa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋