I went from a Christian to an atheist over the last six months. Suddenly I am having a hard time even being able to comprehend why a rational person would believe in God. It seems odd to me, considering I used to believe, myself. I need to find a way to relate to theists because I do not ever want to come across as disrespectful. Help?
2007-11-17 06:20:07 · 17 answers · asked by Linz VT•AM 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because not everybody makes it as easy as you do, Pangel.. lol :o)
2007-11-17 06:35:56 · update #1
Haha see, Pangel.. its comments like that that make me love and respect you even more :o)
2007-11-17 06:38:19 · update #2
LOL Universal.. I guess I should have realized this question was begging them to come try and bring me back to Jesus.
2007-11-17 06:50:47 · update #3
I think I have an idea of how you feel... and I usually come here with a positive attitude, but sometimes the religious nuttery can get one going in a negative way.
Just remember when you believed.... was it the impatient sarcasm that brought you to question God? It's usually the intelligence, sanity and wit of atheism.... focus on those. You don't have to "relate" in order to communicate effectively... and always remember to have fun. Nothing will suck the joy out of life faster than taking things too serious!
2007-11-17 06:43:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Linz,
People of faith have just as much trouble comprehending why anyone would give up God.
The hardest thing, but the most helpful, is to realize that their faith is part of who they are, and it's OK.
It'll take time to get there, and being around the militant group of Christians (or Muslims, or Jews, or Pagans, or whatever) only makes it harder.
Take a deep breath, and remember the good ones. Pangel is one, and I hope you find others. We ain't all bad :)
2007-11-17 15:19:12 · answer #2 · answered by Sister blue eyes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I kind of know how you feel. I went from Catholic to having no religion (though I still believe in God) about a year and a half ago. My transition was less than yours, but it's still ongoing and a huge change!
This is still very new for you. If you are like me, the more you can uncover for yourself who you really are now, the easier it will become to relate to others. It will take time, but it will happen. Find things that have deep meaning for you, and try to make time often to explore them. And be open to more changes, whatever they may be, because they are probably going to happen (and I don't mean to imply that you will get a new religion, I just mean that this is a journey of discovery).
I wish you well!
2007-11-17 15:07:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Linz,
I guess just accept that you think differently than they do on this topic, and look for common ground elsewhere. In the grand scheme this issue should rarely come up with people you get along with--and if it does it doesn't have to be contentious. Both parties will just have to accept that another thoughtful person came to a different conclusion, and leave it at that.
Best,
Todd
2007-11-17 15:15:46 · answer #4 · answered by Todd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about you, but religion does not come up in my casual conversations with people. If they talk about their church and activities there, I listen respectfully. I have no reason to start some kind of debate with them; they have a right to believe as they wish. I'm Pagan, and don't find it difficult at all to get along with Christians. If I were to be confronted I would most likely try to defuse any arguments by asking that we change the subject.
2007-11-17 14:31:17 · answer #5 · answered by Cheryl E 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There will always be enmity between differing religeons or non-religeons. I think people just need to try to be aware of what they say and, even more so, how they say it.
If niether party is willing to be swayed, it is a useless attempt. It would probably profit a person more to leave the wind blowing for the wind.
2007-11-17 14:25:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need some time with Pangel lol
Linz , I understand what you mean totally
and if ever you do want a chat ... I am here
and hey , I believe in God and I KNOW you respect me and relate to me
so if you can do it with one ... why not all ?
edit
I take that back lol
with the answers above ... i can understand your problem even more rofl
2007-11-17 14:35:02 · answer #7 · answered by ☮ Pangel ☮ 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
If you have lost your faith, perhaps it is because you did not have a solid foundation (Matthew 7:26 ).
Build a proper and solid foundation of belief. Have solid answers for why you believe there is a God; that the Bible is his word; that his Way is right and good for both you and all humanity -- leading to good health, happiness and long life.
If you didn't have solid answers for all of these issues and then some, it is no wonder you turned away.
2007-11-17 14:46:34 · answer #8 · answered by BC 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well, I'm sorry you chose atheism and a belief in no God over the real deal. But it's your choice, not mine.
I think the best way to relate to theists is to respect them. I believe in God because of my experiences w/Him. I talk to him, pray to him, hear his voice, and live for Him. None of this is "made up" or a "fairy tale" like some think. I do not put my heart and soul into something fake or bogus.
But, I understand people think this and I respect their opinions. You need to do the same. Again, I'm sorry you chose this path, just make sure it's the path you want to continue on. Life is too short to be wrong, my friend.
2007-11-17 14:28:24 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Just simply agree to disagree. Each to his own and respect others and you would like to be respected for your beliefs. Its not hard. You say tomatoes and i say tomatoes etc
2007-11-17 14:26:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋