How can Christians and Atheists have mutually benefical relationships?

Question

Our typical tendency is to desire for other people to become like us. If you are an atheist, you want people to be rational. If you are a Christian, you want people to be more faithful. The reality of the situation is that in this lifetime we will never see both groups agree. Hard Core Christians don't become atheists, and vice versa. So my question is how can two group who have completely opposing ideologies have mutually beneficial relationships? How can we build each other up as fellow human beings in a way that doesn't require the other group to change their beliefs? Is that even possible?

Answer 1

Hi,

From a Christians perspective the best example i can think of is by looking at How Jesus interacted with people, (including people that were not of religious viewpoint)

He would hang out with these people simply because he loved all people, many times he would have dinner with those considered to be unbelievers. this would often shock the religious priests etc.

Jesus' main intention was simply to love people, yes there were times that he needed to be alone and pray etc, but he would relate with people on what ever level they were at.

There is a difference between having a religious disagreement, and simply challenging one another with your different world views, i respect my atheist friends so much more if i know they are willing to discuss the challenging yet exciting subjects of existence.

We must simply build upon the familiarities we have with each other, yes there will be cut off points where there is simply not comprehension between the two parties as both are on diametrically opposed world views, only one can ultimately be corect about their origin. Yet we can still be friends. Yet, Im not sure being a really deep friend with the other party can be possible, as that 'spiritual' like connection should resonate and harmonize from the core of who we think we are... The result of monkeys, from slime, or an all intelligent creator.

Either way true friends are ones that except each others short comings and or difference and find love and respect for each other just the same

Answer 2

It certainly is possible, but only if you can accept that other people can have a viewpoint different from your own and not be "wrong". If a Christian can accept that certain people don't acknowledge a world beyond their physical senses, and an atheist can accept that some folks experience a world beyond the rational, then they can have a healthy relationship. Besides, what kind of relationship are you talking about? Perhaps they would never have a reason to discuss religion at all.

Answer 3

I was once a hardcore Christian and I am now a staunch atheist... people can change if they take an honest look at what's going on.

Almost all of my friends are pretty religious too, and though we completely disagree on everything religious, we have a lot of fun together. We even enjoy some good-natured debates from time to time.

That said, I don't think I could ever have a serious romantic relationship with a Christian. I would not be willing to marry a woman that expected me to attend church weekly, say prayers, and raise our children to believe in god.

Answer 4

The first and foremost thing in my opinion is to respect each others views and beliefs. I have discussions with atheists without any problems. I've never tried to get any of the atheists I know in my real life and on here to change their views. So I guess as long as there is mutual respect, anything is possible.

Answer 5

Your question implies that atheistic and Christian views are central to our day-to-day living when in fact they occupy only a tiny bit of it. Our working and family relationships consist almost entirely of secular subjects. I've worked at my company for 17 years and don't even know the religion of my coworkers.

Answer 6

confident, in an analogous way that muslims and atheists can agree that christianity is BS, and an analogous way that orthodox jews wnd atheists can agree that the two christianity and islam are BS, although, you are going to be able to desire to consistently attempt something even much less divisive than asserting "so non religious and contributors of one faith agree on all different religions invalidaty," which you will think of is unifying human beings, yet merely shifting the branch purpose posts.

Answer 7

First demonstrate to me one way that faith based thinking is better at solving problems and helping humans progress than logical thinking. All religion does is help people cope with things they'd rather not approach rationally.

If you can do this, most atheists wouldn't have a problem with theists. I don't think what you suggest is possible. Asking atheists to dumb ourselves down to "get along" is like asking us to start flinging our feces at each other when we get angry. Sorry, but we've evolved beyond both crap flinging, and fantasy thinking.

Answer 8

By not talking about religion.

To agree to think and make decisions based on a humanistic standpoint.

By neither claiming to know the absolute truth of anything.

Answer 9

Yes, it is possible; in fact, I have many Christian friends here, and I am an Atheist.

What we agree upon is that we share a common humanity and common ideals; we share a desire for peace for all and an end to suffering. Though we may have a few things we disagree on, we have far more that we do agree on.

We have more uniting us than we have dividing us.

Answer 10

I have a problem with Christians who go around preaching fire and brimstone and trying to convert people to Christianity through fear of God and Atheists who try and shove their viewpoints down our throats and judging us because we're Christians.

Yes we are supposed to help save people but I don't think that means through fear and intimidation I think it means we are to lead them to God through following the example we set as Christians.
If the lost see us living righteously and notice what a difference it makes in our life that might spark some interest in them and maybe they'll want to know more about our beliefs and through explaining Gods love mercy and Grace we can save them.
And I think if we did that with Atheists we could get along with them
We should leave them alone and let them be and if they have any questions concerning Christianity then we can share Gods word with them but I don't believe in saying anything to them until they ask.
That also goes for Atheists, they just love to spout off about how there's no God and Christians are stupid or the bible is hate speech and all the other awful things they like to say to disgrace themselves.
If they would only stop and mind their own business along with Christians we could get along and find mutual ground to stand on.
But for some reason neither can seem to do that.

Even though I'm a Christian I am against practicing a religion of any kind and believe in loving God and having a direct personal relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit given to us because of Jesus sacrifice.
And I think it's because I don't practice a religion that I don't go around bothering anyone as long as they don't bother me.

I just wish others could do the same.

I agree with Don S. that Christians and Atheists cannot be friends.
We can get along with them in the work place or anywhere else in public but I would never befriend one of them because we are on opposite sides of the fence and it just isn't in our nature to accept someone who rejects our Father in Heaven.
God gave everyone a measure of faith so they can decide if they want to follow him down the right path or reject Him and go the way of the world.
Why would I want to be friends with someone who loves the world when I myself hate it and love God instead?
It just wouldn't work.