How do you treat people who finally realise "the truth"?

Question

This is directed at everybody ... atheists, christians, muslims, pagans etc. This is a neutral question okay, so just pretend for a moment that whatever you believe is right. And be honest.

When they finally are "converted" then how would you act? Would you shove their face in it and basically do the whole "I told you so" routine; or would you do nothing? Sometimes, answerers use Pascal's wager way too much and seem awfully smug about it.

It seems some people are definitely doing things out of saving face rather than finding out "the truth".

elmjun...
I'm obscure about it to preserve neutrality.

Answer 1

As someone who used to be brainwashed by Christianity, I feel sorry for anyone who still is, and I don't blame them.

I know how terrifying it is to attempt to break free of that cult. And I will applaud anyone who has the courage to do so.

I personally don't fault most "believers" if they speak harshly to me. I used to do the same thing.

To use one of their phrases... "They know not what they do".

And quite honestly, they don't.

Answer 2

In Christian faith the correct thing is to treat them the way you always should have: as a child of God. The problem that a lot of people forget (including most Christians) is that we are still human even though we accept Christ. Faith doesn't mean instant perfection, it just means instant forgiveness for our imperfection. So my response is this: the few people that I have successfully "converted" (since people are generally pretty stubborn and unaccepting to new or unwelcome ideas) I have not treated any differently than I did "pre-conversion" if you will. I have continued to act, speak, and feel the same around them. Discussions about my Faith don't change for me, I stay steady whether I'm talking to someone with the same ideas or someone who thinks I'm crazy for believing a book (which by the way is exactly what all other religions and science is based on as well, there is a lack of physical proof no matter what you choose to believe which is why I generally refer to my Faith rather than religion). Some people do definitely go about things the wrong way and they are only defeating themselves in the end. I find it sad and hard to believe, but the majority of people are doing the best they can to live in a manner acceptable to society and their chosen belief and that's where the problem lies. I don't concern myself with what society thinks about me, only what God thinks. As a general rule that gains social respect even without asking for it and then "saving face" becomes unnecessary.

Answer 3

Interesting.

I've never seen it happen, so I don't know.

The closest I can think of is a Bushie turned against Bush and voted for the Kerry in the last election. My reaction was disgust. Not at his choice: I have no use for Bush, either. But for his reasons. He basically was in favor of the Iraq war when he thought it would be quick and easy. When it became long and hard, he turned against it, as if the difficulty level was the determining factor of its morality.

Answer 4

I never thought of being smug when somebody learns the truth. I'm just pleased. People do their own thinking and make their own decisions. I don't feel personally responsible for people's ability to learn, though I'm happy if I can be part of the process.

Answer 5

When someone converts from a belief of nothingness to a faith of believing and trusting in a Supreme Being, regardless of the religion, I offer sincere congratulations. When someone converts from one religion to another, again, I offer sincere congratulations. When someone converts from faith to atheistic, I just feel sad for them, but don't hold it against them or treat them any differently except for being cautious NOT to offer comments phrased in a spiritual way. In other words, I still try to be respectful to their new belief system. I find the entire process of discovering faith and belief systems to be fascinating and an intensely personal experience.

Answer 6

I know it is not an easy journey, so when i find someone who has finally reached "the truth" I usually encourage conversation and let them lead the discussion where they feel comfortable taking it.

Answer 7

As a truthseeker I have no special welcoming ritual, though some freemasons might.
Since it is more a gradual process, there is never a moment of conversion.

Answer 8

I have not personally experienced that but, if it happened I would just thank God because it is only by the power of God can any one know and understand the truth.

Answer 9

when you 'convert' someone it is best not to rub it in their face in an 'i told you so' kind of way as that could push them from away from the religion they just converted too. When someone disagrees with me and later changes thei opinion I know it is not because they were stupid nor was it my arguments that swayed them, it was them thinking for themselves and learning more about it that moves them to my side and harrassing them just pushes them away and makes them more obstinate in their views.

Answer 10

Smile, laugh out loud together and jump for joy, go dancing and throw a party together! No, "I told you so" is rude, crude, thoughtless and closes the door to open conversation.