One of my closest Internet friends is a born-again Christian. I am an atheist. Why can she and I discuss things politely and appreciate one another while so many here do nothing but sling mud? Why can't we take advantage of this marvelous communication opportunity to understand one another? Even if we don't agree, we can respect one another and appreciate having friends who aren't all the same.
As the Muppets said, why can't we be friends?
2007-12-16 10:13:53 · 20 answers · asked by auntb93 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thanks, Gonzo, I needed that!
2007-12-16 12:13:22 · update #1
I cannot speak for other Christians.
I attempt to treat every one as I believe Jesus treated them. HE loved the ALL. HE healed them ALL. HE taught them ALL. Since the word Christian means "Little Christ" I think that we Christians need to act like Jesus did. I can find no where in the Bible where Jesus snubbed anybody. He dined with sinners and saints. His disciples were common men.
Christians are also told to not allow their brothers to take up an offense. IF I hurt someone or call them names, I put a brick in the wall. the next Christian they meet has to tear that brick out of the way before they can reach the person. I am not a stone mason. I try my best not to put bricks in anyone's wall.
One last point, I may be the Jesus some people ever see. I have to present HIM in his best light. HE was full of compassion. I just try to be like Him.
2007-12-16 12:44:02 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Muppets didn't say it - War did - early 1970s.
Chorus:
Why can't we be friends (4x)
I've seen you 'round for a long long time
I remembered you when you drank my wine
Chorus
I've seen you walking down in Chinatown
I called you but you could not look around
Chorus
I paid my money to the welfare line
I see you standing in it every time
Chorus
The color of your skin don't matter to me
As long as we can live in harmony
Chorus
I'd kind of like to be the President
So I can show you how your money's spent
Chorus
Sometimes I don't speak right
But yet I know what I'm talking about
Chorus
I know you're working for the CIA
They wouldn't have you in the Mafi-A.
Thing is, not everyone on here wants to be friends - some people come here strictly to cause havoc.
2007-12-16 10:22:31 · answer #2 · answered by Cheese Fairy - Mummified 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Because this is not about religion or beliefs, it's just about people..... there are tolerant and intolerant people.... respectful and unrespectful, civil and rude, smart and dumb. This is regardless of their religion or belief system. You can find extraordinarily civil christians or jews or muslims or atheists, and some others who are downright rude and feel they own the absolute truth...... it works the same for politics and any other topic where rivalry and disagreement might arise, so it's not the belief itself which doesn't allow people to get along, but THEIR intolerance and inability to handle their relationships and discussions maturely and civilly.
2007-12-16 10:33:19 · answer #3 · answered by Lprod 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree with you on this. My belief is that each has a right to choose that which is right for themselves, and you be able to have others respect those choices even if they don't agree with yours. You can always agree...... to disagree. It has worked for me . I don't shove my views off on others, I just want the right like everyone else to choose what is right for me. There is a difference between sharing the word and shoving it down peoples throat. If people would just open themselves up to this concept, how much better our world would be.
2007-12-16 11:10:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear you and your friend aren't able to have an objective outlook towards eachother's beliefs. I have 2 friends who are Athiests...and I believe in Jehovah...The one friend I never discuss religion or faith with because he is not interested whatsoever - but my other friend and I have many religious conversations that are always totally respectful. So just to let you know, it IS possible :-)
EDIT: Oppps, doh! LOL...I thought you and your friend were NOT getting along because of your headline..glad to know that is not the case. You are talking about everyone here on R & S.....I wonder that as well.
2007-12-16 10:32:30 · answer #5 · answered by Dana C 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is only ONE atheist here who refuses to be friends with anyone who is a Christian.
She's the exception, though. Most of the others are respectful and open-minded.
2007-12-16 10:22:58 · answer #6 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I do agree & wondered the same thing many times...some of my "best friends" here, and not my Religion...and we talk all the time..but NOT about Religion...they are just people like you and me...I treasure EVERY ONE OF THEM...and I do not know what I would do without them...Maybe some day, we will learn HOW to get along...
MAYBE!!
2007-12-16 10:33:20 · answer #7 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree auntb93 !! or love each other very much just like teletubbies do.
its just that some people think that their God is the only God to believe in and don't understand that some people just believe in family, the power of love and understanding and the power of positive thinking and compassion for your fellow man.
CHEERS
♥
2007-12-16 10:24:00 · answer #8 · answered by Minx 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because the people on here do not know one another to have that respectful relationship that you and she have.
They are prone to say something negative and then the other gets offended. Before you know it, they have caused strife.
2007-12-16 10:23:36 · answer #9 · answered by †Evonne† 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aunt B - I find your answers to be direct and respectful - I think that the seeds of friendship are sown with respect. Love and Light.
2007-12-16 10:27:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋