A friend or family member tells you for the first time that they are an atheist. Would like honest answers please.
2007-12-18 07:48:52 · 36 answers · asked by johngrobmyer 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is for a project I am working on.
2007-12-18 07:50:13 · update #1
My first thought...
thank god, now I have somebody in which I can relate :)
2007-12-18 07:51:31 · answer #1 · answered by Pitchy 5 · 5⤊ 4⤋
I can't say for sure whether this was her initial reaction, but when my girlfriend and I discuss religion, she says that it depresses her that I'm an atheist. She finds it sad that I don't have hope of life after death or believe in Heaven, and she seems to think I am missing out on something psychologically as a result.
(I know I'm going beyond answering the question, but I can't resist...) When we've discussed her reasons for believing in God, I feel equally depressed that her two primary reasons are that she really really wants it to be true, and because her parents are Christians. Not only that, but she actively refuses to risk having her beliefs challenged (e.g. by reading Dawkins). I find this latter point quite astounding for a highly-educated young woman!
2007-12-18 08:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by zacchaeus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if I'd have one specific initial reaction. If it's someone close I might be surprised that they suddenly changed, unless we had been talking about it. I think I'd most likely sense something like that happening if it was happening with a close friend or family member. I'd probably like to discuss why they made that decision, but I wouldn't be upset or disappointed or anything. I already have several friends and a few family members who are atheists.
2007-12-18 07:52:00 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel loves lasagna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My initial reaction is heartbreak. It's very hard for me to listen to anyone that renounces God because I think about how terrible I will miss them when I get to heaven. There are people that I've prayed for who have passed away asking that they be forgiven, for mercy on them.
Then I do my best to listen and to let them know that I'm always available to talk to about things and to read the bible. I never force anything only because the person must be willing.
2007-12-18 07:57:56 · answer #4 · answered by Luca's Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible makes it clear that each one must bear the responsibility for their own actions.
Just as Adam couldn't 'pass the buck' to his wife Eve for His wrong doing , we too pay for the errors in judgment that we make.
So ; if a family member or friend decides to turn their back on God , then that of course is sad , but it is their decision to make.
For more Bible based info please feel free to email me.
2007-12-18 07:55:51 · answer #5 · answered by I♥U 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing. Jesus led by being a role model. If God is the almighty, he could conquer our minds with but a single thought to do so. Yet, we are given free will, the ability to decide what is best for us. You can't change people, but only offer them another light upon which to see the world and themselves. Do not sanction or cast out those different from you, but allow them the benefit of your presence, lead by example.
2007-12-18 08:05:19 · answer #6 · answered by Thoughtful Mind 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My initial reaction would be curiosity.
Each person is entitled to his.her own opinion. Though, I like to know how he reached his opinion before making any judgment or comment. Hey, I might learn something if I listen to his point of view.
2007-12-18 07:59:58 · answer #7 · answered by skurka 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would be very surprised and curious as to why they no longer believe in God. I would want to understand the thought process that brought them to this conclusion. I hope that, if this ever happened, I would be kind and tactful while attempting to help them see the reality of God.
2007-12-18 07:56:56 · answer #8 · answered by babydoll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't care. A lot of my friends and co-workers are atheists, and we get along fine. Aside from possibly asking what caused them to choose atheism (only if they wanted to discuss it, because I wouldn't pry), other people's personal choices are really none of my business.
2007-12-18 07:59:38 · answer #9 · answered by solarius 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in my heart i would be crushed that they would never be able to experience God. i think that is horible, actually, but they can't know what they are missing out on, right? i wouldnt treat them really any differently, on the outside id look like i was ok with it, but on the inside i would be crying for them.
im so glad that has never happened to me, and i hope it never will.
2007-12-18 07:59:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first reaction would be to ask them why. Then try to discuss with them the difference in their beliefs and mine. Then, in private, I would pray for them and ask God to give both of us guidance and wisdom, acceptance and love for one another.
2007-12-18 07:55:29 · answer #11 · answered by amomentssunlight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋