I tell her about Christian things I do and she listens with interest. She tells me about things she does that are Christians consider to be a sin, but I don't judge her, I offer compassion and rational advice.
She has never criticised my decision to become a Christian, I have never criticised her for not being one.
Do you think this is just an anomaly or do you think that most Christians and Atheists can have mutually supportive relationships, but we never hear about them because of all the arguing?
2007-12-20 02:17:08 · 54 answers · asked by Velouria 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thanks for all the optimistic answers, I'm glad that so many people here in R&S genuinely believe we can get along in personal relationship, even if we argue about them in public.
2007-12-20 02:25:39 · update #1
Yes, I believe that Jesus came to earth and was crucified, and my husband is a staunch atheist, and we've been happily married for almost 14 years. Our daughter goes to a Church school and wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith; if she chooses not to in the future that will be entirely her choice. What people choose to believe - or not believe - is entirely personal choice. I've lost a little bit of faith - certainly in God's ability to hear/answer prayers - but wouldn't dream of knocking other people's faith, or knocking atheists for not believing. I also have a friend who is a Jehovah's Witness but we're still friends. People can live in harmony if they choose to.
2007-12-20 02:23:21 · answer #1 · answered by spanner the stig 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Harmony; absolutely! My Mom was a devout Catholic and my Dad was a staunch atheist. They had the most wonderful marriage I've ever witnessed. And it's all because they respected each other. That's all anyone else needs to do, too. As an atheist, he didn't care at all that we 5 kids were raised Catholic. They never argued about religion, just politics, LOL! Mom figured that Dad's soul was for God to save, and that it wasn't her job at all. Dad felt all the church-going was a silly waste of time, but he appreciated that my Mom seemed happier when she came home from church. It was a win-win situation for all of us. Again; mutual respect is the key :)
2007-12-20 02:25:02 · answer #2 · answered by jbloor@att.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like the relationship I have with one of my best friends, she is pagan(even been in wicca), not Atheist, and I am a Christian. I do not agree with here but I do not condemn her for her actions, she still ask questions too and I answer them honestly, she has no problem telling me what she agrees with and what she dose not and I do the same, but it is ne friendship you will not find any 2 people that agree on everything may be close but there will always come a time when you disagree but in a real friendship that will never end the the relationship
2007-12-20 02:26:57 · answer #3 · answered by Noble Angel 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well Im Wiccan...
So this is good question!
Well if u an ur friend Dont get into any fights then u 2 have a strong friendship..
Most Christians would get there friends or anyone else 2 b christians jus like them.
Most ppl could get along if they would stop tryin 2 suck ppl in an tryin 2 get them into there religon
2007-12-20 02:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by Dez DrOp DeAd 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can live in harmony...I'm a Christian and I have a great relationship with my atheist boyfriend.
Theoretically most people can get along, they just need to first get over their egos and learn how to respect people with differing beliefs from their own. Sadly a lot of people struggle with that respect thing. Just take a look around here.
2007-12-20 02:22:15 · answer #5 · answered by Rachel loves lasagna 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christians and Athiests can live in harmony. All you have to do is show love and compassion and real friendship. Don't try to force Christianity down their throats and the same goes for with them and their beliefs. You can mention it to them, but don't do the "preachy" thing. I have a handful of Athiest friends and we get along well.
BTW you seem to be doing exactly what you need to to have a great friendship.
2007-12-20 02:22:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I commend you both on being mature enough to accept each other as individuals. You're right, some people are unable to do that on both sides of the religious equation.
I myself, as an atheist and a Pagan, have many Christian friends who like and respect me as I am. But online, it's harder to see people as people. They tend to become nothing more than their ideology, and we forget the individual behind the avatar. Y!A is particularly notorious in this respect, simply because the format does not allow "chatting" or other kinds of community-building activities.
2007-12-20 02:21:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a beautiful thing when two people with different beliefs can get along.
However, not everyone in this world is openminded like the both of you. So unfortunately... this may never happen.
I myself do not believe in God, and it's been hard because I have not met a Christian who hasn't tried to shove their religion down my throat. You two are very lucky to have each other. :]
2007-12-20 02:23:07 · answer #8 · answered by Peno 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Peta. I think it is a very good and positive thing that you manage to hold a good friendship with asomeone with different beliefs. I suppose you both are able to respect each others views and opinions so as long as you both get along and like one another then I feel it's not a problem to be close friends. xx
2007-12-20 07:34:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some things it will be hard for you to share and if you really care about her, your heart will be burdened for her knowing that by rejecting Christ she is condemning herself to hell.
While it is possible that your quiet Christlike example might eventually win her over, it is also possible that Satan will use her to tempt you to sin and you will find it hard to resist since she is your best friend. Things may come up that once you were sure about the right and wrong of, but because of your friendship with her it will get fuzzy and unclear and you may be deceived or confused.
I suppose it is also possible that you may continue to mutually co-exist as friends and keep your religious faith personal and private enough that it doesn't interfere with your friendship, but I personally think that for me that would mean that either my friendship or my faith would have to be pretty shallow for that to be the case. Maybe it's different for others?
2007-12-20 02:22:41 · answer #10 · answered by arklatexrat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋