I met my daughters boyfriend who is very nice over a year ago but I learned recently that he is an atheist. I still welcome in our home but I notice that I am not as warm or inviting as I was before I learned of his beliefs or lack there of. My daugther has sensed that my feelings have changed twords him - truly I am not sure how I should feel twords him now.
2007-12-28 10:05:50 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You have to ask others how you should feel?
I feel pity for you for not having learned how to "be" without the influence of others.
Your prejudice should be embarrassing for you, as I'm sure it is to your daughter.
2007-12-28 10:09:50 · answer #1 · answered by I, Sapient 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have two different issues there.
Jesus loved sinners, even those who rejected him. But, he demonstrated what it means that "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." See how he dealt with Romans who did not believe and were not humble, in the Gospels. He was neither rude nor hostile.
According to Jesus, the heart of an atheist can be closer to the Kingdom than a proud "religious" person, if they are humble.
Your other issue is the heart of your daughter who is dating an atheist. sounds like she may be turning away and not embracing your beliefs. You have a challenge there, which I believe may be evidence that she has seen hypocrisy that clouds her judgment. In my experience, an honest faith in the rough will win the hearts of our children much more than a polished hypocrisy.
Blessings - every soul is a mission field that Jesus desires to win to the Kingdom of God. I know a man who was an avid and studious Atheist for two decades. He is now one of the greatest Christian apologists I have ever heard of. He was won by sincere Christians who compelled him to study until he could no longer "argue" with God.
Just a thought: Love is the command of Jesus. Love even those who spitefully persecute you for your faith. Can't do that if you are scorning this fellow out of your home.
At the same time, I'd challenge daughter to why she would marry an atheist if she is a believer.
In Love...
TEK
2007-12-28 10:19:50 · answer #2 · answered by TEK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Christians should respect the atheists. I'm Christian, and I do. I have a couple atheist friends and our beliefs don't get in the way of our friendship. I love God, and they keep to themselves. As long as they respect each other, we'll all be okay. Atheists really just don't want part in religious acts or beliefs, and Christians believe there is a God waiting for us on the other side. It's just sad how so many Christians gave themselves a bad name [i.e. opressing other religions, beliefs, and sexual orientations]. Jesus said spread the word and move on, not start wars and opression.
So overall, everybody should love each other. <3 peace.
2007-12-28 10:15:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treat this like an opportunity to share Gods love--by treating others as you would wish to be treated. Respect his religion without giving up any of your values. Make this a learning opportunity for you both. If you both agree that neither will give up their religion, than you can get along well and even have non-hostile discussions about Christianity/Atheism.
Your daughter's boyfriend may not expect to be treated equally, and if you interact warmly with him he will gain greater respect for you and for Christians in general.
REMEMBER: He is a person too, and he has the right to believe in whatever he chooses. Make this clear with both your actions and words.
Good luck!
2007-12-28 11:04:09 · answer #4 · answered by bittersweetbangles2341 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love thy neighbor.
I think this is a perfect example of prejudice. I am not trying to be mean, but as a Christian you should love all, welcome all, no matter what. Don't be indifferent towards someone because they don't believe the same thing you do. C. S. Lewis was an athiest before converting back to Christianity. This isn't to say he will do the same, but I'm just saying. It's so wrong to act that way.
2007-12-28 10:15:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anja 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can't feel for your fellowman just because he doesn't believe in a God, then I think you should consider some serious self-questioning and maybe spend some time one on one with him to get to know him as more than just a belief. That way you are not looking at him as an 'atheist' but as the guy that your daughter has chosen to spend her time with.
2007-12-28 10:14:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well how can you expect people to tolerate or welcome you if you dont do the same to them?
i think you should be more concerned with your daughters wellbeing and happiness, then what she and her bf religious beliefs are...
i know my friends mom is a christian, and dad is atheist. theyve been together over 23 years. they both respect each others beliefs. just because he's atheist doesnt mean hes going to change what your daughter believes... or that hes not good for her.
2007-12-28 10:11:58 · answer #7 · answered by Chippy v1.0.0.3b 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost we are to love God. Jesus said this: " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the great and foremost commandment. "The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40).
God says that we are not to have close relationships with non believers though. "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14 ). There are reasons for this.
His ways will taint her ways and his ways are not the ways of God whom she may love. Also, if his line of thought becomes burdensome to her, she is not truly loving herself to live in toleration of what she knows is wrong.
If he can accept her faith and find it as well for himself than, she could stay with him. If he rejects what is important to her - she should eject him and find a man better suited for herself. She deserves a man who will be an asset and who'll be able to learn from and grow with her as well.
Talk to her.
2007-12-28 10:33:07 · answer #8 · answered by F'sho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why feel differently? If you had your reasons for liking him before, what has changed about him? Nothing but your knowledge of his beliefs. This is your prejudice, not a sudden transition on his part. Try to remain civil toward him while you work out your problem.
2007-12-28 10:11:29 · answer #9 · answered by Pull My Finger 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You must love him even more now--because he's a part of your daughters life. What Would Jesus Do? Love him, Love him, Love him. Witness with your fruits and maybe he will see something in you that he is lacking.
2007-12-28 10:12:29 · answer #10 · answered by heavnbound 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋