Does the bible say not to be friends with atheists?

Question

When I read this earlier it made me sad.

2 Corinthians 6
14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[b]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Does this imply all personal relationships where one might become 'yoked together' (I assume this means emotionally attached as well as financially) with a non-believer are off limits?

Answer 1

I don't *think* that's what the Bible means. Paul's writings are always hard - they're easy to take verses out of context, and require interpretation based on the particular problem Paul is addressing. This is one of the more troubling passages. And it's even moreso because the scholarly consensus is that this particular passage (2 Cor 6:14-7:1) is not a part of the original letter, but was inserted some years later. It may not even be Paul's own writing but a fragment from an Essene-inspired document. Either way, it's impossible to place in its original context, and thus difficult to interpret the intent.

Probably more info than anyone else wanted to know, but all of that to say, I don't think that being "yoked" with unbelievers, or light having fellowship with darkness, is a prohibition against having relationships - even deep relationships - with people of different beliefs. Jesus himself set an example of eating and drinking with "sinners" and "tax collectors" as well as scribes and Pharisees. I think it's just a cautionary statement about preserving the purity of our relationship with the Father.

Anyway, it would be darn near impossible not to have friends of other beliefs without setting up a commune-style setting and withdrawing from society. I guess if you feel called to that kind of life, fine, but it's clearly not for most people.

Peace to you.

Answer 2

The sad thing is that the degree of separation between 'believers' and 'unbelievers' is not fully explained by this scripture. Since the specifics are left out some believers could go to ridiculous extremes and make it harder for them to have any normal, neutral dialogue with all peoples.

What constitutes an 'unequal yoke'?

Could the two sides have a common 'equal yoke?

Is it banning friendships in total or just interactions which require high commitment which also open the believer to 'sinful' actions?

Is this a way to keep believers in the dark about any error in their belief system?

Answer 3

You are right about 2 Cor. 6:14. It's trying to tell you once you learn the truth don't become so friendly with other people that don't have the truth because they will eventually sway you away from what you have learned.

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Answer 4

My friend...i cannot think this literal interpretation is correct, nor does the bible (written by various ones and at different times) always support the precious message of Jesus. If one adheres to his words only, the "mystery" is revealed. i am not a bible reader for the most part, but another forum participant shared a website with me that resonates with me, and it is "simple," which is a must for my lowly brain to absorb. The book is : Gospel Enigma: Uncovering the Mystery of Life by E.J. Elsesser.

http://gospelenigma.com

i did not read the fictionalized parable, but went straight to the "capsule" at the end...this encapsulated and explained the "Treasure" within and Jesus's purpose in coming into form. Elsesser relies on Jesus's words only to reveal the core of his teaching. It might surprise you. Please read the capsule all the way through. It addresses the "inner" transformation and not the "outer" actions that most religions emphasize.

As to personal relationships, we live in this world of duality, and must walk with all others. The "yoking" you worry about in your personal relationships has nothing to do with others, but everything to do with your ability to "yoke" to the treasure within, which speaks to your ability to be single-minded in your transformation. Do not be sad...you are light and are yoked to Light. For myself, i am "friends" with all ones, whether they travel in darkness/ignorance or radiate light/wisdom. After all, i, too, am in process and can expect nothing less of others who have yet to awaken. All blessings to you... I am Sirius

Answer 5

Yes, that is what it says.

Not only the "yoked together" part, but the following statement where it mentions "fellowship," which in today's common language would mean, "hanging out".

Guess my entire family should stop talking to me now. I suppose I should be happy that they can cherry-pick with the best of 'em.

Answer 6

Remember Paul also said not to be involved with the worldly people but he also said not to completely separate or you'd have to leave the planet.(he was a funny guy) It is better not to marry ,or be in business (that is what being Yoked is) with someone with different values than yours.

Answer 7

Seems like it, doesn't it? It implies that an atheist and a Christian couldn't possibly have any common interests anyway, so what would it hurt to keep them from forming any kind of relationship?

Answer 8

I don't know seeing as I am not Christian nor have I read the Bible, but come on, the bible is WRITTEN by men, and the bible is pretty old, things have changed since then. The bible said women were lower look at us now! We are more powerful, so yeah I think you can be friends with non-believers.

Answer 9

"Five" times in the New Testament of which Christians have taken the word out of context, this prejudice appears. Jesus ate and drank with sinners and publicans but those who call themselves his own can't stand the sight of them.

The word given by christians for the unbelievers is "antichrists" not "atheists."

Answer 10

Since the spirit of God and the flesh are at war with each other......it is not good to yoke yourself to someone who wants to be carnal. If you walk by the spirit God said you will live, if you walk by the flesh, you will die. (die spiritually and not be able to hear from God). It's not meant to be a slam against anyone it's a word of wisdom to choose life. The unbeliever can always embrace God and walk in the light with the believer he is so fond of. Nothing to be sad about.