Dealing with being an atheist among theists

[artist92]

I'm a Christian, but I don't care what ANYTHING someone else is as long as they're a good person. As for religion and relationships, I think that totally depends on the people themselves. Some people are totally fine being with someone of a different religion, and others may want to but the way they grew up or their beliefs just make it feel like it's wrong, and still others may find it just starts arguments. I grew up as a Catholic with a VERY Catholic extended family, and when I went to a massive public high school with one of the most diverse populations you'll probably ever see, I ran into a lot of people and situations that I had always been taught were "bad". Even though I started seeing the other side of things, it was still incredibly hard to shake my upbringing. And now, my immediate family, four cousins, two aunts, and one uncle are no longer Catholic, and I've noticed it's so much easier to not be judgemental, to see the good in people, and to want to help people with their issues rather than condemning them for them. Not to offend any Catholics, but I feel like so many restrictions and lies (maybe biased and exaggerated ideals would fit better here) have been removed from my perception. I've since learned that no matter what denomination, a true Christian is someone who will love you, accept you, and want to share God with you but not shove it down your throat. Because that's what Jesus is like, but unfortunately it's the extreme people who paint the image of Christianity for the public (probably not unlike Islam right now). In the words of Ghandi: "I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."

PS. Well JEEZ, no wonder Christians have such a bad rep! All the cool ones are holed up on PokeBeach where the outside world never sees them!

 

[Guilty Spark]

I understand why a lot of people may look down on atheist or the idea of atheism. Since atheism is basically the lack of belief in a higher power/deity of sorts and since humans are naturally afraid of the unknown, like what happens after death, it becomes obvious that people would want to believe in a god or deity. I wouldn't judge anyone with this but within my personal experience I have met an atheist who would insult you for believing in god solely on the fact it is irrational. This would show that an atheist may also look down on a theist. Also on the topic of an atheist and Christian marriage, wouldn't the bigger deal be what beliefs the kid would be exposed to? I mean even if a theist chose to marry an atheist, wouldn't they want their children to be a theist. I think as long as there isn't a conflict about it a marriage would work.

More on my personal beliefs, I am a Muslim. I don't hate or love someone based on religion. While atheism may be frowned upon by some, I know there are others like me who judge someone by their personality. Try to find others who support you for who you are and don't judge you by your beliefs. Although like previously said you shouldn't argue about it to much with your parents. My mom doesn't like it when I neglect some sort of belief session so I can understand (to an extent) what it must feel like. Also about pushing beliefs on others: I think you should only suggest them (and only to people willing to listen; don't push it on others) and not try to tell them they are wrong and what not.

 

[Haunted Water]

@Noteworthy: What are you trying to say? I'm having a hard time comprehending your post.
Anyway, I think that if someone tries to constantly shove their beliefs down the throats of many, may need professional help. That isn't right.

 

[safariblade]

What sucks is that a large portion of 'Christians' who claim to follow Christ act like complete jerks to atheists and non-Christians. Im preeeeetty sure that's not what Jesus had in mind for his followers. And this happens all the time. Even among Christianity, there are so many disputes between members of the faith. It gives Christianity a bad reputation, and it's completely reasonable. If you actually know Christ, friggin act like Him and be kind to people of every faith, race, sexuality, gender, etc. If you claim that you know God and His love, but see that the atheists around you show more love and happiness than you, then re-examine your relationship with Jesus.

#JesusRant

 

[The Yoshi]

Go scientology!

I am a Christian but I respect everyone. I am more into philosophies myself instead of religion, but religion is important to me too and I learn to accept and study many different religions.

However, your view of religion depends on where you live, which is evident in this thread. If I may, Pokequaza lives in Europe, where the problem of religion acceptance may not be as large of a problem in his community. Just be careful of bias when you talk up or down certain religions, since the community you live in most definitely affects your view of different religions.

 

[Shining Raikou]

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."
- Dalai Lama

I go by this. I don't care who you love, what religion you are, what background, what I care about is that we're all human beings and in this world together. It shouldn't matter the differences, we should peacefully coexist. I don't subscribe to any religious faith, but I do believe everyone should get a fair shot in this world instead of being struck down for what they were born into.

Remember this quote from the first Pokémon movie as well!

"The human sacrificed himself, to save the Pokemon. I pitted them against each other, but not until they set aside their differences did I see the true power they all share deep inside. I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are."
- Mewtwo

 

[evilpacman]

I'm a Christian, and it completely shapes who I am. I rely on my faith day in and day out, and I don't know where I would be without it. To be honest though, a lot of "Christians" these days make me mad. So many people call themselves Christian, but then go and behave in a way that's against the Christian belief. Also, Christians (Or at least me) seem to get blamed for things done by Catholics, Jews and Mormans (God only knows how many times people have asked me if I believe in having multiple wives.)

I think a good example of my point would be Christian dating sites. There is no such thing, it's just a normal dating site calling itself Christian. It's not a Christian thing at all. If you really care to wind up with the person God chose for you, you would wait and pray, you wouldn't go talking to creepers on the internet. It's just another worldly thing calling itself Christian.


I guess another thing that bugs me is people trying to shove other beliefs down my throat. I don't shove Christianity down other peoples throats, so why do they shove Catholocism, Atheism, and and Mormanism down mine? Oh, and the theory of evolution as well.

Why can't everybody just live in peace, and not be hypocrites?

Well.... not to sound like a jerk or anything.... but the theory of evolution is supposed to educate. I think where religion rightfully gets criticism, is in its blatant disregard of evolution. It may not be perfect yet, but its the right path for thinking until there is better evidence against it.

I have no problem with religion and its fine if people dont want to accept evolution. The problem is those people will generally teach their kids against it and that is is where the ignorance becomes a problem.

For clarification, since it seems everyone is being open about their beliefs, I was raised as a Christian. However, I do not subscribe entirely to the teachings. I guess one could say I am not truly a Christian then, but I refuse to disregard knowledge even if it challenges my God.

 

[Glace]

Honestly, I can feel you. Being rejected by Christians because I believe in evolution and not in creationism, heaven and hell and being laughed at by atheists because I believe in a superior being is bad. And this doesn't apply in religion, it applies in other aspects of life too. But as TP03 said, we're all humans. So why do we act like that (again, because we're humans?)

I'm a Christian and I believe in evolution. Please don't generalize.

 

[Chaos Jackal]

I'm a Christian and I believe in evolution. Please don't generalize.

It wasn't my purpose. Sorry if I gave that impression. What I meant was that it has happened to me. But by no means I target all Christians or all atheists. That would be insane. There are many Christians and atheists I know who are open-minded and accepting, often more than I am. Just wanted to point out that such things happen.
Again, sorry if I gave the wrong impression.

 

[Sburban Jungle]

I haven't really read all of the posts on here but here's my opinion:

I feel that all religions and atheists should be treated equally and with respect to their beliefs. I'm a Christian and I find that as stated earlier with 81% of the USA is Christian I feel that as said in another post many of those don't actually follow what is said in the Bible. And then there's those Christians that, while very strong in their beliefs, they often put massive hate on those who don't accept Jesus and God. That group is often why Christians get so much hate. While they don't make up a bunch of the Christian group they're the vocal minority, the ones who are heard the most even though a large percentage of Christians are not like that.

Yes, I would be very happy if everybody was Christian but that doesn't mean I should shove my faith down atheists' throats. Other people being atheist is fine with me, as long as they also respect theists. Not too long ago I was on Deviantart and saw a picture that was about Jesus and it was praising him. I looked at the comments and a lot of hate was given. There were a few mature and respecting atheists posting comments, but otherwise it was a lot of hate. What I want from atheists and theists is respect towards each other. I want both sides to understand that you shouldn't always shove your opinion down people's throats and hating on them if they don't agree with their opinion.

I hope I said my opinion in a good way, my hands are kind of shaky and cold after shoveling walks in a snowstorm. Stupid Canada

 

[Pokequaza]

Yes, I would be very happy if everybody was Christian but that doesn't mean I should shove my faith down atheists' throats. Other people being atheist is fine with me, as long as they also respect theists. Not too long ago I was on Deviantart and saw a picture that was about Jesus and it was praising him. I looked at the comments and a lot of hate was given. There were a few mature and respecting atheists posting comments, but otherwise it was a lot of hate. What I want from atheists and theists is respect towards each other. I want both sides to understand that you shouldn't always shove your opinion down people's throats and hating on them if they don't agree with their opinion.

Definition of respect

noun
1 [mass noun] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

This is a general reply. It appears that a lot of people quickly throw in the word [respect] whenever they feel ''offended''. ''I am fine with him/her/them, as long as they respect this or that.'' I want to remark that nobody is ever obligated to respect anything. I do not have a problem with people, nor do I have a problem with theists, but I do not have to respect their religion, because I do not, neither does this mean that I am disrespectful. However, I shall say it again, I do not have to respect anything.

 

[Sburban Jungle]

This is a general reply. It appears that a lot of people quickly throw in the word [respect] whenever they feel ''offended''. ''I am fine with him/her/them, as long as they respect this or that.'' I want to remark that nobody is ever obligated to respect anything. I do not have a problem with people, nor do I have a problem with theists, but I do not have to respect their religion, because I do not, neither does this mean that I am disrespectful. However, I shall say it again, I do not have to respect anything.

I guess that was a bad word to use in this situation. I guess what I was trying to say when using the word respect was more of saying that theists and atheists should look at each other's opinions as opinions rather than thinking that their opinion is a fact. Sometimes there are people who think that their opinion is a true fact. Then again with religion it's hard to say that saying God exists or not is an opinion or a fact. But I think that we should treat it more like an opinion that we should not put others down because their thoughts differ from our own.

Once again I do hope that I said this properly.

 

[Bolt the Cat]

I'm honestly not sure what to believe in anymore, I was raised Catholic, but nowadays, I just don't know (I guess that makes me agnostic?). Anyway, freedom of religion is a basic tenant of the U.S. Constitution, and an important freedom in most democratic countries, so we should learn to respect other people's beliefs. I also don't like the degree in which religious practices have influenced secular lifestyle, for instance, how everything closes early on Sunday, that makes zero sense outside the context of Christian faith. Besides, it's not like every Christian goes to mass on Sunday morning and stays home the rest of the day anyway, it's gotten way more flexible nowadays (some Christians choose to go to mass on Saturday nights instead), so I see no reason for a secular business to close that early.

 

[Amphy23]

For dealing with theists, I just try to prevent conversations about religion from ever happening. That's the best way to live peacefully, because if we start talking about one of humanity's most stubborn beliefs, then you'll just fight with each other.

 

[Shining Raikou]

This is a general reply. It appears that a lot of people quickly throw in the word [respect] whenever they feel ''offended''. ''I am fine with him/her/them, as long as they respect this or that.'' I want to remark that nobody is ever obligated to respect anything. I do not have a problem with people, nor do I have a problem with theists, but I do not have to respect their religion, because I do not, neither does this mean that I am disrespectful. However, I shall say it again, I do not have to respect anything.

I guess that was a bad word to use in this situation. I guess what I was trying to say when using the word respect was more of saying that theists and atheists should look at each other's opinions as opinions rather than thinking that their opinion is a fact. Sometimes there are people who think that their opinion is a true fact. Then again with religion it's hard to say that saying God exists or not is an opinion or a fact. But I think that we should treat it more like an opinion that we should not put others down because their thoughts differ from our own.

Once again I do hope that I said this properly.

I think a lot of people get caught up trying to prove another person wrong or that they associate caring for another through their beliefs. What you think is wise is your perception, you are not likely to reason away the beliefs of another in place of your own. Most people are dead set in what they believe and while they may decide they believe differently one day, they do it by their own self-realization. What you may think you know is wisdom and should be spread to people you care about, has no power to reason away the things people have cemented in their brain over years and years of both self-exploration and life experiences. In other words, most of us are stubborn human beings. The key word is to tolerate others. You don't have to convert or "respect" just tolerate.

For emphasis - Tolerate: Allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.