Christians and atheists
My friends and associates come from a variety of backgrounds. Of course, as a Christian, I have a large number of friends who are Christian, particularly Catholic, but I also have friends who are Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Pagan, Heathen, agnostic, and atheist. Most of us can respect our differences, embrace our similarities, and enjoy each other. Sadly, I'm seeing an ongoing issue among a certain variety of atheist I know where they think nothing of dismissing people of faith as ignorant or foolish. It seems like the volume keeps getting louder each time this is declared. Of course, once those labels are tossed around it is difficult to have a decent conversation with them as who wants to associate with someone who thinks they are ignorant or foolish. This means friendships are also strained and sometimes must come to an end.
Of course, usually, there is baggage that comes from this type of thinking or a belief they are superior due to the freedom of not having to follow the moral guidelines people of faith tend to follow. There are Christians who have made life difficult for atheists and sometimes atheists feel like Christianity is shoved down their throats. I understand this without a doubt and, to some extent, as a Catholic in the south, I have experienced similar attitudes from those who do not believe Catholics are Christian. Coming home one Sunday to the "Chick" pamphlets on my door was one time when I had to shake my head and decide how to respond. Of course, knowing me, I didn't keep my mouth shut and I had a little sit down with my neighbor during which time I asked her not to judge my faith without knowing the truth about it. I gave her a short book that briefly and comprehensively answered the question, "Are Catholics Christian," and told her I would answer any further questions she had, but that I would deeply appreciate it if she would respect me enough not to attack my faith just as I respect her and her faith. She never asked any questions, but we were able to continue a peaceable friendship until the day she moved. Maybe she thought I was ignorant or foolish, but it wasn't something she chose to rub my nose in.
Sadly, I find that it is nearly impossible to discuss faith or a lack of faith with many atheists I know without personal attacks beginning or at least derogatory implications being tossed out freely. Finding common ground is becoming more difficult and logic flies out the window while the idea that manners and respect are irrelevant in daily conversation takes root. Of course, this is not true of all atheists, but there is a certain type of atheist that uses "personal freedom" as a reason to toss manners, polite behavior, and civility out the window.
It doesn't offend me when people attack my faith or disagree with me. It saddens me, but I realize they have the free will to believe what they want and that free will is the greatest gift possible from God so it must be respected. I will not engage in religious discussions with those that use their beliefs as a reason to attack my faith, put me down for being Christian, or are unable to be civil. I wish this was not the case; I wish reasoned, civil conversations could take place without the implication that those that believe in God are ignorant or foolish. Sometimes I have questions that I ask a few of the atheists I know and I am more than willing to answer their questions if they have them; however, the atheists I know that want to convert me or constantly engage in attacking Christians will be left swinging in the air - largely ignored.
Of course, usually, there is baggage that comes from this type of thinking or a belief they are superior due to the freedom of not having to follow the moral guidelines people of faith tend to follow. There are Christians who have made life difficult for atheists and sometimes atheists feel like Christianity is shoved down their throats. I understand this without a doubt and, to some extent, as a Catholic in the south, I have experienced similar attitudes from those who do not believe Catholics are Christian. Coming home one Sunday to the "Chick" pamphlets on my door was one time when I had to shake my head and decide how to respond. Of course, knowing me, I didn't keep my mouth shut and I had a little sit down with my neighbor during which time I asked her not to judge my faith without knowing the truth about it. I gave her a short book that briefly and comprehensively answered the question, "Are Catholics Christian," and told her I would answer any further questions she had, but that I would deeply appreciate it if she would respect me enough not to attack my faith just as I respect her and her faith. She never asked any questions, but we were able to continue a peaceable friendship until the day she moved. Maybe she thought I was ignorant or foolish, but it wasn't something she chose to rub my nose in.
Sadly, I find that it is nearly impossible to discuss faith or a lack of faith with many atheists I know without personal attacks beginning or at least derogatory implications being tossed out freely. Finding common ground is becoming more difficult and logic flies out the window while the idea that manners and respect are irrelevant in daily conversation takes root. Of course, this is not true of all atheists, but there is a certain type of atheist that uses "personal freedom" as a reason to toss manners, polite behavior, and civility out the window.
It doesn't offend me when people attack my faith or disagree with me. It saddens me, but I realize they have the free will to believe what they want and that free will is the greatest gift possible from God so it must be respected. I will not engage in religious discussions with those that use their beliefs as a reason to attack my faith, put me down for being Christian, or are unable to be civil. I wish this was not the case; I wish reasoned, civil conversations could take place without the implication that those that believe in God are ignorant or foolish. Sometimes I have questions that I ask a few of the atheists I know and I am more than willing to answer their questions if they have them; however, the atheists I know that want to convert me or constantly engage in attacking Christians will be left swinging in the air - largely ignored.
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