Chistian's views of Athiests

As a CHRISTIAN by faith and deed, I look upon athiest as the same human. Maybe there are different reasons to consider why they become so, without judging them first about whether they are wrong or right.I have some people i know who turned away from their faith and convictions because of confussion, hatred,sad and bad experiences,and they thought of questioning God's existence in times like these. What I can only suggest is that, God still loves us all, no matter who we are, where we are and why we are made to be in such a way we are today.

It doesn't affect your morals if you are really living what you believe. People always SAY to be true to yourself and be exactly who you are and who you want to be and either people will love you and respect you and want to be around you - or they won't. I can say with 100% surety that I am - I am who I am. I don't apologize to anybody, change myself for anybody. What matters to me is that my life is fulfilling, that I am happy, that there is love and enjoyment and laughter in my life, that I do what I can to the best of my ability, and that I am as good of a friend, daughter, wife, mother etc as I can be. Perception of me... means nothing. I would never suddenly go around and do a 180 just because I decide religion is unnecessary. I still believe that you need to respect yourself and others, be safe, be responsible. I still believe people should not steal or hurt or kill others. Violence is not the answer to our problems. There is more than 1 way to skin a cat. Diversity is real life. I don't believe spirituality has anything to do with religion. Every human being has a spirit and a spiritual side. This does not mean every human being is religious or needs religion. It doesn't mean every human being believes in a higher power either lol. I believe in other dimensions, in the fact that there is life after it ends here too. I also tend to look at WHY people do things more than WHAT people do. If you do something wonderful for me but you don't like me and you didn't want to do it and you were forced to, that negates whatever you did for me. That is why intentions matter. I actually have a lot of friends who are mormon, and friends who are pagan/atheist. Some of them are incredibly cool people, loving, would give you the shirt off their back. Some of them I can only handle in small doses because they like to 'preach' lol. If it doesn't get in the way of our friendship, the friendships endure. I do have a line drawn in the sand though, and I weigh carefully what I am willing to deal with on any given day.

When I told one friend that I had stopped believing in God she asked how it affected my morals. What did she expect me to say? That I started shoplifting, killing the people that made me mad and cheating on my husband? Letting go of God had no real impact on who I was, only on how I thought others would perceive me. Some people think you can't be good without God. I think that is selling yourself short. I too have friends from many different walks of life and my life is richer for it. Often makes for some interesting conversations.

Hi terrile! Thanks for your response! Being a Christian means being like Jesus Christ. So measured by that yardstick there are very few Christians in this world, though many claim to be so or think they are. That that would be the case is highlighted by Jesus himself. Matthew 7:21-23 (New International Version) 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' When "love and respect" is given to someone it doesn't necessarily mean that the recipient deserves such but rather that the giver has it in his heart. And besides, how do we know that when we give such, it might not touch a person in a positive way. As Christians we hope that the good we do might motivate others to do the same. Being like Christ is the best way of living and his teachings can change the human heart for the better but only if applied. Jesus’ worldwide influence has been acknowledged even by non-Christian leaders. For example, Jewish rabbi Hyman Enelow wrote: “Jesus has become the most popular, the most studied, the most influential figure in the religious history of mankind.” Enelow also stated: “Who can compute all that Jesus has meant to humanity? The love he has inspired, the solace he has given, the good he has engendered, the hope and joy he has kindled—all that is unequalled in human history. Among the great and the good that the human race has produced, none has even approached Jesus in universality of appeal and sway. He has become the most fascinating figure in history.” And Hindu leader Mohandas K. Gandhi said: “I know of no one who has done more for humanity than Jesus. In fact, there is nothing wrong with Christianity.” However, he added: “The trouble is with you Christians. You do not begin to live up to your own teachings.” The problem is not Christianity, it's that sadly most Christians do not practice Christianity! Maybe if more Christians would practice the teachings of Jesus we could actually be a light to the world. Our beliefs may differ but I'm glad to see, that if you and I would be neighbors no one would know by observing our conduct, who is the Christian and who is the atheist. Live long and prosper!

I do not see the evidence that you speak of, nor do I see where christianity has brought peace and unity to mankind. It hasn't even brought peace and unity to christians. Being taught to show love and respect for EVERY human is a big christian cop-out because not everyone deserves love or respect. It kinda lets you off the hook for making tough decisions. But in your last sentence you say you treat them with the respect they DESERVE so I am assuming you do make differentiations. I like your 'be a neighbor to all'. that was the kind of christian I was...and the kind of athiest I am.

covering ALL your bases, eh?

I was a christian in the bible belt. I didn't personally know any self proclaimed atheists. I guess because of that I didn't have any real view of atheism other than that it was misguided. I have seen many christians respond with extreme hatred toward atheists. I am pleased to see that has not been the response to my post.

I do not mind too much about this, I just want to live a rightful life in Jesus, yea ,we are the light, the salt in the world, they will see our way finally, they will know what is real truth.

I know christians that attend church faithfully but are not very nice people outside of their church. I also know wonderful christians, both faithful attendants and those who rarely step inside a church, who treat others with kindness and generosity. The new church comes because they pay for it, not pray for it. and the suffering continues because some believe that you can pray it away (and that doesn't work) and others believe that it is 'the wages of sin'...there is suffering because we are unworthy. If everyone who was praying for change did something about the situation instead, the suffering would be greatly reduced. Living in a country where almost 70% claim christianity leaves other faiths and nonbelievers in the minority with atheism the smallest group. its a daunting place to be.

I think that it is easier to accept differences in view points when it is with a friend. It helps us to keep an open mind. Have your views on atheism always been this way? or was there a change in your view at some time?