very touchy one:religion

[LoveFanatic]

I mean no disrespect to anyone here, nor do I mean to offend anyone by saying what I need to say. Being an atheist, it offends me that when people discover my religious preference, they feel it is their duty to try to get me 'to see the light' or convert me. I firmly believe that every man has the right to worship(or in this case, not to worship) as they see fit. I understand that religious people(those that do believe in god) believe that we who have no faith are condemned to burn. Does that mean that these same people have the right to try to change me as an individual? If I feel that not believing is the right thing to do, then please respect my beliefs and let me be. I appreciate the concern that religious people have for me, and in return I ask that they (even if they don't agree) allow me to feel the way I do about god(or lack of). Thank you.

[jamesglewisf]

You shouldn't have any problem here. People have the right at FrappyDoo to discuss religion, but nobody here is allowed to harass another member.

From the bottom of this page:

Flames: Do not hound, badger, disrespect, insult, or taunt anyone on the forums.

[TTP]

I don't see that being a problem. Come, join us for some fun!
How is the weather in your neck of the woods? Cold here! {flake}

[Zephyrus]

I too hate it when someone tries to forcefully impress their views on me, and I plain and simply see it as ignorance on their behalf. I'm religious myself, but I've had people try to convince me that my religion is wrong or that theirs is better for some or other obscure reason, and this is where I draw the line. I will respect anyone's opinions as long as they respect my own, and not try to change anything.

Also, I doubt that religious people (well most of them anyway) believe that you will burn because you don't share their beliefs. If they do, then they are just ignorant. I for one do not condemn or judge anyone, and if someone is a true believer, I doubt they would either.

[Military Mom]

Ditto, LoveFan.

Worse is being treated coldly by people who liked you fine before they found out about the A word. That's always fun! Fair-weather friends, who needs 'em?

mm

[Mickyhoo]

Not only that, but most religions believe it is not our place to judge others. But there are always those who think they have the only way.

Personally I do not thing any religion is wrong, and that gets me in trouble with the religious and the athiests!

I think God showed himself in different ways to different cultures. That drive alot of religous people nuts, because many of them believe that if you do not beleive the way they believe, then you do not believe at all. It drives the athiests nuts, because they think since I think that religions that contradict each other can both be right that I am stupid.

I really like the way this forum does not tell us how to believe. If we ask them they will tell us how they feel, but (for the most part) they do not shove it in our faces. And I have seen one post "magically" change into something less self-rightous.

Way to go mods!!!!!

[Mickyhoo]

And sometimes I will try to explain why I feel the way *I* do, but it is not to "save" anyone, or try to convert them. I just truly enjoy seeing all sides to a subject. So if I give my point of view, it does not mean I am trying to change your mind, just trying to explain myself!!

:D

[Debby]

Hmmmmm, this is a hard one to answer since I so firmly beleive in God, and it is hard for us who do, not to try to "save" others who don't...it is sort of our job, as christians....but....It really has no place in this forum unless it is asked for (as Jim said) and I for one will never look down my nose at you, because of your beleif. My husband is an atheist also....he and I gave up years ago on trying to see the same side. (though I do pray for him, still) So....people can have different views, and still be friends!!! No problem here!!! :)

[4gvnAngel]

Ditto Deb!!! {toothy}

[hulkster85]

This is a very interest forum, seeing as how both my parents are firm christians and myself not at all. I believe there is a god but I would say I believe its better to believe in ideas rather than taking a belief and structuring a religion around those beliefs and making a single being the focal point of the religion. I don't think someone is wrong for being christian or catholic or athiest or buddist or whatever, thats their belief and i have my belief, just leave it at that. I think more religions need to set acceptance as a priority, not try and change the way a person believes just because thats not the way they believe.

[RoadRunner]

Hey, it's hulkster85!!! Great post. :) You should post more often.

I think we all need to be tolerant of other people's beliefs. It's only natural to try to convince someone of what you think is right, but you need to be polite and respectful. I wouldn't discuss religion with a stranger without getting permission to do so.

[LoveFanatic]

Thank you all for being supportive. To tell the truth, I didn't know what kind of replies to expect. I guess I thought maybe someone would try to convince me to change my views. Wow, was I wrong! Sorry bout that. I'm glad to see so many different views it's refreshing.

[Debby]

We will never try to "change" you....we like you just the way you are...and accept you that way...this is not a church, just a forum for people of all different race, religions, etc, to meet, become friends, and exchange ideas. :)

[Mickyhoo]

Besides.. if everyone agreed about everything.. life would be verrrry boring!!!

Disagreements only cause problems when you are dealing with someone whose mind is closed to other ideas, no matter what the subject!!

And those kind of people think thier way is the only way in many other things besides religion... they will not even change thier minds about toilet paper!! (and they are normally full of what goes on toilet paper!!) ;)

[DarkInHere]

"Judge not lest ye be judged yourself" (Metallica - Holier Than Thou)
I can sympathise with you LoveFanatic. If you don't believe in anything, at least believe in yourself.

We like you just the way you are {thumbsu}

[Grimey]

For someone who wanted to find a place where her religious views wouldn't be attacked, she sure didn't post much. :(