Comment by Radu Andreiu on July 9, 2010 at 3:56pm

I don't really know how to make certain Christians stop trying to convert you. It's in their dogma or something... at least that's what they think. They are only trying to save your soul from the eternal fires of Hell.

Anyway, maybe you'd like to start the discussion regarding the supposed "Law of Attraction" here. I don't need to be a psychic to know that you'd find that most atheists agree that the content of this book is not in disagreement with atheism, as atheism means not believing in any god, period. Anything else doesn't have anything to do with atheism. However, I also predict that most people you would discuss this issue with here don't believe it is true and categorize it as pseudo-science, or New Age baloney. I must admit that I am one of these guys and I would really like to have a proper discussion where I could bring arguments for what I have previously stated.

I'm sorry because I wasn't able to help you deal with your problem and because I deviated the discussion in another direction, but that's what I found really interesting. Conversion attempts are not anymore, as they are all too often present in the average atheist's life.

Comment by Bailey Shoemaker Richards on July 9, 2010 at 4:21pm

If I were you, I'd politely respond to this person telling him or her that you're not interested in conversion attempts. If you want to have a theological conversation with this person, tell him/her that -if not, just politely decline religious interaction and conversation.

Whatever your personal thoughts are on religion shouldn't matter to this person if you're really friends. If that person can't get over your lack of religious faith, then I'd start easing my way out of the friendship.

This person doesn't seem to want to accept that people don't believe in god on the basis of a lack of evidence, based on the email, so it seems like an in-depth conversation isn't going to do much to shut them up about it. I'd avoid it, politely, or be prepared to possibly lose a friend.

Comment by Apple on July 9, 2010 at 5:05pm

" I know that you have had some negative experiences and interaction with people that call themselves Christians. For that I am sorry but..."

Is this person really a good friend? S/He's sure straw manning you as hard as possible here. Your friend is throwing out this statement because s/he wants it to be true. S/he wants you to believe that your lack of belief in his/her god stems from some simple bad experience, rather than any number of things that are much more likely. (Lack of evidence, betting on infinity, problem of evil, etc. etc.)

If this person person is a casual friend, then just avoiding the topic is probably best. But if this person is a very close personal friend, then it may be ok to invite them to have the discussion with you. But you need to make it clear that you're not inviting them in for a conversion session. You should tell them that you desire mutual respect for eachother, and this will not happen if you both do not understand eachother positions. Explain clearly and firmly that you have come to your position through a long period of study and consideration, and that your views are not based on "personal experience." Your discussion with him/her should focus on explaining to him/her, in a very clear yet respectful way, why you believe what you believe. If you need preparation for that, then you can post another topic and I'm sure you'll get more than enough good, clear points.

When speaking you may want to remind them that you are not here to change them or convert them as you have no such agenda. You only want them to understand you so that your friendship can continue to grow. Be willing to admit that you don't have all the answers, but at the same time let the person know that you don't think anyone else does either, unless they can clearly demonstrate such knowledge.

Comment by tsuken on July 9, 2010 at 5:30pm

Good thoughts in the previous comments. Myself, I just cannot be bothered having discussions with people so wedded to a faith-based opinion (be it religion or CAM or pseudoscience or whatever), as I just cannot see it going anywhere useful. They can't abandon their blind belief, and I can't abandon reason, so there is no common ground to be found. Thus I would shut it down (politely) if it ever came up for me.

Good luck

Comment by Doug Reardon on July 9, 2010 at 6:05pm

I just say: gods are illogical, irrational, unreasonable, and impossible. Of course, many times this results in homicidal ideation on the part of the believer.

Comment by Sophie on July 10, 2010 at 10:55am

I deleted all my christian friends and then decided it was best to just close my whole account. Never looked back. Atheist friends on here are much better!

Comment by Gaytor on July 10, 2010 at 11:05am

The apology is insincere. "YOU GUYS NEED JESUS..." Followed by an apology with the request to send books directing you to Jesus no doubt. I think that I would point out that I cannot accept an apology when you clearly don't understand what you did that was wrong. But I'd be happy to if you'd recognize that you were disrespecting my freedom of religion.

Comment by Therese Lee on July 10, 2010 at 12:35pm

Thanks for all the advice folks! I took it all under consideration and then sent her the following response to her e-mail:

"I know you love me and I love you, too. You are a terrific friend and you didn't hurt my feelings, so don't worry about that.

While I appreciate your concern, and I know you mean well, I really do not think there is anything to be gained by further discussion on this subject. I have been an atheist for as long as you have known me. I am quite content with my lack of belief in a god and it has nothing to do with anything anyone has done to me.

We all believe what we believe. I may disagree with you on this topic, but I would never make assumptions about why you believe what you do, or try to change your beliefs and I simply ask that you extend me the same courtesy. You have your beliefs, and I have mine."

Comment by Therese Lee on July 10, 2010 at 4:39pm

I will start a separate thread for that discussion.

Comment by James on July 11, 2010 at 12:17am

Very good reply Therese. Personally, I probably wouldn't simply turn down her information/attempt without explaining further. Otherwise you run the risk of coming across as close minded. I would explain that you have examined many arguments and haven't found anything to prove any God to you. What annoys me is the jump assumption that Atheism has to be a reaction to bad experiences rather than a well thought out and honest journey. But I digress... Your reply was well done, and should help ease conversion attempts. And if it doesn't... well, you're friend wll come off as pushy and rude.

Comment

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page