for other Atheists out there

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Originally posted by Lalania
But see, that's what drives the rest of us nuts, the 'witnessing'...you don't see us atheists walking into a church on Sunday and unwitnessing people right? :) And don't be sad, I'm not sad for you!! and don't worry about my soul, it's just fiiiiiiiine :).

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Let me explain...

Say, you found this great and wonderful vet, product, food or medicine. And it did wonders for you...it was wonderful...you had tried other vets/products/food/medicines and they didn't cut it, didn't answer all your questions, left you upset you spent too much money on something that didn't work, tasted gross or didn't help your illness (using reference from above). You are now super excited about this new thing and you want your freinds to benefit from this new thing (or whatever it is). By offering it to your friend, you are helping him/her avoid an over-priced product, a bad vet, a gross food item or a medicine with bad side effects that doesn't work.

THIS is what Christians are doing when the "witness". There isn't a quota we have to get and we don't keep a tally going. Its something that is done purely from the heart....

And that is all it is. We aren't trying to "win" you over to "our" side...we are wanting to share this great thing that transformed our lives.

A polite person would lay off if this wasn't welcomed, but you can't condemn all Christians or people that want to share with you.

Very well said, Noah's mommy.

I have found that no matter what religion or lack there of people are, they tend to think that their choice is the best. The problem comes in when they don't recognize the fact that the religion is best for THEM and not everyone else. I understand feeling badly, but for whom are you feeling badly?? In all actuality, NO ONE knows what happens at or after death, so I guess at some point we'll all know eh??? Like that Candian touch Lalania??

I met this guy once, and we went on a few dates...maybe two or three, and spent time talking on the phone. Well, at some point, we got into some more serious topics...and one of them was religion, and he told me he was a athesist!!! I must have looked confused...and he said, "but, I know I told you this before"...and I am thinking, "uh, no, somehow I think I would have remembered you mentioning this fact"...

We went on to ARGUE the point- he told me VS he didn't tell me...and I am thinking- how strange does he think I am that I wouldn't remember such a topic...turns out...he ONLY had close friends that shared his non-belief....he liked me...maybe a tad more than I him, but...it was a deal breaker for me...as I am sure it would have been for him later on down the pike...

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Originally posted by K9karen
But can we PLEEAAASSEEE not start any political ???:eek:

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That so felt aimed to me LOL! Well, I won't start anything, I'll only mention it if I feel the need to reply to something political someone else said :p

NoahsMommy, you can't compare that. Everyone knows about Christianity, it's not as if it's an obscure thing like a new vet or something. Get what I mean? And as mugsy said, everyone has what they feel is best for themselves, so why push them?

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Originally posted by Ann
NoahsMommy, you can't compare that. Everyone knows about Christianity, it's not as if it's an obscure thing like a new vet or something. Get what I mean? And as mugsy said, everyone has what they feel is best for themselves, so why push them?

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You may not be able to compare those things. But in my heart...this is how I honestly feel. I know you don't know whats in my heart, but I do.

You failed to notice that another Christian agreed with me.

I'm sure it sounds wierd being so plain the way I put it, but, again, this is how is REALLY is to many "normal" Christians. (By normal, I am not talking about JW or Mormans)

You know from a few PM's and other posts where we've talked, I've never pushed anything on anyone. I've already said in my previous post that said those who persist or "attack" are very unpolite.

Sorry Ann....I don't think I fully read your post. Let me respond again...

Regarding Christianity not being new, I agree. What I was referring to was the "transformation" of the mind and soul. For example, feeling less stressed/worried about every little thing, being fearful, etc. That is what I meant...

Just like say a medicine relieved some sort of psychological/physiological ailement. You would want to know if it worked, right? I never said "new". So, what I said was if I found this great thing....mind you, it could have been any religion, yoga, anything at all....I want to share. I know that religion is a hot button, but why should that prevent me from sharing something that helped me out.

Again, if I were to persist if I was recieved negatively....that would be rude...

I understand where you're coming from, but I still don't really think they could be compared IMHO. Another reason for this is that most Atheists have been Christian from the beginning and then left their faith.

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Originally posted by Ann
I understand where you're coming from, but I still don't really think they could be compared IMHO. Another reason for this is that most Atheists have been Christian from the beginning and then left their faith.

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I am sure it wont make sense, but this is truely how I see it and how I feel.

Although, I did like that someone else of the Christain faith agreed with me. That should tell you something.

Just to address the Christian sentiment that you feel pity for non-believers, I would like to ask you why you feel that is not an offensive or patronising thing to say?

What if an atheist were to say to you: wow, I feel sorry for you for believing in God, it's so obviously wrong.

Now, that's not the way I feel, but I would never say or think that about anyone. I find that sort of comment condescending.

My two cents worth on Christian "witnessing" ......

I was raised Christian in a denomination that firmly believed in "witnessing" to others. I never felt comfortable with it. I don't belong to that church any longer.

I believe that they way you live your life and the happiness, peacefulness and joy you have speak louder than any words. I am totally turned off by Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses, because they go door to door and try to convert people. If you live your life well, and hold yourself to your own moral and ethical code, others will notice, and if they are interested, they will ask. Then you can tell them about your religion.

Christians don't like to be solicited by other religions. Why do Christians feel it is ok to try to convert others? I remember nothing made my mom madder than the Hari Krishnas in the airports when I was a kid. She was simply livid to think some other religion had the nerve to try convert Christians to their religion. However ... she always put money in the offering plate for the missionary society of our church.

Hmmmm......

Let's all have a nice warm cup.

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Originally posted by Twisterdog
My two cents worth on Christian "witnessing" ......

I believe that they way you live your life and the happiness, peacefulness and joy you have speak louder than any words. I am totally turned off by Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses, because they go door to door and try to convert people. If you live your life well, and hold yourself to your own moral and ethical code, others will notice, and if they are interested, they will ask. Then you can tell them about your religion.

Hmmmm......

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Twisterdog, of all the replies on here, I agree with you the most. The number of times I have seen Christians that "talk the talk" but don't "walk the walk" is incredible. Even those who claim to have all the answers.That is one of my biggest pet peeves about Christians that go around and "preach". I believe that if I live the joy that is in my heart (that is there because I am a believer) that is going to speak more volumes than if I try to hash out technicalities with someone who doesn't want to know anyway. Just my .02.

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Originally posted by Soledad
I would like to ask you why you feel that is not an offensive or patronising thing to say?

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I agree that it is very patronizing. Its like saying that someone is clueless and basically hopeless.

But...I don't think you understand where its coming from.

My response or "excuse" for it would be what I've said above. The feeling of saddness is that "you" are living without this great thing (insert anything here to apply to your life). That is where that statement is coming from.

If you simplify it, it makes much more sense and doesn't involve too much emotion.

My question for the JWs and Mormons or the witnessing, if your religion is so much better than everyone else's shouldn't it just be a matter of time before everyone would convert to it?? I guess I've always felt that if you have to flaunt it then you must not be totally comfortable with it and are trying in a round about way to convince yourself.

I was talking to my colleague today and was telling him about this thread and he was in total agreement that if you believe that it's right for you, then do it, but leave everyone else out of it..even though you believe it best for the world. He and his wife are both atheists and are quite content with their lives. He has beautiful property, a loving wife, a comfortable house, plenty of money and is the most self assured person I know.

Even though I like most of what the Catholic church is about, I refuse to go out and tell people that they should convert. It's not my place. I also don't think you should feel sorry for anyone for what they believe...it's what's right for them, unless of course they believe in mass murder or something like that.