sakrilege

I'm sorry if I don't seem friendly but I'm just tired of being barraged by righteous individuals.

I have recently started a new job where people don't yet know my religious orientation. A very religious coworker is going to Bolivia to help a missionary put a roof on a school for an ophanage. It's a nice gesture but I don't like the idea of the brainwashing (IMO) that goes with it. He keeps coming by my office and I get the feeling that he wants to 'witness' to me but I keep the conversation headed elsewhere. Maybe I'm overly sensitive and he's just being friendly and I'm being stiff. (He's in sales, I write in house programs, there's no need for us to talk other than being friendly.) But I've had too many encounters for my taste with religious individuals, mostly xians, trying to foist their POV on me. I've seen it and lived it, I was a theist. I deconverted unwillingly. I accepted my atheism at a bible study that I was attending in my attempt to get closer to god. I don't like being patronized.

I wonder if I'm reading too much into statements that are made that seem to beg for a lead into religion. Like on a Friday in Lent, when eating a veggie pizza for lunch and commenting on how it wasn't very good without meat. I got the feeling that I was supposed to ask why he would have a meatless pizza. I just let the statement pass but it makes me uncomfortable.

For all theists who are just trying to be my friend and are able to accept that I have made the best decision for myself, I am sorry if I seem cold and unfriendly. I am sorry that I don't trust you. I am guilty of stereotyping. I know you are out there, my mother is one, she could care less about what I believe tho she is active in her church. But my fundie sister, she is always trying to throw in some statement about 'Truth'. I cannot enjoy a conversation with her.

Well, I rambled in this post, I just feel sorry that I may hurt someone's feelings without cause. Mea culpa.

Goliath

sakrilege,

You have no need to apologize to theists because they spew out offensive drivel. Don't apologize to them for your atheism. Be proud to be an atheist!

Sincerely,

Goliath

Sabine Grant

Salut Sakrilege... I hope your friends can all read your sincere thoughts. That was a very kind gesture on your part.

Radorth

ditto.

I find it sad that Christians and non-Christians can't argue vehemently and still be friends. I know at least three atheists here I'd like to be friends with. There is too much reading into the other's minds or something.

Rad

Bumble Bee Tuna

My suggestion would be as long as you don't live in the Bible Belt, just bring up religion when they ask a religion-begging question. Don't make a big deal out of it. Admit your atheism. If they try to witness, repeat a single phrase like "I have made up my mind, please do not preach to me". They will get the point after every time they try they meet this phrase. It doesn't seem like it should be a big issue.

I understand the fear of befriending them, though- hardcore theists can be really crappy friends to have. I have some good fundy friends, though- some are capable of leading normal lives.

-B

Badfish

As a theist allow me to spew out some offensive drivel......

I love you guys!

Sakrilege, that was a nice gesture.

Ronin

Yes!

Love the theist...belly laugh at the theism!


:notworthy

Goliath

Badfish,

And where did I say that everything a theist says is offensive drivel? Do you enjoy putting words in my mouth?

The feeling is definitely not mutual.

Sincerely,

Goliath

KnightWhoSaysNi

It's sad that religious/worldview differences can cause a strain in a friendship. I have a friend who is a devout evangelical Christian. Occasionally we might have a heated argument but we're still friends after any disagreement. (Though I have to admit -- sometimes I purposefully concede the argument to him. If you want to maintain a friendship, sometimes you have to bite your tongue and swallow your ego a little).

My friendship wouldn't change even if their worldview changed overnight. For example, I've become good friends with scigirl. If the next day she told me that she converted to Mormonism and accepted young earth creationism, I'd be absolutely shocked. But I'd still be her friend.

Korihor (formerly, 'Nightshade')

SimplyAtheistic

Ah yes, I live in a small town in Nebraska. Free thinking and being an athiest are considered a crime. I can't tell anyone I am an athiest or I would be ostracized, seriously. And people wonder why so few great minds come out of our ignorant state.
Jake