A friend, religion, and what to do?

I'll try it with any religious if they are willing to listen. Once I see they are bigotted in their faith then I won't waste any time. End of day it's based on faith so no amount of evidence matters to the religious. In fact a lot religious just twist evidence around as something that tests their faith haha.

If it's a recent convert then it's probably more chance to listen to logic and reason. If they born in to it or base their life around the church then it's prob less likely you going to convince them. If you care about your friend you owe it to him to try save him from a life of faith.
 
He has imaginary friends now. He doesn't need you any more. Your friendship won't last, he'll always be thinking you're going to burn in hell and you'll always be thinking what a gullible idiot he is now.
 
It's his life, let him live it how he wishes. As long as he's happy and doing no harm to others, what's the problem?

I have a born-again friend who eventually became a priest. He met his wife through bible camp and appears to be much happier now that he's found God. Despite being an atheist, I'm happy for him.

However, I do challenge him when he says things that I find sexist or homophobic. Unfortunately, religion usually comes bundled with a lot of ultra-conservative ideas.
 
matt_fsr said:
Trouble is, with me feeling strongly against religion, I'm feeling like I should try and get him out of this situation - but is that being selfish? I have a feeling that maybe in a few years, or 5, or 10, whatever... he may turn round and say "why didn't you tell me it was all BS?" - then I'd feel terrible for not having spoken up before. :(

Is that just me being selfish though? Am I best off just leaving him to it, as it's his own life and choices?

(Borderline SC topic I know, but SC is too quiet these days)
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Leave him be. Faith is about belief, not facts. You won't convince someone otherwise simply using reality, the truth and facts. He might just be getting a sense of belonging or comfort from being part of a church or being told what to think.

It's usually best just to stay clear of the subject and politely decline any invites to be converted. If he goes too zealous on you, you can let him have both barrels and you may lose a friend.
 
Steampunk said:
Leave him be. Faith is about belief, not facts. You won't convince someone otherwise simply using reality, the truth and facts. He might just be getting a sense of belonging or comfort from being part of a church or being told what to think.

It's usually best just to stay clear of the subject and politely decline any invites to be converted. If he goes too zealous on you, you can let him have both barrels and you may lose a friend.
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Yup this.

Also op he doesn't say anything to you so just ignore it.

If he starts on at you then obviously it's different.
 
My experience of religion belief is that it's something you're born with or something you turn to in response to a (number of) life event(s).

Perhaps as Cheesyboy says it's worth having a chat more generally about what's happening in his life at the moment.


At the end of the day though it's a matter of personal choice, what you believe isn't it? Why shouldn't a person believe what they chose to if it gives them comfort in hard times and harms no one?
 
Sliver said:
I hear lots of comments about hypocrisy regarding "pushing views" on him etc. Surely a friendly discourse about it is ok ? Clearly religion is a fallacious delusion and as such as a friend you should bring up the subject and talk about it.

People discuss football and politics and music all the time but I never hear anyone exclaim " Don't push your views on him/her" . Why should religion get a free pass? Talk about it, reason it out, don't throw your toys out of the pram. :cool: Religion is not a sacred cow. It's fair game for criticism and ridicule just like any other topic.
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Typical response from you who always likes to attack anyone who believes in God. Remember, its not up to you or anyone else to try and get someone to change their beliefs. This can and should only be done by the individual.

I never try to persuade you to believe in God and i wouldnt dream of doing so. I stand up for my beliefs but you couldn't persuade me to change my ways just as i couldnt persuade you.

Let people decide for themselves without trying to force your opinions down their throats!

Now, what time are you starting your Bible classes? :p

God bless you buddy
 
You really need to watch the South Park episode "All About Mormons", which sums up how people should deal with religious people perfectly.

If you aren't going to watch the episode, which I strongly suggest you do, here's the relevant speech (but it loses punch in isolation).

 
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Lima said:
OP states friend has taken up religion
OP states friend has not forced these new views on him
OP seeks justification on forum to proceed with forcing his own atheist views on the religious friend.

respect your friend and his opinions and stop being so shallow.
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I can see how you've arrived at that assessment, but it's not quite correct.

I'm not after justification for pushing my views and ideas onto him, I'm just genuinely concerned for him. I genuinely do not understand how as a rational man, with a scientific/engineering background, at around age 30ish, you suddenly "discover" religion.

As Silver said, did God suddenly appear in his corn flakes one morning or what? :p :confused:

The most likely course of action I'll take is doing nothing, and letting him get along with it.

What quite a few people have missed, and maybe its the more selfish point, is will I regret not having intervened in the future?

Several people have said that it's unlikely I'll be able to change his new found views, so I shan't attempt to - But I may just query him if the right opportunity comes up, as to how he arrived at it.

My father in law is a lay reader in a CofE Church, so I'm used to the odd low-level Theological discussion. :)
 
Trouble is, with me feeling strongly against religion, I'm feeling like I should try and get him out of this situation
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Ohhh lol.... its got nothing to do with you... get on with your own life :)

The mind boggles how you thought this was thread worthy :confused::eek:

I think you are imho showing a lack of respect of the views of your "friend".
 
matt_fsr said:
I can see how you've arrived at that assessment, but it's not quite correct.

I'm not after justification for pushing my views and ideas onto him, I'm just genuinely concerned for him. I genuinely do not understand how as a rational man, with a scientific/engineering background, at around age 30ish, you suddenly "discover" religion.

As Silver said, did God suddenly appear in his corn flakes one morning or what? :p :confused:

The most likely course of action I'll take is doing nothing, and letting him get along with it.

What quite a few people have missed, and maybe its the more selfish point, is will I regret not having intervened in the future?

Several people have said that it's unlikely I'll be able to change his new found views, so I shan't attempt to - But I may just query him if the right opportunity comes up, as to how he arrived at it.

My father in law is a lay reader in a CofE Church, so I'm used to the odd low-level Theological discussion. :)
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What type of church is he going to?

Let's be honest here, realistically what major issue do you foresee if you don't intervene that is making you worry about feeling potentially guilty if you don't intervene?
 
to be fair if he's just going to a normal Christian church it isn't really that bad, there are much worse things he could have become as far as religion goes...
 
Have you considered that he might be thinking why you haven't taken the step to Christianity like he has?

A meeting of the minds should perhaps be on the cards to gain mutual understanding.

There is the possibility he wants to distance himself from you, and is being conspicuous about it knowing that you are an atheist.
 
I have many friends who are atheist, Muslim, Jewish, and of other creeds. I'm Christian, and we all get on like a house on fire. We have different beliefs but we can coexist with little to no tension as we don't actively seek out to get one up on one another - why? Because we're friends and we respect one another. In fact we have more falling out over rugby, politics, and whether German cars are better than Jap cars.

If you think that your friend's beliefs are that offensive, then maybe you aren't really friends? Surely it shouldn't be an issue? Just let your friendship continue, accept his path, and don't discourage him - allow him to work out what his beliefs are.

The world is a dark enough place, instead of spreading more hatred and antagonism towards religion, why not listen, accept, and empathise, and just let people who have their beliefs be? Is it worth falling out, or creating more tension in the world? Either through lack of understanding, ignorance, or just pure malice?
 
Personally, I will probably never understand why, in this era of technology etc, people believe in something that has very little proof. Faith I hear you say, but why do so many have faith in such a similar concept??

Anyways, if he's your best friend, and he respects that you both agree to disagree, then so should you. My best friend is very religious, and I'm devout atheist, but we're still best mates, and neither of us would dream of pushing our beliefs onto each other. As others have said, I'd be trying to find out why he has suddenly searched for God.
 
Amraam said:
Personally, I will probably never understand why, in this era of technology etc, people believe in something that has very little proof. Faith I hear you say, but why do so many have faith in such a similar concept??

Anyways, if he's your best friend, and he respects that you both agree to disagree, then so should you. My best friend is very religious, and I'm devout atheist, but we're still best mates, and neither of us would dream of pushing our beliefs onto each other. As others have said, I'd be trying to find out why he has suddenly searched for God.
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Why? Nobodies business but his!
 
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