Be like him, problem solved.
A friend, religion, and what to do?
- Thread starter matt_fsr
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Be like him, problem solved.
I haven't read the whole thread, so this has probably been mentioned, but just incase it hasn't...
If you don't want him pushing his beliefs on you, what gives you the right to push your beliefs on him? I feel you're drastically over estimating your value to his life choices, it is entirely up to him if he wants to embrace religion. Perhaps it won't last and it just suits him at this time in his life or perhaps he has found his calling. Either way it's his decision.
If it were me, I'd just respect his beliefs. If things start to change and he starts trying to talk to you about it, I'd be open to a dicussion about his and/or my beliefs, but I'd make it clear that I don't want to be preached at and wouldn't seek to do the same to him. Moreover, that all dicussion of it would be on an agree-to-disagree basis.
If you don't want him pushing his beliefs on you, what gives you the right to push your beliefs on him? I feel you're drastically over estimating your value to his life choices, it is entirely up to him if he wants to embrace religion. Perhaps it won't last and it just suits him at this time in his life or perhaps he has found his calling. Either way it's his decision.
If it were me, I'd just respect his beliefs. If things start to change and he starts trying to talk to you about it, I'd be open to a dicussion about his and/or my beliefs, but I'd make it clear that I don't want to be preached at and wouldn't seek to do the same to him. Moreover, that all dicussion of it would be on an agree-to-disagree basis.
Why does it bother you what others think?
Soldato
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Soldato
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Don't forget modest. You are clearly more modest than simple little me.
Slightly off topic but I've always liked the word "Evangelic" sounds so nice and just rolls of the tongue 
But on topic, personally I don't see the issue here people have a right to believe in what they choose to believe in. I’m not religious in a sense I don’t believe in God or a “higher power” but I don’t disregard the notion either. There’s that saying, “You can’t prove god exists, but you cannot prove he does not exist either” So I’m open on it. As long as others do not try and ram their beliefs onto me I’m fine with it. It “generally” does not change the person. I have friends with various religious backgrounds and we do have discussions about religion from time to time because well quite frankly its interesting. If you believe in them ideas then fine if you don’t fine but it’s still a fascinating topic with so much history to it. My friends and I never get into a massive argument about it because you know we are decent human beings and respect one another. I really dislike the idea that most atheists “believe” that religious people are stupid for having faith.... seriously hypocritical much ??
Just my 2p
But on topic, personally I don't see the issue here people have a right to believe in what they choose to believe in. I’m not religious in a sense I don’t believe in God or a “higher power” but I don’t disregard the notion either. There’s that saying, “You can’t prove god exists, but you cannot prove he does not exist either” So I’m open on it. As long as others do not try and ram their beliefs onto me I’m fine with it. It “generally” does not change the person. I have friends with various religious backgrounds and we do have discussions about religion from time to time because well quite frankly its interesting. If you believe in them ideas then fine if you don’t fine but it’s still a fascinating topic with so much history to it. My friends and I never get into a massive argument about it because you know we are decent human beings and respect one another. I really dislike the idea that most atheists “believe” that religious people are stupid for having faith.... seriously hypocritical much ??
Just my 2p
I've not read all the replies, but I'd be more concerned (if he's a close friend) about why he's "found religion".
IM (limited) E when friends have done that later in life, it's due to them having issues in their life they're struggling to deal with and religious groups leap on that claiming to be the answer.
One friend did just that, he was struggling to find a job, had no missus etc, etc and ended up spending a few weeks attending a quite fanatical christian based "church".
But then he moved to Italy, met a young hottie from an extremely rich family, opened an English language school, got married to hottie and had a kid. He's never mentioned religion since....
IM (limited) E when friends have done that later in life, it's due to them having issues in their life they're struggling to deal with and religious groups leap on that claiming to be the answer.
One friend did just that, he was struggling to find a job, had no missus etc, etc and ended up spending a few weeks attending a quite fanatical christian based "church".
But then he moved to Italy, met a young hottie from an extremely rich family, opened an English language school, got married to hottie and had a kid. He's never mentioned religion since....
Associate
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I believe in God but struggle to classify myself as any religion. There are people who do horrible things in the name of religion but there are also people who do great things that are religious.
Most people in the world are religious and most people are "alright" by most peoples standards and the same for atheists.
I would let him believe in what he wants and not argue to much with him about it. Maybe Atheists are correct, maybe religion is correct. If it makes him happy then let him do what he wants, Christianity is hardly extreme imho, well, except that they don't believe in evolution.
I think that there is nothing wrong with believing in God, yes we should explain things with science but science doesn't know about everything and maybe one day science will prove God exists. But just because our science isn't that advanced yet doesn't mean there being a God isn't a possibility, think of it as a theory that hasn't been proved or unproved.
I don't believe in hell but think there is an afterlife that is better than we are now. I think God would be forgiving and people would be forgiven.
As for all the ways a Christian and other religions teach about how to live, they seem out of date to me. I don't think God has communicated with us and told us how to live. The morals and rules in religion were made a long time ago and are old and out of date. The older religions are generally more strict and extreme.
Most people in the world are religious and most people are "alright" by most peoples standards and the same for atheists.
I would let him believe in what he wants and not argue to much with him about it. Maybe Atheists are correct, maybe religion is correct. If it makes him happy then let him do what he wants, Christianity is hardly extreme imho, well, except that they don't believe in evolution.
I think that there is nothing wrong with believing in God, yes we should explain things with science but science doesn't know about everything and maybe one day science will prove God exists. But just because our science isn't that advanced yet doesn't mean there being a God isn't a possibility, think of it as a theory that hasn't been proved or unproved.
I don't believe in hell but think there is an afterlife that is better than we are now. I think God would be forgiving and people would be forgiven.
As for all the ways a Christian and other religions teach about how to live, they seem out of date to me. I don't think God has communicated with us and told us how to live. The morals and rules in religion were made a long time ago and are old and out of date. The older religions are generally more strict and extreme.
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Most Christians do believe in evolution.
OP should mind his own business. If someone wants to follow a religion, that is their choice. You said he isn't pushing it on you, so don't push your atheist views on him.
This viewpoint baffles me. If I believe in religion and I speak to something that I cannot prove is there, thus imaginary it's ok. If I say god is speaking to me, it's ok.
If I want to believe in a 15 legged mega robot from outerspace who I can hear his thoughts, I am deemed mentally unstable.
At some point you have to say no, no it's not ok.
I think it was Laurence Krauss who said, no one actually believes in religion because if they did they would want to die, and funerals would be a celebration. They aren't they are morbid, sad events because in reality you know, you know you will never ever see that person again.
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i understand your concerns but not all Christians are bible bashing fanatics looking for lost souls to convert to the brotherhood!!
in fact I'd guess most normal practising Christians just get on with things regarding their faith in their own private way.
perhaps 'finding' religion or faith has acted as a crutch to help them deal with their problems in life - surely whatever the fix may be if it works for them then fair play to to them - even if others see it as a placebo?
curious as to in what way you think finding religion - as in finding religion in a non-fanatical way - could be damaging to him (genuine question)
some people just find an inner peace/comfort from having a belief/faith and that helps they get on with the daily humdrum of their lives
Let's assume he isn't believing in 15 legged mega robots from outer space and assume he is sticking with the bible.
The bible is (for better or for worse) widely accepted as a religion with followers and people believing in it. Therefore society deems it as acceptable to believe in it.
I agree with 'at some point you have to say no' - however, someone taking up the bible and following this religion I believe is not one of those times where you 'have to say no'
What objective test do you use to determine whether things are the same?
Christianity along with a lot of other religions have been grinded into the foundations of religious beliefs for thousands of years. Reiterating my original point that it is socially accepted for people to follow it.
It is more complicated than the two completely polar opposite examples you are trying to compare.
It is more complicated than the two completely polar opposite examples you are trying to compare.
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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?
I'm also an Atheist but you're making the assumption you are right.
What if in a few years there is proof then we Atheists will look like proper fools.
Best say nothing and both get on with your lives.
How would Atheists look like fools in this scenario? As an Atheist I would simply think, well now that we have some tangible proof I will change my opinion on the existence of God.
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Because he's been hypothetically sitting down with him showing him Richard Dawkins videos for years and suddenly little baby Jesus turns up.
I'd look like a proper wazzock.
(Obviously there is no chance of this ever happening because I know there is no God).
Sorry, it may have come across the wrong way, I just meant that if a friend has gone and found religion for some reason later in life, and religion can be a constructive crutch in those cases, I'd be less concerned about berating him or cutting him out my life because of it than trying to understand why.
If there is an underlying reason then I'd want to try and help them overcome those problems / issues alongside his own choice of religion.