Proselytism and Atheism (Jesus, follower, choice, experience, atheist)

[ChristineES]

Originally Posted by Father Heathen

Have I been pretty trollish? Be honest.

You haven't seemed trollish to me, either.

[Poisonshady313]

I believe that proselytizing is one of the highest forms of disrespect anybody could have for another, regardless of whether the proselytizer is Atheist, Christian, or Scientologist.

It's not like people just pull a religion out of a hat and say "I guess I'll try this for a while."

Some people are raised in a tradition that's been with their family for generations, if not thousands of years. Some people may have had what they believe to be an earth shattering, life altering revelation. Then someone's going to come along and tell you that what you believe... what your ancestors believed... what your family believes... is wrong? That you've been wasting your time? That your dearly departed are doomed to hell/eternal suffering?

I'm not saying we can't disagree... I'm not saying we can't debate... challenge each other... point out what we feel to be flaws/errors/inconsistencies... but at the end of the day, I'm not going to tell you not to be what you are.

If a person makes a decision on their own to change their beliefs.. their values... power to them... and let there be an unending pool of resources for them to ask questions about their new life's path.

To forcibly remove someone from their spiritual station in life (or lack thereof) is, to me, unacceptable.

[BalanceFx]

Originally Posted by Poisonshady313

I believe that proselytizing is one of the highest forms of disrespect anybody could have for another, regardless of whether the proselytizer is Atheist, Christian, or Scientologist.

It's not like people just pull a religion out of a hat and say "I guess I'll try this for a while."

Some people are raised in a tradition that's been with their family for generations, if not thousands of years. Some people may have had what they believe to be an earth shattering, life altering revelation. Then someone's going to come along and tell you that what you believe... what your ancestors believed... what your family believes... is wrong? That you've been wasting your time? That your dearly departed are doomed to hell/eternal suffering?

I'm not saying we can't disagree... I'm not saying we can't debate... challenge each other... point out what we feel to be flaws/errors/inconsistencies... but at the end of the day, I'm not going to tell you not to be what you are.

If a person makes a decision on their own to change their beliefs.. their values... power to them... and let there be an unending pool of resources for them to ask questions about their new life's path.

To forcibly remove someone from their spiritual station in life (or lack thereof) is, to me, unacceptable.

I agree: Door To Door Atheists Bother Mormons*Video

People can do their own research and come to their own conclusions.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

I believe that the reason why there is conflict between religions is because religions tend to be proselytising. Some Christians are not just happy being Christian, they want you to be a Christian too.

I think there are a lot of Christians who would like you to be a Christian too because they have found something they are excited about and would like to share. The problem is that some of them just don't seem to understand the meaning of, "Sorry, not interested."

Many atheists have decided that it is not okay to just live their lives as an atheist, they want you to be an atheist too. A world without religion would be a better place, they claim. When people think of atheism, they think of that irritating person who tells them how irrational and stupid they are for believing in God.

You're right about that. Fortunately, that doesn't apply to all atheists. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: Theists (and Christians in particular) do not have a monopoly on morality or ethics. Atheists do not have ownership rights to intelligence or rational thought. Why some people can't get something so simple is beyond me.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I think there are a lot of Christians who would like you to be a Christian too because they have found something they are excited about and would like to share. The problem is that some of them just don't seem to understand the meaning of, "Sorry, not interested."

I used to not "get" that. Certain Christians would explain to me how they were so happy that they'd found the good news that they couldn't help but share, and I would be like "Yeah right. You're just saying that to convince me to join." But when I got involved in UU, I found myself in the same position. I really was just so excited that I couldn't help bringing it up all the time, when really I was just talking.
"I'm going to church."
"Yesterday, in church..."
"In my church, we..."

I'm sure at least some people thought I was pushing my faith on them.

[Jaiket]

Originally Posted by lilithu

I'm sure at least some people thought I was pushing my faith on them.

Yes. You are quite a horrible person.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Jaiket

Yes. You are quite a horrible person.

Hey, I got Kungfuzed to check out his local UU congregation. 9 more "converts" and I get a free toaster.

[Rolling_Stone]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Why in attempting to assert ourselves against proselytism have we turned into proselytisers?

Because you're hypocrites.