Evangelists Vent :/

[XxMallyPrydexX]

I know their point in life is to covert everyone they meet, but they're really getting on my nerves. I say "I'm a Buddhist" and I get "I MUST SAVE YOU". Do Evangelists even understand the point of religion. It is an INDIVIDUALS beliefs. You can't MAKE someone convert. You might be able to make them SAY they will convert, but you will never get inside my head, turn the knobs, and make me believe something I don't. So you say "I just want to 'plant the seed'", well that's great, good for you for being so dedicated to your religion like that, but plant the seed and LEAVE. An overwatrered seed will NOT grow. It's a proven fact

I don't know what to do... living in the western side of the world, where Christianity is the dominant religion and Buddhism has barely been introduced, I get this alot... And it depressed me... Either something's wrong with me, and I just believe something totally whacked out... but in that case, billions of people are going to rot in hell with me... or all those people are reaching out, following the strict laws of evangelism trying to get to a heaven they will never reach.

[Revolution]

Hey honey, I grew up ]in a non-religious family, and I've always been an atheist, and we lived in a community that was fairly Christian. I remember a boy making me cry because he kept telling me over and over I was going to hell to rot with the devil, and it confused me because I knew all of that was just bull, and none of it existed, but it made me so uncomfortable that people thought so low of me.

Remember that not all Christians are mean and try to convert you. Just have respect, and in the end, they should (and usually do!) respect you as well.

[Megan1]

They want to stop you from going to hell. If they honestly believe that's where you are going, wouldn't it be terrible of them to NOT try to prevent it? And I am proof that the statement "preaching to people won't make them convert" is not true. With that being said though, I am a Christian evangelist and I agree that you shouldn't keep badgering someone after you have already preached the gospel to them- plant the seed and let God work from there.

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by Megan1

They want to stop you from going to hell. If they honestly believe that's where you are going, wouldn't it be terrible of them to NOT try to prevent it? And I am proof that the statement "preaching to people won't make them convert" is not true. With that being said though, I am a Christian evangelist and I agree that you shouldn't keep badgering someone after you have already preached the gospel to them- plant the seed and let God work from there.

I do not agree. I think it's rude and intolerant of other people. Christians are not the only people here, and you need to respect that not everybody believes in what you believe in. I don't go around trying to get people to unconvert from their religions, I completely respect that you're religius, and believe that if that's what helps you cope with life, and if that's what makes you happy, go for it. But I will never convert, and I don't like being pestered. I think it can borderline to bullying, I have been bullied for my religion, and you would never understand that because you grew up in the majority. It hurts to be made felt like you are "believing wrong", it's absolutely rude. I bet you have been made to feel bad about your beliefs before, and imagine if somebody continually tried to change you. I do not need to be changed, and I do not appreciate anybody trying to plant a seed of what I believe are absolute lies into my head.

And no matter what anybody tells you XxMallyPrydexX, you are not going to hell, and so aren't I. Don't let people make you feel bad about your religion and regret what you believe, follow your beliefs and follow your heart. I am proud to not believe in any religion. Buddhism is a great way of spirituality, I do not follow it myself, but my boyfriend does, and he loves it. Do not let negative people tell you what you should believe.

[ReluctantPegasister]

Originally Posted by Coffee❤

I do not agree. I think it's rude and intolerant of other people. Christians are not the only people here, and you need to respect that not everybody believes in what you believe in... But I will never convert, and I don't like being pestered. I think it can borderline to bullying, I have been bullied for my religion, and you would never understand that because you grew up in the majority...I do not need to be changed, and I do not appreciate anybody trying to plant a seed of what I believe are absolute lies into my head.

And no matter what anybody tells you XxMallyPrydexX, you are not going to hell... Don't let people make you feel bad about your religion and regret what you believe, follow your beliefs and follow your heart. I am proud to not believe in any religion...

Thank you for articulating what I could not. XxMallyPrydexX, I second Coffee's sentiment and hope you believe it.

[Megan1]

I didn't grow up in the majority. I didn't become a Christian until I was 16 (I'm now about to turn 18). But anyways, there's not much I can say about the rest of that. Arguing and just saying "no, you're wrong" isn't going to do any good for either of us.

Although, I do have to say that I don't see how calmly telling someone one time "here is how to avoid hell if you want to" is the same as bullying. I'm still nice to the person if they reject what I am saying and I don't continually pester them about it afterwards. I treat them exactly the same as before and just pray for them silently.

EDITED TO ADD THIS: You have probably already all heard the gospel and already know this, but just in case, I wanted to make it clear that us Christians are deserving of hell too....we aren't any better or more deserving of Heaven.....it's just that we let Jesus take that punishment for us instead of taking it ourselves.

[Revolution]

A lot of what I have heard isn't calm, it's judgmental. And thanks for your concern, but I'm not going to hell, your silent prayers will not be necessary.

[Gymnophoria]

I completely agree with you, Traci. It's very frustrating. I stopped believing in Christ 3 years ago and my parents still make me go to church with them every week and tell me its for my own good in the long term. But sometimes you just have to suck it up and leave them to it. If the same person keeps coming back to you and constantly trying to preach to you or damn you to hell, then I'd press charges for harassment, we have the right to believe whatever we want in this world.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by Megan1

They want to stop you from going to hell. If they honestly believe that's where you are going, wouldn't it be terrible of them to NOT try to prevent it? And I am proof that the statement "preaching to people won't make them convert" is not true. With that being said though, I am a Christian evangelist and I agree that you shouldn't keep badgering someone after you have already preached the gospel to them- plant the seed and let God work from there.

Originally Posted by Megan1

I didn't grow up in the majority. I didn't become a Christian until I was 16 (I'm now about to turn 18). But anyways, there's not much I can say about the rest of that. Arguing and just saying "no, you're wrong" isn't going to do any good for either of us.

Although, I do have to say that I don't see how calmly telling someone one time "here is how to avoid hell if you want to" is the same as bullying. I'm still nice to the person if they reject what I am saying and I don't continually pester them about it afterwards. I treat them exactly the same as before and just pray for them silently.

EDITED TO ADD THIS: You have probably already all heard the gospel and already know this, but just in case, I wanted to make it clear that us Christians are deserving of hell too....we aren't any better or more deserving of Heaven.....it's just that we let Jesus take that punishment for us instead of taking it ourselves.

Because 'calmly telling someone' how to avoid going to hell is rude. It's none of your business what anyone else believes. You can say it would be 'terrible' to not try and prevent someone from going to hell, but the point is that is based on your faith, not fact. So really it's just your opinion. You're not preventing someone from going to hell, you're merely pushing your opinion on them of what constitutes morality and warning them to conform to your standard because you think if they don't they're going to burn for eternity. I find that arrogant, judgmental and rude.

I'm an atheist but I'm not going to tell you to stop being religious as it's wasting your time because what you believe is none of my business and it would be rude of me to push my beliefs on you if you didn't ask me to share them.

[XxMallyPrydexX]

<3 I'm glad that there are other people that understand.

Hey honey, I grew up ]in a non-religious family, and I've always been an atheist, and we lived in a community that was fairly Christian. I remember a boy making me cry because he kept telling me over and over I was going to hell to rot with the devil, and it confused me because I knew all of that was just bull, and none of it existed, but it made me so uncomfortable that people thought so low of me.

Remember that not all Christians are mean and try to convert you. Just have respect, and in the end, they should (and usually do!) respect you as well.

Thanks Tracy I'm sorry that happened to you... I haven't, should we say, 'come out' as far as telling people I'm not Christian, and most of the pestering I get is online. And it no doubt IS bullying, perhaps they don't mean it like that, but it comes across as 'If you aren't like me, you aren't good enough'.

Because 'calmly telling someone' how to avoid going to hell is rude. It's none of your business what anyone else believes. You can say it would be 'terrible' to not try and prevent someone from going to hell, but the point is that is based on your faith, not fact. So really it's just your opinion. You're not preventing someone from going to hell, you're merely pushing your opinion on them of what constitutes morality and warning them to conform to your standard because you think if they don't they're going to burn for eternity. I find that arrogant, judgmental and rude.

I'm an atheist but I'm not going to tell you to stop being religious as it's wasting your time because what you believe is none of my business and it would be rude of me to push my beliefs on you if you didn't ask me to share them.

I agree, it's not right to try and tell somebody that you're saving them from hell by pestering them to change what they believe, it's rude. Not EVERYONE on this planet believes that by pushing their beliefs on other people, you will get into heaven. 'Nuff said, do whatever silent praying you feel you have to do, but plant the seed and leave. Please.

[Megan1]

Well, there's not really anything more to say here then. You think I'm wrong, I think you're wrong...I think we've covered everything.

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by Megan1

Well, there's not really anything more to say here then. You think I'm wrong, I think you're wrong...I think we've covered everything.

Except people like you insist on telling people your opinion on their eventual demise in hell even when nobody cares about it. Let them live their life according to their own morals. if they live their lives to the best they can, then if your God is a just God then he will allow them into heaven. If he doesn't, then he is unjust and should not be worshipped anyway.

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by Cosmo

Except people like you insist on telling people your opinion on their eventual demise in hell even when nobody cares about it. Let them live their life according to their own morals. if they live their lives to the best they can, then if your God is a just God then he will allow them into heaven. If he doesn't, then he is unjust and should not be worshipped anyway.

You've taken my thoughts and put them in epic word form.

[Kate*]

In general extremely religous people get on my nerves because I believe it is rude and disrespectful to try to convert people. I believe that religous beliefs (or lack thereof) are personal and between a person and the God they choose to believe in if any. They aren't between people or between God and another person. For example. My beliefs and my resting place for eternity are between me and God, not between you and me or you and God. You have the right to believe as you choose and so do I, we also have the right to disagree with one another, different doesn't necessarily mean wrong and even if the non-Christian ends up being wrong, it isn't your place to "save" them because it has nothing to do with you.

[Megan1]

Originally Posted by Cosmo

Except people like you insist on telling people your opinion on their eventual demise in hell even when nobody cares about it. Let them live their life according to their own morals. if they live their lives to the best they can, then if your God is a just God then he will allow them into heaven. If he doesn't, then he is unjust and should not be worshipped anyway.

Being a "just God" means that He is a God who brings justice. If He let people get away with their sins, even if they have done good things in addition, that wouldn't be justice and He wouldn't be a just God.

[Revolution]

Apparently, not believing in this God is a sin. That's not just. There are a lot of people in this world that are good people that are not Christians, and if you are telling me that they went to hell becuase they didn't believe in a specific God, I don't want to be in heaven. I want to g wherever Gandhi went. In my opinion, that means rotting and being part of the Earth again. That seems like a beautiful way to spend eternity, rather than surrounded by people who sinned and were forgiven because they believed in a specific power. I would rather be with good people of all religions, rotting into the soil.

[Le bonheur*]

Originally Posted by Coffee❤

Apparently, not believing in this God is a sin. That's not just. There are a lot of people in this world that are good people that are not Christians, and if you are telling me that they went to hell becuase they didn't believe in a specific God, I don't want to be in heaven. I want to g wherever Gandhi went. In my opinion, that means rotting and being part of the Earth again. That seems like a beautiful way to spend eternity, rather than surrounded by people who sinned and were forgiven because they believed in a specific power. I would rather be with good people of all religions, rotting into the soil.

What Traci said.

[Megan1]

Well, there's nothing else I can say then if you feel that way.

[XxMallyPrydexX]

Apparently, not believing in this God is a sin. That's not just. There are a lot of people in this world that are good people that are not Christians, and if you are telling me that they went to hell becuase they didn't believe in a specific God, I don't want to be in heaven.

That is the exact reason I started to question Christianity to begin with. If this God is the reason so many good people are eternally damned, I would take it as and insult to die and find myself in heaven.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by Megan1

Well, there's not really anything more to say here then. You think I'm wrong, I think you're wrong...I think we've covered everything.

I don't mind agreeing to disagree with you, because inevitably we will considering we believe different things. However, I don't think 'well, we disagree so that's the end of that' is a justification for being so rude to people (just to clarify I don't mean to me or people on this thread, I mean to people in real life who who push your belief on and tell they're going to be punished by God for not living up to your standards).

Originally Posted by Megan1

Being a "just God" means that He is a God who brings justice. If He let people get away with their sins, even if they have done good things in addition, that wouldn't be justice and He wouldn't be a just God.

But what is 'good' and what is a 'sin' is entirely God's opinion, if, for the sake of argument, he is real. If you're knowingly hurting someone else, you deserve to be punished. But I can't think of anything that is deserving of an eternity of being roasted over flames. Especially silly things like not believing in God or pre marital sex. If God seriously wants to condemn people (good, moral people) to hell for not adhering to what he thinks is 'good' and 'just' then he is a bully...and kind of a douche. If I'm proven wrong when I die and Heaven and Hell is real I can only hope with every inch of my life that I'll be sent to hell because I don't want to be near anyone that awful or that disgusting. At least the devil isn't a hypocrite.

Now, I'm not meaning to offend Christians because if you want to live your life by a set of moral codes and believe doing so will get you to a better place, fine. I'm not being sarcastic- if that's what you believe (and who am I to say it is or isn't true) it's good that you've found something that brings you comfort and hope. But as soon as anyone, atheist, theist, someone with strong political ideals etc etc starts pushing their beliefs on others in such a crass and offensive manner they lose all credibility in my eyes.

[Megan1]

Yes, it is up to God what is sin and what isn't....but He's given us the scriptures in the bible to tell us what those things are. You said "if you are hurting someone else, you deserve to be punished", but that depends....If you are doing something to purposely hurt someone else, or if you are selfishly doing something to benefit yourself and it hurts someone else, then yes, I absolutely agree. However, if you are doing the right thing and doing it to hope that the other person benefits from it and they are hurt by it, then no, I don't see anything wrong with that. You probably disagree, but there's nothing I can do about that.

And you said "if you want to live your life by a set of moral codes and believe doing so will get you to a better place, fine". That's not what I'm doing. I'm not trusting any of my own actions to get me to Heaven (if I were, they would fail). I'm trusting Jesus alone to get me there.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by Megan1

Yes, it is up to God what is sin and what isn't....but He's given us the scriptures in the bible to tell us what those things are. You said "if you are hurting someone else, you deserve to be punished", but that depends....If you are doing something to purposely hurt someone else, or if you are selfishly doing something to benefit yourself and it hurts someone else, then yes, I absolutely agree. However, if you are doing the right thing and doing it to hope that the other person benefits from it and they are hurt by it, then no, I don't see anything wrong with that. You probably disagree, but there's nothing I can do about that.

And you said "if you want to live your life by a set of moral codes and believe doing so will get you to a better place, fine". That's not what I'm doing. I'm not trusting any of my own actions to get me to Heaven (if I were, they would fail). I'm trusting Jesus alone to get me there.

But why do you feel you owe God anything? To me it's like if a prime minister (or president) forced their way into power and demanded we obey them and follow their rules. If we didn't agree with their rules and don't follow whatever they say we're going to be punished brutally for all eternity, even though the punishment far outweighs the crime.

Even if life and all the good things in it can be attributed to God, to me that doesn't excuse his behaviour. It doesn't give him the right to tell people what he thinks is right and punish people if they don't live up to the standards he expects. It doesn't give him the right to demand people worship him or be punished (superiority complex much?).

I understand why people believe in God. I also understand why some people worship him (because not everyone believes that he is the same God you think he is) but I don't understand why people such as yourself (who think that he punishes people like that) think he's good when he just sounds completely awful and sadistic.

As for the whole thing about punishing people who hurt others, what I meant is that I understand a murderer or rapist or kidnapper being punished. I just don't understand why someone would be punished for having sex before marriage, or loving someone or the same gender, or watching porn, or listening to non-Christian music or not believing in God. Hell, I don't even think rapists or murderers deserve a fate of being sent to hell if it is (in theory) what is described.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

I've been pestered several times by Christians, some rather forcefully and I expressed a view that either confused them or made them try a new route: I want to go to hell. To me, it's a place with year-round heating, free saunas, steam rooms and the best part, it's where the bad girls go . If someone tells me my beliefs are wrong only once and then fucks off elsewhere, I can live with that but it someone is like a thorn in my side, constantly telling me my beliefs are wrong, I just walk away because whatever I tell them falls on deaf ears.

Several times when I was waiting for the train, this middle-aged lady came around and handed people some flyers describing why we should believe in Christianity if we don't already. She also asked if we were Christians and when I said I'm not and have no interest in her flyer, she began badgering me, although I would not call it bullying. So I took the simple solution: I asked her if I can have more of her flyers (I just wanted 5 or so more) but she handed me an armful. I dumped most of them in the trash bin and poured some of my pop all over them. The few that I had in my hand I tore to pieces in front of her and handed them back to her (she didn't want them so I tossed them into the trash bin). It was a gigantic asshole move on my part but if people keep badgering someone, they should expect something to happen, other than the person to drop on their knees and exclaim they believe in their god.

For me, a religion where the god appoints himself as the judge, jury and executioner without ever giving rationale for his decisions, acting in a savage way and demanding attention is exactly like an angry 8-year old yelling at his/her action figures for not doing something in the fantasy story.

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by The Man And XX Master

For me, a religion where the god appoints himself as the judge, jury and executioner without ever giving rationale for his decisions, acting in a savage way and demanding attention is exactly like an angry 8-year old yelling at his/her action figures for not doing something in the fantasy story.

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by The Man And XX Master

I've been pestered several times by Christians, some rather forcefully and I expressed a view that either confused them or made them try a new route: I want to go to hell. To me, it's a place with year-round heating, free saunas, steam rooms and the best part, it's where the bad girls go .

You don't even have to wait! There's always Arizona State! I'm already in the heat of hell. Muhahahaha. Dude. Love your point. I want to go whereever Gandhi went, and where I can no longer be pestered to convert. Hell seems grand!

[Megan1]

Originally Posted by Marguerite

But why do you feel you owe God anything? To me it's like if a prime minister (or president) forced their way into power and demanded we obey them and follow their rules. If we didn't agree with their rules and don't follow whatever they say we're going to be punished brutally for all eternity, even though the punishment far outweighs the crime.

Even if life and all the good things in it can be attributed to God, to me that doesn't excuse his behaviour. It doesn't give him the right to tell people what he thinks is right and punish people if they don't live up to the standards he expects. It doesn't give him the right to demand people worship him or be punished (superiority complex much?).

I understand why people believe in God. I also understand why some people worship him (because not everyone believes that he is the same God you think he is) but I don't understand why people such as yourself (who think that he punishes people like that) think he's good when he just sounds completely awful and sadistic.

As for the whole thing about punishing people who hurt others, what I meant is that I understand a murderer or rapist or kidnapper being punished. I just don't understand why someone would be punished for having sex before marriage, or loving someone or the same gender, or watching porn, or listening to non-Christian music or not believing in God. Hell, I don't even think rapists or murderers deserve a fate of being sent to hell if it is (in theory) what is described.

Well, I don't obey God just because I feel that I "owe Him something". I mean, He did save me from hell, so I do feel that I owe my life to Him....but even if that weren't the case, I would obey Him simply because I love and respect Him. It's kind of the same reason that people obey their parents.

The rest of what you said is your opinion about how you think it should be, so I don't really have anything to say to that. The only thing I can do there is disagree with you, and that's not going to do any good.

Originally Posted by Coffee❤

Hell seems grand!

I know you weren't making this comment to me, but I have to ask....have you read what the bible says about hell? I don't know if you were just being sarcastic here, but I don't see how drowning in a firey lake where you flesh is burning, teeth being gashed out, constant thirst (both literal and spiritual thirst), and absolutely nothing good/fun sounds grand? Because that's how the bible describes hell, not as just a place where you are kinda warm and are free to sin as much as you want.

[nouse]

Mally, I can understand how frustrating it must feel. It's annoying having other beliefs shoved in your face when you want to believe what you want. Although I'm a Christian, I know this because I have my own beliefs in my faith that most Christians don't believe about it. Also, I constantly have Atheists trying to disprove me when it's not their business.

I agree that the seed should be planted and left, and some people just don't know how to do that. Just tell them you'll consider it, they'll be happy with themselves and will hopefully leave you alone after that. All you must remember is that by trying to convert you to Christianity, they're trying to save you because they care and believe you'll go to hell if you don't accept Jesus as your savior, and they don't want that to happen to you. It's not a "get people on our side" type thing. Even a famous man, who is publicly and strongly Atheist said that if someone knew he was going to end up in Hell and there was only way out, they must really hate his guts to walk past him and not say anything to him about it. He never became a Christian, but I feel that's the way Christians see it.

Hopefully you understand a little better, I'm sorry that you've been ambushed the way you have. All the best to you

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by Megan1

I know you weren't making this comment to me, but I have to ask....have you read what the bible says about hell? I don't know if you were just being sarcastic here, but I don't see how drowning in a firey lake where you flesh is burning, teeth being gashed out, constant thirst (both literal and spiritual thirst), and absolutely nothing good/fun sounds grand? Because that's how the bible describes hell, not as just a place where you are kinda warm and are free to sin as much as you want.

You must have not understood me. I don't believe in what the bible says hell is because I don't believe in hell. I'm being sarcastic. I don't believe in any type of afterlife, I believe afterlifes are for people who are afraid of death and have to comfort themself by by believing that maybe something else will be there. I don't believe in any of it.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by Megan1

I know you weren't making this comment to me, but I have to ask....have you read what the bible says about hell? I don't know if you were just being sarcastic here, but I don't see how drowning in a firey lake where you flesh is burning, teeth being gashed out, constant thirst (both literal and spiritual thirst), and absolutely nothing good/fun sounds grand? Because that's how the bible describes hell, not as just a place where you are kinda warm and are free to sin as much as you want.

The description of hell in the bible is irrelevant because one first has to believe whatever is in the bible is true. If that isn't there, you can describe hell all you want, it's of no use and pertains no significance.

[Megan1]

Right, but she was saying "hell sounds grand" (talking about hell, a thing from the bible!), so I was telling her what the bible actually describes hell as. She's the one who brought up hell, a biblical term, so I told her what the bible actually described it as.

I thought she was saying that she doesn't believe in the bible, but that if it were true, she would choose hell over Heaven....and I was just pointing out the flaw in statement that hell is going to be better if it exists. I didn't realize that she was just making a meaningless/sacastic statement or I wouldn't have even replied to it.

[XxMallyPrydexX]

I want to go whereever Gandhi went

Dude if God sent Ghandi to hell I deff Don't want to spend eternity in heaven. Ghandi is my idol next to Buddha...

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by Megan1

Right, but she was saying "hell sounds grand" (talking about hell, a thing from the bible!), so I was telling her what the bible actually describes hell as. She's the one who brought up hell, a biblical term, so I told her what the bible actually described it as.

I thought she was saying that she doesn't believe in the bible, but that if it were true, she would choose hell over Heaven....and I was just pointing out the flaw in statement that hell is going to be better if it exists. I didn't realize that she was just making a meaningless/sacastic statement or I wouldn't have even replied to it.

Legit question: If you think Hell is really as bad as you describe how can you think anyone deserves to be sent there? Are you some kind of sociopath and/or sadist?

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by Megan1

Right, but she was saying "hell sounds grand" (talking about hell, a thing from the bible!), so I was telling her what the bible actually describes hell as. She's the one who brought up hell, a biblical term, so I told her what the bible actually described it as.

I thought she was saying that she doesn't believe in the bible, but that if it were true, she would choose hell over Heaven....and I was just pointing out the flaw in statement that hell is going to be better if it exists. I didn't realize that she was just making a meaningless/sacastic statement or I wouldn't have even replied to it.

Honestly, I'd rather go to hell than spend an eternity in a place full of mindless drones or -- even worse! -- an eternity spent in a place filled with people like you and my dear old grandmother: Idiots who think they can change others people's minds by telling them continuously that they're believing wrong, even though the great majority of us have hinted around forever for them to shut up.



Yeah, I said it.


If your god is going to send me to hell because I chose not to believe in something that has absolutely no solid proof of being there, in a religion who's doctrine I disagree with on more than several points, then I say go right ahead. Let me suffer eternally, as a matyr for my people: The people who don't hold with bullshit, or the people who choose to believe something different than Christianity.

Also, don't say it relies on faith. 'Cause I have no patience with faith.


And did you know that your god is actually an idea descended from a middle-eastern war god? And yet you say he is for peace... Bah!


(Don't kill me, here, folks, I'm just saying what I'm thinking. )

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by The Man And XX Master

The description of hell in the bible is irrelevant because one first has to believe whatever is in the bible is true. If that isn't there, you can describe hell all you want, it's of no use and pertains no significance.

I've been waiting for an opportunity to do that this entire thread... Truly epic statement, sir. *salutes*

[Iris. ♥]

I'm a Christian. My sister is an atheist. My best friend is too. Honestly, I think people should be free to believe whatever they want. Am I going to try to make them see who God is? Of course. But, if they reject it once, I'm going to let it go. There's absolutely no reason for people to try to force their beliefs down someone else's throat. It pisses me off when I see Christians do that, because any of us would be frustrated if someone from another religion tried to force us to abandon our beliefs. So, for all of you in this thread who are atheists, Buddhists, or anything else, ignore the people that try to bully you into agreeing with their beliefs. The decision to believe, or not believe, in a higher power is up to you. All of those beliefs deserve equal respect! Okay, there was my two cents.

[XxMallyPrydexX]

Originally Posted by LovesBrokenDream

I'm a Christian. My sister is an atheist. My best friend is too. Honestly, I think people should be free to believe whatever they want. Am I going to try to make them see who God is? Of course. But, if they reject it once, I'm going to let it go. There's absolutely no reason for people to try to force their beliefs down someone else's throat. It pisses me off when I see Christians do that, because any of us would be frustrated if someone from another religion tried to force us to abandon our beliefs. So, for all of you in this thread who are atheists, Buddhists, or anything else, ignore the people that try to bully you into agreeing with their beliefs. The decision to believe, or not believe, in a higher power is up to you. All of those beliefs deserve equal respect! Okay, there was my two cents.

Unfortunately I don't know a single other Christian who would follow what you just said :/

[Eldora]

Originally Posted by LovesBrokenDream

I'm a Christian. My sister is an atheist. My best friend is too. Honestly, I think people should be free to believe whatever they want. Am I going to try to make them see who God is? Of course. But, if they reject it once, I'm going to let it go. There's absolutely no reason for people to try to force their beliefs down someone else's throat. It pisses me off when I see Christians do that, because any of us would be frustrated if someone from another religion tried to force us to abandon our beliefs. So, for all of you in this thread who are atheists, Buddhists, or anything else, ignore the people that try to bully you into agreeing with their beliefs. The decision to believe, or not believe, in a higher power is up to you. All of those beliefs deserve equal respect! Okay, there was my two cents.

This deserves another one of these...

But seriously, it's Christians like you that make me feel respect toward Christianity. My three best friends are Christians of this same opinion; we get along just fine, haha. And I respect them more than I ever respected the pushy evangelists. If there was anyone who could ever bring me back to Christianity -- though that will never happen, as I don't agree with the doctrine enough -- it would be someone like you.

Just 'cause I hate pushiness.

[Le bonheur*]

Originally Posted by LovesBrokenDream

I'm a Christian. My sister is an atheist. My best friend is too. Honestly, I think people should be free to believe whatever they want. Am I going to try to make them see who God is? Of course. But, if they reject it once, I'm going to let it go. There's absolutely no reason for people to try to force their beliefs down someone else's throat. It pisses me off when I see Christians do that, because any of us would be frustrated if someone from another religion tried to force us to abandon our beliefs. So, for all of you in this thread who are atheists, Buddhists, or anything else, ignore the people that try to bully you into agreeing with their beliefs. The decision to believe, or not believe, in a higher power is up to you. All of those beliefs deserve equal respect! Okay, there was my two cents.

Dude, you're awesome. That was really well said but I agree with XxMallyPrydexX there's really not a lot of Christians who would say that among other things. I know a whole two people now. My best friend and you. I wish people would see that everyone has their own beliefs and morals and respect that. I doubt that'll happen though.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Originally Posted by Megan1

Right, but she was saying "hell sounds grand" (talking about hell, a thing from the bible!), so I was telling her what the bible actually describes hell as. She's the one who brought up hell, a biblical term, so I told her what the bible actually described it as.

Just because someone mentions something does not mean they firmly believe in it. I can mention Buddha for one day but that doesn't mean I'm Buddhist or believe in Buddha. Likewise, you can mention some African religion's deity all day long but that doesn't mean you believe in it.

Originally Posted by Megan1

I thought she was saying that she doesn't believe in the bible, but that if it were true, she would choose hell over Heaven....and I was just pointing out the flaw in statement that hell is going to be better if it exists.

She doesn't believe in the bible so she wouldn't choose either unless being sarcastic or mocking because that implies belief in the bible.

Originally Posted by Eldora

I've been waiting for an opportunity to do that this entire thread... Truly epic statement, sir. *salutes*

*tips hat*, that's what I'm here for.

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by LovesBrokenDream

I'm a Christian. My sister is an atheist. My best friend is too. Honestly, I think people should be free to believe whatever they want. Am I going to try to make them see who God is? Of course. But, if they reject it once, I'm going to let it go. There's absolutely no reason for people to try to force their beliefs down someone else's throat. It pisses me off when I see Christians do that, because any of us would be frustrated if someone from another religion tried to force us to abandon our beliefs. So, for all of you in this thread who are atheists, Buddhists, or anything else, ignore the people that try to bully you into agreeing with their beliefs. The decision to believe, or not believe, in a higher power is up to you. All of those beliefs deserve equal respect! Okay, there was my two cents.

THIS is what I'd like to see!! You don't have to shove your beliefs down somebody's throat to believe in them. I have many amazing Christian friends, Mally, they are out there. I know one girl who is Christian, but doesn't follow any sect because she doesn't like the discrimination. I have nothing against these Christians. It's when they insult me and my character that I get angry.