I love my Christian friend
July 17, 2009 at 5:05 pm
(This post was last modified: July 17, 2009 at 5:09 pm by wise_blood.)
Alright, the question that prompted me to join the forum in the first place... 
(I tried searching for similar threads to avoid duplicate questions so feel free to direct me if I missed something)
I just got off the phone with an old friend I haven't talked to in a year. The conversation was great until it turned to religion and I had to explain to her that I now identify as being an atheist. She said that hearing me say it made her heart sink--much the same way I imagine MY heart sinks when I hear a child's parent respond to a question by saying, "because god made it that way." So, you know, to be fair, I understand how she feels
Thing is, I am in the Bible Belt, and a good majority of my family and friends are Christian and grew up in churches where the word "atheist" is synonymous with "god-hating satanist." I know this conversation will happen again with other people I love dearly. People who I do not want to hurt or offend. So what is the best way to explain atheism to a religious person you care deeply for? I hate the thought of a friend or family member feeling bad for me that I'll not get to be "eternally" happy, when honestly, my "conversion" has given me more freedom and happiness than any religion ever could.
In addition, and good and reputable sources for unbiased scientific and historical accounts of biblical events, religious texts, etc would be greatly appreciated. it is especially important that they not be affiliated with atheistic or religious organizations, for credibility with people who's first reaction is going to be, "they're trying to kill my GOD!"
(I tried searching for similar threads to avoid duplicate questions so feel free to direct me if I missed something)
I just got off the phone with an old friend I haven't talked to in a year. The conversation was great until it turned to religion and I had to explain to her that I now identify as being an atheist. She said that hearing me say it made her heart sink--much the same way I imagine MY heart sinks when I hear a child's parent respond to a question by saying, "because god made it that way." So, you know, to be fair, I understand how she feels
Thing is, I am in the Bible Belt, and a good majority of my family and friends are Christian and grew up in churches where the word "atheist" is synonymous with "god-hating satanist." I know this conversation will happen again with other people I love dearly. People who I do not want to hurt or offend. So what is the best way to explain atheism to a religious person you care deeply for? I hate the thought of a friend or family member feeling bad for me that I'll not get to be "eternally" happy, when honestly, my "conversion" has given me more freedom and happiness than any religion ever could.
In addition, and good and reputable sources for unbiased scientific and historical accounts of biblical events, religious texts, etc would be greatly appreciated. it is especially important that they not be affiliated with atheistic or religious organizations, for credibility with people who's first reaction is going to be, "they're trying to kill my GOD!"
