I find some middle ground with some theists, albeit narrow. When I am with a theist friend and we aren't discussing religion, I find them to be nothing more than fellow humans and enjoy their company for the most part.
My grandparents have been married for 60 years in January. They're Roman Catholics, never missing mass, and have contributed millions of dollars to the church throughout their lifetimes. They are wonderful people, and despite their dogmatic nature, I love them dearly. They are also evolutionists, and stand in opposition to the church's stance on birth control. Their faith hasn't been able to consume the entirety of their logic, and though I secretly view them as hypocrites, I also view them as victims of lifelong indoctrination. They're very old, sweet, loving, compassionate, fairly reasonable people.
Here is a picture of my Maw n Paw, and I at my college graduation. I was EXTREMELY pregnant lol, unwed, an "out" atheist, and a black sheep in our family... but they still love me very much, and will no matter what.
![[Image: 260105_1877006169672_1376771124_31809399_828566_n.jpg]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=i1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj360%2Fchristianathecute%2F260105_1877006169672_1376771124_31809399_828566_n.jpg)
I will say that my grandmother is beginning to suffer from dementia. She calls me about twice a week and cries her eyes out because "She's afraid she won't see me in heaven.". Do I try to talk her out of believing in heaven? Hell fucking NO! Besides what people think of atheists, I am an atheist with compassion. I tell her I love Jesus now. My grandfather asked me to do so for her sake, and so I do. I just remind her when she calls that I have faith again, and it really does calm her down.
My grandparents have been married for 60 years in January. They're Roman Catholics, never missing mass, and have contributed millions of dollars to the church throughout their lifetimes. They are wonderful people, and despite their dogmatic nature, I love them dearly. They are also evolutionists, and stand in opposition to the church's stance on birth control. Their faith hasn't been able to consume the entirety of their logic, and though I secretly view them as hypocrites, I also view them as victims of lifelong indoctrination. They're very old, sweet, loving, compassionate, fairly reasonable people.
Here is a picture of my Maw n Paw, and I at my college graduation. I was EXTREMELY pregnant lol, unwed, an "out" atheist, and a black sheep in our family... but they still love me very much, and will no matter what.
I will say that my grandmother is beginning to suffer from dementia. She calls me about twice a week and cries her eyes out because "She's afraid she won't see me in heaven.". Do I try to talk her out of believing in heaven? Hell fucking NO! Besides what people think of atheists, I am an atheist with compassion. I tell her I love Jesus now. My grandfather asked me to do so for her sake, and so I do. I just remind her when she calls that I have faith again, and it really does calm her down.
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