How to avoid losing respect for friends

[LiberalHearted]

You believe in GOD, and believe that we were all created to which makes you feel like you have a purpose in life..It makes you feel special. I believe that we are uniquely emergent beings without prefabrication or creation by another being.. However, in either case we are still amazing, unique, and living lives with a sense of purpose. So despite the differences of how we think we got here, we are friends, and we should value that as deeply as we value our personal beliefs.
It solved the problem, and I've been friends with my friend now for over 8 years.

Well said. Friendships are based on multiple reasons. Should belief and non belief of god break a friendship up then there is something not quite right with that relationship.

Same said with me, although a few may be pushy over a 'must' believe in god; all I need to do is remind those few that isn't what our friendship is based on.

As much as believing (faith) is generally fear based; I've noticed that same expression of fear on faces of friends that I freely tell of my atheism. Any animosity that comes from them; which is as a for instance "what do you worship" resounds that shriek of vocal level that can be recognized as fear.

Great thing my compassion was a Grandpa made thing though; I remember him gently cupping flies and shooing them out the window. He never did announce his non belief, and shrugged it off as 'this is who I am'. I can't say he was an atheist but can say the kindest and gentlest person I've known.