No Patience For Out Spoken Believers

[LivingNumbers6.626]

No you shouldn't have to put up with any of that, but at the same time, they need not put up with what you believe, its a two way street, no matter who is right and who is wrong.

Oh, yes. Absolutely. I rarely bring my stuff up point blank without a reacting agent. You're absolutely right.

---

Why on earth would you even want to listen to one of those shits?

They don't handle outright disrespect very well. Tell them you don't give a shit about jesus.

Yeah that's what I do, typically.

---

Who are you hanging out with Quantum? Ever consider new friends?

The only people I hang out with are my wife, my grandparents, and my in laws. My wife is agnostic, I am atheist. No issue there. But my grandparents and in laws are extremely fundamental and often times push their religious agenda in conversation. They know where we stand, so this past week I have either ignored them or questioned their beliefs harshly.

---

Rhythm nailed it. If you feel that the people in your life are making you uncomfortable due to their religious beliefs, you might do well to make a serious attempt to widen your circle of friends. Secular societies/clubs can be found nearly anywhere. Look into it.

Boru

Absolutely. I know where they are at down here. Just settling a transportational issue till I can go. (Car broke down. Haha)

[Mister Agenda]

Should I sit quietly and listen to a Christian who insistant on how good their life is because of Jesus when they won't give a second thought about reciprocating the same kindness when I wish to share the joys of disbelief?

It would probably be educational for them to discover their audience isn't entirely composed of Christians. Just remember everyone there will probably base their opinion of atheists on you.

Should I allow obnoxious, fundemental believers to vomit their nonsense on a regular bases all over me when I can't even mention how cool science is?

You can't!?

Should I be kind and polite?

This question should probably be directed at your mother. But in my opinion, you can be kind and polite without being a doormat.

Right now, I feel as though I have no patience or sympathy for the outspoken believer. I find it best to alienate them all from my life. I'm interested in open conversation, not listening to a Sunday morning sermon. I can keep my atheism to myself, if you can't keep Jesus to yourself, then I say good riddance to you.

Surely there's a middle ground between 'keeping your mouth shut' and 'alienate them all from my life'? Maybe you should just voice your concerns openly and the people not worth keeping in your life will alienate themselves.

I will shut down your beliefs faster than you can say "the power of Christ compels you."

That is an unlikely outcome.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I'm tired of religion and would like to enjoy a day with a person who doesn't feel the need to save me. I just need to make more friends who are more interested in being human than being religious.

Check Meetup.com for an atheist group near you.

[LivingNumbers6.626]

Should I allow obnoxious, fundemental believers to vomit their nonsense on a regular bases all over me when I can't even mention how cool science is?

Do they know you don't believe? Are these one-on-one conversations, or are they talking to each other while you're present?

If they know you don't believe and continue to say these things to you, it shows a fundamental lack of respect for you.

If they're talking to each other and you happen to be around, there's not a lot you can do about that. You can question the things they say if you feel like getting into that, but there's a difference between them talking about it around you and to you.

Either way, feel free to bring up how awesome science is.

Most of the time it is to me directly. Sometimes it is indirect. But they definitely know where I stand.

[RobbyPants]

Most of the time it is to me directly. Sometimes it is indirect. But they definitely know where I stand.

Feel free to tell them why their beliefs are stupid in as polite a way as you feel necessary.

If they know how you feel and do this, anyway, they're showing a lack of respect to you. The three viable options I see are:

• Remind them that you disagree and would rather not have these conversations.
  
• Stop talking to them (if that's possible).
  
• Say whatever you feel like right back to them.