I recently went on a trip to Florida. On the way down there the gentleman in the seat next to me struck up an conversation. There was some small talk, and we eventually got on the subject of religion.

Like me, he was athiest. Neither of us believe in any single or group of supreme beings controling the universe or cosmos. We both believed that life simply "is" and we should make the best of it.

But then he made the comment, "Doesn't it just make you want to scream when people say that they will pray for you, just automatically assuming that you believe what they do?" I told him, UM, NO! Why would I ever be upset about someone thinking and wishing good things for me, even if it is by a method that I don't particularly believe? If someone says they will pray for me, I am flattered and happy that they care.

I sat with a woman on the way back that was a devout Christian. Again, mostly because of her constant reference to it, religion came into the conversation. I spent the rest of the flight trying to politely dodge her questions as she tried to convert me, until finally I told her I simply was not interested and she quietly pouted the rest of the way.

Bottom line. I think all religions are fascinating and I like hearing what other people believe, as long as they are not trying to convert me. There is nothing wrong with being athiest. I am still a good person. But I think we, as well as people of many religions, have gotten a bad rap because of a few of our more radical or angry and boistrous members.

The whole religion thing is very frustrating sometimes! Any insights?

I try not to talk about it as I have lots of questions for those who believe and the questions seem to go unanswered .So I just stay away from the topic.

I try to respect the beliefs of others, but I do resent it when someone insists on pushing their religion on me. The people who go door to door and won't accept a polite no,thank you are the most annoying to me.My two grandmothers raised me in the Church of Christ, which is a very fundimental church. Dancing, alcohol,tobacco,playing card games and any form of gambling were forbiddon. Women were to be humble, quiet, obedient and totally subservient to the men. My ancestors were Native Americans, but the children were taken away and raised in orphanages to live as the white people did and to be ashamed of their heritage. I am trying thru research to find out more about where my people lived originally and how they lived. I do know the religion I was taught as a child left a large part of my soul hungering for a more joyfull and loving belief, one not based on fear and damnation.

Drogheda, my brother-in-law is Cherokee, but was raised outside of tribal beliefs by ignorant people that also taught him to be ashamed of his heritage. While he is not religious now, his is a very spiritual person. He is currently researching to prove his lineage and recieve tribal benefits as well as to find out about his tribes spiritual beliefs. I too am very curious about their beliefs, and can't wait for him to find out more. It is so interesting!

I am not a church goer and tend to believe organized religion does more harm than good. I think the most important beliefs of any religion (love your neighbor, help others,don't judge, etc.) are often forgotten. I live in Baptist central and it seems like everyone is more concerned with condemming everyone else than being a good person. Going to church is a way to keep score and catch up on the local gossip. My grandmother was a devout christian and one of her favorite sayings was,"hate the sin but love the sinner." I wish more people thought that way. She made it clear that she disagreed with other family members actions, including mine, but she did so out of love and not judgement. Her religion gave her peace at the end and I envy that. My mother begged my brother to cut his blue mohawk before my grandmother's funeral and his response was,"Grandmother loved me no matter what color my hair was and changing it wouldn't honor her memory." I thought that was great, even though I kind of sided with my mom.

My parents are devout Christians, and refuse to accept that I just might possibly be happy without being one. Their answer to everything is prayer, and Jesus, and "well honey, God must have other plans for you". It really pisses me off. I went to church willingly for 7 years of my life, almost to the day. It was the most depressing 7 years of my life. They know this. I stopped going when the constant knife in my back made it too uncomfortable for me to sit through a church service. They know this too. Still, they will not relent until I see things their way. I won't. It bugs me, cuz I am happy with who I am now, but hated myself when I went to church. I was trying to be someone that I wasn't. I still am a good person, will bend over backwards to help someone in need, and live a pretty good life. But, I don't live my life for a god. I don't believe in "the power of prayer". And if there is a god, then I pretty much just think he's a jerk.

When I asked what religion I am, I'd say I don't have a religion, but I have my beliefs. Then someone asked me what my beliefs were. Ummmm... So I did a bit of soul searching. I came to the conclusion that I can't label myself with beliefs...religion just isn't an important part of my life and not something that I identify myself with. It really bothers me when people can't respect that.

As far as the getting offended when someone says they will pray for you?? I have gotten offended before, but it really depends on the context of the situation.

I am the odd ball in this bunch. I am a Christian who goes to church and I hope none of this comes off as preaching but its just our point of view. One of a Christians divine duties is to tell others about the gospel and this is an order given to us by our God. If you reject it, then the blood of your lost soul is no longer on our hands. If we do not tell people we know about the gospel and they die lost, part of the responsibility lies on us for not telling them about it. However forcing religion on someone is not and should not be a Christians agenda although that seems to be the case with some. It has to be the persons own real experience. A forced relationship with God is not a real relationship. The want and need has to come from you genuinlly. All we can do is tell you about it, maybe how and then set the example. Unfortunatley many churches today do not set forth a good example with the previously mentioned gossip hours to bring other people down and whine and complain. I am proud to say that I go to a Pentacostal church that has very little or none of this going on. We are pretty good at setting differences aside and our pastor is very good at handling small issues should they arise and it usually not much of an issue if there is. It is not good for a so called Christian to not spend time with other Christians as it can become easy to be swayed by non Christian and worldly ways in order to seek friendship from other people, Christians or not. Not saying a Christian cannot have a non Christian friend but its beneficial to have main support group to made up of other Christians. I really would be alot worse off without my church and am glad they are there to help me spiritually. There are alot of restrictions placed on my life or at least thats how some would view it and they arent restrictions placed on my by the church but they are placed on me through the word of God. Although as a church we do keep a common bond with our so called restrictions. I do not consider them restrictions, I consider them common sense. Finally, for those things that go unanswered, there are alot of unanswered questions in every "theory" and I think as a Christian there are things we will never know in our earthly lives and you simply have to have faith that God knows what he did, is doing and will do. If you go to asking questions with a degree of doubt in your voice, you have no faith. Life consists of way more questions than we will ever have answers for no matter what religion or the lack there of. A Christian will put the questions aside and trust in God. There is a difference between asking a questions and doubting something questionable. One more thing about believing, you can believe what ever your heart desires but the belief alone does not make it true. You can even possibly use that against me in my belief but I have spiritual proof that it exists. Someone without a relationship with God will not have that spiritual proof that I have and has no way of knowing one way or another.

I don't want to sound like I am attacking you, Tatersmom, I'm "attacking" the general Christian belief. I know this goes with most religion, as their followers think that theirs is "The Way". But, who are you to say we are all lost? I don't consider myself lost. I consider myself anything but! I have explored religions, and found what is right for me. BUT, I will not sit here and tell anyone that their beliefs are wrong, or that they lead to Hell, or that they are "lost". THAT to me is hypocritical. If I cared, I might even be insulted. Doesn't the Bible say not to judge? It does! I've read it. I don't know what "Spiritual Proof" you have, and maybe your church is different, but if I were a "believer", then church people would be the LAST kind of people I'd want to surround myself with. Didn't Jesus himself surround himself with sinners?

OK this might sound strange but I was taught 2 religions, Catholicism and Christianity. My father was Catholic and my mother was Christian. So instead of my parents choosing one religion to preach to me they chose both of them. I really don't know how to explain it but I practice both religions to a certain point. I go to a Christian church but then I go to a Cathedral to confess my sins if I have committed any.

I lean towards Christianity more tho. I say two prayers for both religions rosary and all for Catholic and a actual prayer for the Christian side.

I don't push my beliefs on anyone at all. If they wish to convert I'll talk to them, and if they don't then why hassle them? Because most religious followers don't understand is the more you push something on someone then the more they will push you away, its just always worked like that.

~Ashley

I did say that was my view, I did not push my religion on you did I? I do not know who is lost or is not lost when I witness to them, that is between them and their God, it is there decision. I will never know if they died lost or or saved. I do not say "oh that person is lost, I must witness to them" I witness regardless of wether I know they are or not. Their decision rests on their shoulders not mine after I have done my part. I do not just witness to the who I think is lost I witness to all who may or may NOT need it otherwise witnessing to people are only lost would I would be accused of judging. God does that and if he judges that person lost and I failed to do my part to tell them about the gospel then part of them being lost is my responsibility according to God. I also didnt direct anything in particular at you, as a matter of fact I hadnt even seen your post until after I was done writing mine. The post was not directed to anybody in particular. It is there for anyone who wants to read it who doesnt already know why Christians do the things they do.

Your right Jesus Christ did surround him self with sinners who got salvation because they BELIEVED in him and followed him and while they we are all sinners by nature of man kind. Even people who say they are saints are sinners by right of birth. I am a sinner, but I believe in Him and they are forgiven. Granted I do not go out and deliberatly sin. If you dont believe the Bible then why do you quote it? Again this is how I view it, you can take or leave it and do what you wish with it. I do not think you are a bad person if you leave it but there it is.

tatersmom- i think your post would have gone over better without the schtick about lost souls. That is exactly why people get upset. It wouldn't matter what faith you were saying something like that, I would definitely be offended if someone said it to me.
I know it's weird to think outside your own belief system- I had a hard time myself when I stopped going to church- but people who don't share your particular faith feel that their path is right as well. Just as much as you feel that yours is.

But the fact is that if the people who say they dont believe, if they honestly do not believe, then what I have to say about being lost should not bother them. But for some reason it does, they shouldnt care because according to them there is no hell to even be affraid of. So what are they upset about?

I havent told anybody they are wrong and I actually havent told anybody that I am right. I have just stated what I do and why I do it without comdemning anybody.

Religion is the one topic I usually do my best to keep out from… but since I was bored, what the heck. Here is my two cents worth.

When it comes to religion, the saying “All roads leads to Rome” comes to mind. I believe that if there is indeed a God, heaven and hell, or more likely the same afterlife for all of us, then there got to be many different ways to follow and reach the “final destination”. If life is a journey then religions are like the different roads that lead to the “end”. If you follow some of the main religions, or “freeways” if you will, and obey all the rules you will end up where you want to go. Or you could take the many different less traveled more scenic side roads. Some would take you all over the place, some will take you to dead ends and some will get you lost. But eventually, you will find your way, one way or another.

Although I am Jewish, personally I lean toward the agnostic side. As a free thinker with an analytical, scientific and logical mind, I have hard time accepting all that mystical hocus pocus religious stuff on faith alone. As depressing as it may sound, I believe we all end up in the same place, 6’ under. A proof to the contrary would be nice, but with out it, I just can’t accept the concept of an all seeing, all knowing Supreme Being watching and judging our every move. However, with out proof for the lack of such a supreme being, I can’t really say with out a doubt that there is no God either. So just in case, I try to be the best human being I can to cover my butt. I chose to use the ways of my ancestors as a guide and try not to deviate too much from the “main road”. I believe that if and when judgment day will come, I will be judged on the merit of my deeds during my journey. Not on which road I chose to take. I will get my proof one day when my time will come. But I am in no hurry. I can wait another 100 years to find out for sure.

I do not have any problems with organized religion per say. I believe that any religion, philosophy or way of life that teaches morals and values that emphasis peaceful coexistence with other fellow human beings is a good thing. A believe in an after life, and a higher being/s who is/are always watching your action and taking notes, is a big plus. It is an added incentive for people to behave themselves and be good when no one else is watching. I don’t have a problem with anyone who prays for me or wishes me a Merry Christmas or anyone who wear a cross. I don’t mind the Ten Commandments in public places or any other religious symbols for that matter. I don’t mind religious posts on public forums either. I don't even mind to discuss others believes as long as they respect the right for me to have mine and get the hint when they need to shut up and back off. I am a strong believer in the live and let live philosophy, and as long as no one tries to force their believes on me and dictate what mine should be, I could not care less.

Having said that however, because of the evangelic nature of Christianity, its followers tend to be in the habit of trying to “save” anyone around them who believes differently. They feel it is their moral obligation to spread the word and enlighten others with the one and only “true way”, whether they like it or not. No one likes to constantly be preached to and be told that they are going to hell unless they will accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, especially when it is their kids that are being told that. You must admit that for a religion that preach peace and love, Christianity does not exactly have a clean history with regard to respecting other’s believes. Since its inception, countless millions were murdered in forced attempts to save their souls. Countless more were converted at the point of a sword. You can’t exactly expunge this ugly past from people’s collective memory which is why many have a gut aversion to anything religious.

Religion is best kept at home. The sooner people would realize this, the better off this world would be.

tatersmom- they are upset because you are being self-righteous and judgemnental when you say something like that. it has nothing to do with whether or not you are right. it's very disrespectful to insinuate that without your brand of religion, someone is damned. isn't repect supposed to be a basic tenate of christianity? or no?

Thanks Coop! I'm glad I'm not alone on thinking that. Its that a lot of religous folk seem to think that they are "chosen"... but its the rest of us that are lost? You have beliefs, that's fine. That doesn't make them right, or anyone elses wrong, or vice versa. I realize that, I respect your beliefs, I just wish others would respect my choice not to rely on a belief system. Instead, they feel obligated to push their beliefs (aka witness) on me.

For the record, I did not quote the bible, I paraphrased some widely known points in the bible. I have read the bible, front to back (I went to a baptist college). That doesn't make me a believer. I've also read books on being a vampire...does this make me a vampire? My biggest problem with the bible is that there is no direct translation, so you can twist it to say whatever you want. Like my ex-friend who believes herself to be holier than me, who used the bible to justify her stealing $1600 from me (this was while I was in college, and amounted to 4 months pay for me at the time). Or one of my moms friends who has twisted a verse to say that it is a sin for her to have "relations" with her husband (poor guy!) For me, I choose to believe things I know, that have tangible evidence, that have been proven...not on things I can not see, can not touch and can not be proven. I'm not saying that there is no god, I just don't get my hopes up.

I'll leave you with what I told my mom a while back when she asked if it bothered me that I won't go to heaven. I told her that the people I hate the most are all supposedly going to heaven. But my good friends, the people I can count on (aside from my family) are all supposedly going to hell. Well, why would I want to go to heaven and be surrounded by people I hate and those who have stabbed me in the back bigtime? That would be hell to me. However in hell, I'll be there with the people I enjoy being around. Yeah, it may be a little hot, but what's a little heat in good company?

Heather-feather- you and i must come from similar backgrounds! I have no problem with people believing whatever they choose to, but when a person's belief includes bothering/or condemning me- then i have a problem. I like the phrase- "to each, their own."

LOL! "To each their own"...I say that all the time! Thats truly how I live my life. You do whatever you want, I'll just sit back and laugh to myself!

I have a strong faith in the God. My dad is an ordained minister and i was raised with a strong faith in the lord. My dad has always practiced what he preached and he NEVER pushed religion on anyone. But he was always there for anyone that needed to talk about it. Our church is not about wether you drink, smoke, or what clothes you wear. My dad has always told me that the quickest way to drive people away is to try to push religion on to them, He said we should live our lives with a caring , giving and loving heart. We should set an example with the way we are as a person and others will want to be like us. I totally agree.