I had a conversation the other day about parenting with two lovely guys who are quite heavily into the Christian thing. I expressed my admiration of the community aspect of religion but admitted that I couldn’t quite get my head around the ‘God’ thing… though that isn’t strictly true.
I studied religion. And politics. And I get why society clings to religion. Strangely, I find myself more able to accept any religion except ‘my own’. Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Paganism – I’m all for it! But Christianity? Not so much. I was christened an Anglican but feel strangely inadequate whenever I talk to anyone who actually to subscribes to any form of Christianity and manages to do it without being a bigoted ass. They are just so Saintly!
So I guess my problem is with the Bible. And the way it’s been interpreted in the past. Though that still doesn’t explain my aversion to those who are truly lovely and happen to be followers of Christ.
Hrmmmmmmm.
What am I rambling about here? Maybe I ask for others to be a bit more eloquent and tell me if they think you can be atheistic and also be friends with evangelical types? I don’t think they are in theory mutually exclusive… but in practice it isn’t always the same, is it?
Tales of Little and Big 
Kinda all boils down to respect, doesn’t it? (PS, is antheist a combo of anglican and atheist??)
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Hi Nikki,Long time reader – first time commenter 😀I think think ya can subscribe to a “bi-religious” relationship 😀 One of my oldest and dearest friends (ha makes me sound ancient!) Is a Christian… I am an undecided but tag myself an athiest. (was baptised anglican also)She never forced her beliefs on me, and I never on her. But as her daughter was learning Christianity I paid the respect of when I went to visit her I would go to church with them, say grace etc… Purely out of respect for her and her family. 14 years later and we still keep in contact – less as Im in a different island, but ya know c’est la vie!
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Babe, I think I’d turn your question around and see what you would think if *I* posted “Can I be friends with an atheist even tho’ I’m a Christian?” I personally haven’t found it a problem being friends with people of different faith/non-faith backgrounds to mine. I like to see these “across the line” connections – otherwise how else can we understand one another and get this world working better?
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good food for thought..rambly sleep deprived response on my blog! xx
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Ah Sharon. You make a very good point. And I actually forget I am friends with quite a few people who are really religious. And I love them for it!I guess I’m worried this particular person wouldn’t be at all excited about my ‘past conduct’. In actual fact, there was a comment made (about himself) which was along the lines of “gave in to vice”. So I’m worried I’d not be accepted if he can’t accept it in himself. But then I don’t think that’s necessarily a religious thing, just a moral one.Another question, slightly related, could you be in a relationship with a non-Christian?
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Friendships? Absolutely. The world would be a pretty screwed up place if we only liked/respected/hung out with or even loved only those who shared all our beliefs now wouldn’t it
Relationships though? Tricky. One of my bestest real life friends has been married for 10 years to someone of opposing faith to her and… well… ain’t easy! Then again, haha, what relationship is – there’s always got to be *something* right!? But whatever it ends up – you don’t want to live your life being made to feel ashamed. I figured that one out the hard way in one relationship *sigh*
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I TOTALLY get wnat you mean here, and I appreciate you putting it out there.I’m into mutual respect. I’ll befriend anyone regardless of religion, political beliefs etc, but I maintain the right to my own.Loving your blog by the way.
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In my experience of this kind of friendship both benefit from the tolerance – christians hopefully realise those who don’t share their world view don’t always have horns growing out of their heads and non christians realise that christians can be inclusive as well. If its possible its great role modelling for our kids – demonstrating real life tolerance ie understanding that often (but not always!) you can let go of small and not so small differences of opinion for the greater good that is the friendship
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ha nikki, good thoughts. I often find that the loud obnoxious people end up being the (inaccurate) voice piece for an often more moderate majority. though I know what you mean, I find it hard to get on with the preachy types.
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hmmm, for me it’s all about each individual person and whether they radiate “sunshine” or poison. i was telling a friend yesterday that “i find God at the beach” and she “got me” – one of the only Christians who does. cos i agree with ya that <>my problem is with the Bible. And the way it’s been interpreted in the past. <>cos i think that historically there has been much abuse – and also much beauty shared. so that’s why i think it’s about humanity – each beautiful individual and their sunshine – i learn so much about life and living from walking with friends of diverse faith journeys. mwah X
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I'm one of your aversions. Wait, wait…no, how about if I'm not “truly lovely” – then I can be struck from the list.
Excellent. It's decided.
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