Atheism

[Skaloop]

A recent study shows that atheists as a group are the least trusted group in America, and are considered by Americans to be least representative of American values. In fact, atheists ranked lower than Muslims and homosexuals.

Now, I understand that many Americans may not agree with atheism on the whole (just as I do not agree with Christianity), but on an individual basis, are atheists really seen in such a bad light?

Which made me curious about how Christians see atheists, and got me wondering about how Christians in general would feel and/or react towards the following situations:

1) You discover that your young child's best friend is from an atheist family.
2) Your teenaged child begins dating an atheist.
3) Your grown child wishes to marry an atheist.
4) Your child becomes an atheist.
5) Your child's teacher is an atheist.
6) Your new boss is an atheist.
7) A new co-worker is an atheist.
8) An atheist family moves into your close-knit neighbourhood.
9) You are in a military unit with an atheist commanding officer.
10) An atheist wishes to participate in some secular church activity (eg-contribute to a bake sale, help raise money for charity).

I'm pretty much wondering what sort of situations, if any, would cause you to take actions to distance yourself (or "protect" your family) from atheists. In such situations, are your views hard-and-fast (my child will not marry an atheist) or are they mere preferences (I would rather my child not marry an atheist)?

I also suspect that many will not have any problems with any of the above situations, so to them I ask whether they would prefer a Christian over an atheist (all other things being equal).

 

[Reformationist]

I understand that many Americans may not agree with atheism on the whole (just as I do not agree with Christianity), but on an individual basis, are atheists really seen in such a bad light?

I don't believe I'd use the word "untrustworthy" to describe my feelings about athiests.

Which made me curious about how Christians see atheists, and got me wondering about how Christians in general would feel and/or react towards the following situations:

1) You discover that your young child's best friend is from an atheist family.

Is the child an athiest as well?

2) Your teenaged child begins dating an atheist.

I would encourage them to recognize that doing so is an unwise action. Additionally, the Bible explicitly instructs us to avoid being unequally yoked.

3) Your grown child wishes to marry an atheist.

I could not condone it. That said, I pray that my children will see steadfast faith in God as a prerequisite for a romantic relationship.

4) Your child becomes an atheist.

I would, of course, not stop loving them or encouraging them to embrace God. Likewise, I understand that it is God, and God alone, who can change a person's heart so it is to Him that I would pray.

5) Your child's teacher is an atheist.

Teacher on what subject? I don't see faith in God as necessary to teach most academic subjects.

6) Your new boss is an atheist.

Unless my job was religiously affiliated, I cannot see how my boss having faith in God would be necessary.

7) A new co-worker is an atheist.

Many of my current co-workers are athiests.

8) An atheist family moves into your close-knit neighbourhood.

If they are considerate neighbors I would welcome them.

9) You are in a military unit with an atheist commanding officer.

Probably been there, done that.

10) An atheist wishes to participate in some secular church activity (eg-contribute to a bake sale, help raise money for charity).

So long as they did not espouse their lack of faith while contributing I would welcome their contribution.

I'm pretty much wondering what sort of situations, if any, would cause you to take actions to distance yourself (or "protect" your family) from atheists. In such situations, are your views hard-and-fast (my child will not marry an atheist) or are they mere preferences (I would rather my child not marry an atheist)?

When my child gets to the age where they can marry, I don't imagine the decision will be up to me. I pray that I raise them to see faith as a necessary element of their chosen spouse.

I also suspect that many will not have any problems with any of the above situations, so to them I ask whether they would prefer a Christian over an atheist (all other things being equal).

Every Christian I know, myself included, exhibits undesirable behavior from time to time, as do all of the athiests I know. My preference isn't in the company but, rather, that someone would know God for their own sake.

God bless

 

[seajoy]

Which made me curious about how Christians see atheists, and got me wondering about how Christians in general would feel and/or react towards the following situations:

1) You discover that your young child's best friend is from an atheist family.
2) Your teenaged child begins dating an atheist.
3) Your grown child wishes to marry an atheist.
4) Your child becomes an atheist.
5) Your child's teacher is an atheist.
6) Your new boss is an atheist.
7) A new co-worker is an atheist.
8) An atheist family moves into your close-knit neighbourhood.
9) You are in a military unit with an atheist commanding officer.
10) An atheist wishes to participate in some secular church activity (eg-contribute to a bake sale, help raise money for charity).

1) Being friends at school might be ok, but I would not allow my child to sleep over.
2) That would not be allowed.
3) I would highly discourage it, but would accept that person, and pray a lot .
4) That is just about the scariest thought I could have.
5) Not much you can do about that in the public school.
6) It's happened, not much I could do about that either.
7) I don't live in a bubble .
8) Opportunity for outreach .
9) That's the way it goes.
10) Athiests don't do that, but if one would come to church looking to help, why would we turn them away as they may see the Light.

seajoy

 

[Momzilla]

My answer is pretty much along the lines of Reformationist's.

 

[Skaloop]

10) Athiests don't do that, but if one would come to church looking to help, why would we turn them away as they may see the Light.

It's not true at all that atheists don't participate in church activities. My wife and I, atheists both, were part of a church theatre group for several years; the group rehearsed in, performed in, and donated profits to the church We have also both volunteered for church-based fundraising and charity events because we supported the cause.

Also, why wouldn't you let your child sleep over at an atheist household?

 

[seajoy]

It's not true at all that atheists don't participate in church activities. My wife and I, atheists both, were part of a church theatre group for several years; the group rehearsed in, performed in, and donated profits to the church We have also both volunteered for church-based fundraising and charity events because we supported the cause.

Also, why wouldn't you let your child sleep over at an atheist household?

Guess that was a blanket statement about atheists not helping out at church activities . It is just unusual to me that you would be interested. I guess certain causes may be important to you, but money towards the spreading of the gospel certainly wouldn't be...correct?

The sleep over question----
Nearly all the atheists I've ever met, when the subject of Jesus comes up, try to 'convince' you that you are wrong for being a believer. Why they would care, I don't understand. If they think there is no God, what difference does it make.
Anyway, I would be concerned that they would have an agenda, or make fun of them for their beliefs. I may be wrong on this one, but I wouldn't want to take that chance on a small child. If my child was in high school, I may consider it, as they would be better able to stand up for their faith.

seajoy

 

[Adstar]

1) You discover that your young child's best friend is from an atheist family.

Ensure that i continue to build my child up in the knowledge of Jesus so that they will be more equipped to help their friend come to know Jesus.

2) Your teenaged child begins dating an atheist.

Strongly advise them against marrying that person until they accept Jesus.

3) Your grown child wishes to marry an atheist.

Show them scriptures that tell them they should never marry an atheist. And strongly encourage them not to marry that person until they accept Jesus.

4) Your child becomes an atheist.

Do my best to witness to them the Gospel so that they can once again establish their relationship with God.

5) Your child's teacher is an atheist.

Seek to withdraw my child from that school.

6) Your new boss is an atheist.

Seek good opportunities to witness to them about Jesus.

7) A new co-worker is an atheist.

Seek good opportunities to witness to them about Jesus.

8) An atheist family moves into your close-knit neighbourhood.

Seek good opportunities to witness to them about Jesus.

9) You are in a military unit with an atheist commanding officer.

As a Christian i would never be a part of a military unit. That situation would never arise.

10) An atheist wishes to participate in some secular church activity (eg-contribute to a bake sale, help raise money for charity).

Accept their help and use the time we work together as a good opportunity to witness to them about Jesus.

I'm pretty much wondering what sort of situations, if any, would cause you to take actions to distance yourself (or "protect" your family) from atheists.

When an atheist is in a position of authority like a teacher i would do my best to remove my child from that situation.

In such situations, are your views hard-and-fast (my child will not marry an atheist) or are they mere preferences (I would rather my child not marry an atheist)?

I have absolutely not authority to deny my offspring the choice of marrying whom they will to marry when they reach the age of adulthood.


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

 

[Skaloop]

Guess that was a blanket statement about atheists not helping out at church activities . It is just unusual to me that you would be interested. I guess certain causes may be important to you, but money towards the spreading of the gospel certainly wouldn't be...correct?

I wouldn't donate my own money directly towards spreading the gospel, but I have no problem being part of their fundraising or being part of their activities.

The sleep over question----
Nearly all the atheists I've ever met, when the subject of Jesus comes up, try to 'convince' you that you are wrong for being a believer. Why they would care, I don't understand. If they think there is no God, what difference does it make.

Anyway, I would be concerned that they would have an agenda, or make fun of them for their beliefs. I may be wrong on this one, but I wouldn't want to take that chance on a small child. If my child was in high school, I may consider it, as they would be better able to stand up for their faith.

seajoy

Would you allow an atheist child to sleep over at your house? Would you minister to this child? If so, how is that any different than an atheist challenging your child's faith? If not, why do you think that an atheist parent would be more likely to challenge a small child's beliefs?

Because as much as you feel that atheists try to convince believers that they are wrong, I generally find believers are quite eager to convince atheists that they are wrong.

 

[seajoy]

Would you allow an atheist child to sleep over at your house? Would you minister to this child? If so, how is that any different than an atheist challenging your child's faith? If not, why do you think that an atheist parent would be more likely to challenge a small child's beliefs?

Because as much as you feel that atheists try to convince believers that they are wrong, I generally find believers are quite eager to convince atheists that they are wrong.

We care about your eternal life. It is different because you don't think there is anything in the afterlife. So what difference does it make if we believe there is something. You believe there is no reason we are here...no reason for existance. Why try to convince someone of something when it all doesn't matter anyway? For us christians, your soul is very important to us. We pray for you all the time, and care very deeply for what happens to you. What are you gaining by trying to convince us of something different?

As for would I try to convert an atheist's child?
Our family would go about their business, as usual...like praying at meals, talking about church activities, and the like. I would answer questions that the child may have, but I would not spend the evening trying to 'convert' the child. I would think the kids would just want to play, and have a fun evening together .

I really am learning from this thread. I very much appreciate your candor on this subject.

 

[Sketcher]

1) You discover that your young child's best friend is from an atheist family.

Pray for them. I'd also try to meet the parents and find out where they're at.

2) Your teenaged child begins dating an atheist.

Assuming the child is a Christian, I would be against it because Christians should only date other Christians. I would also pray for the two of them.

3) Your grown child wishes to marry an atheist.

Pray like crazy for them and be against it, because Christians are only supposed to marry other Christians.

4) Your child becomes an atheist.

Pray for them and watch for any opportunity to help bring them back.

5) Your child's teacher is an atheist.

That depends on whether that atheist is a jerkhole crusader atheist (like Newdow).

6) Your new boss is an atheist.

Pray that he won't be a jerkhole crusader atheist.

7) A new co-worker is an atheist.

Pray for them.

8) An atheist family moves into your close-knit neighbourhood.

Pray for them and try to make them feel welcome.

9) You are in a military unit with an atheist commanding officer.

Pray that he's not a jerkhole crusader atheist.

10) An atheist wishes to participate in some secular church activity (eg-contribute to a bake sale, help raise money for charity).

That's fine with me, I'd pray for them and use it as a witnessing opportunity.

I also suspect that many will not have any problems with any of the above situations, so to them I ask whether they would prefer a Christian over an atheist (all other things being equal).

That depends on the context. I would much rather that my children would be surrounded by Christians, and date and marry Christians. I fundamentally don't have a problem with my kids being around kids of other faiths, but my main concern is that no one would undermine the values I would try to place into them. Whether they date or marry other Christians or not would be a test of those values to see if they made it into their hearts and minds. Obviously, I would want them to pass that test.

 

[£amb]

1) You discover that your young child's best friend is from an atheist family. My son's good friend is from an atheist family.
2) Your teenaged child begins dating an atheist. Haven't gotten into dating yet...
3) Your grown child wishes to marry an atheist. Not there yet...
4) Your child becomes an atheist. Haven't reached that point yet...
5) Your child's teacher is an atheist. He's already had a few teachers who are atheists.
6) Your new boss is an atheist. Well...I work at my church...
7) A new co-worker is an atheist. Nothing new for me when I worked in a home-health agency.
8) An atheist family moves into your close-knit neighbourhood. People move in and out all the time...If they are good neighbors then so be it.
9) You are in a military unit with an atheist commanding officer. Doesn't pertain to me.
10) An atheist wishes to participate in some secular church activity (eg-contribute to a bake sale, help raise money for charity). Believe me, my church would more than welcome them.



I'm pretty much wondering what sort of situations, if any, would cause you to take actions to distance yourself (or "protect" your family) from atheists.

I don't distance myself from people unless it's endangering me or my family. If someone is standing around spouting off how much they hate God, then sure...I'll move else where. No big deal for me. How can anybody protect themselves from christians, atheists, muslims, buddists, etc. We would have to live very remotely and have no interaction with anyone. I'm sure somewhere in the US, this probably already happens. Wouldn't suprise me.

In such situations, are your views hard-and-fast (my child will not marry an atheist) or are they mere preferences (I would rather my child not marry an atheist)?

My views would be along the lines of preference. By the time my boys marry, they will be adults and make their own decisions. The only thing I can do now as a mother is grow them up and instill in them the importance of God in their lives. I've seen both scenarios where there was a christian/athiest who married and they divorced, and I've seen christian/atheist who married and it worked. But with every marriage there are issues, and that is a deep issue. I would like my boys to marry someone whom they love and will devote their lives to and not make divorce a free ticket out of it. They will have to make the decision if they wanted to marry an atheist. But these issues need to be worked out before they go walking down the aisle.


I also suspect that many will not have any problems with any of the above situations, so to them I ask whether they would prefer a Christian over an atheist

In the above scenarios, if the atheist or christian is a hard worker and deserve to be in the position they're in, then what problem could I have. If my child decided to become atheist, then yes...my heart would break, but what could I do but pray for them. If my child wanted to marry atheist, then they better have all the issues worked out before the marriage.

 

[WingsOfTheNeophyte]

steadfast faith in God as a prerequisite for a romantic relationship.

How is that in any way a prequesite? Whatever happened to Love?

 

[Skaloop]

We care about your eternal life. It is different because you don't think there is anything in the afterlife. So what difference does it make if we believe there is something. You believe there is no reason we are here...no reason for existance. Why try to convince someone of something when it all doesn't matter anyway? For us christians, your soul is very important to us. We pray for you all the time, and care very deeply for what happens to you. What are you gaining by trying to convince us of something different?

Well, in very general terms, I've found that some reasons involve the recent attempts by some Christians to get their faith-based beliefs inluded in science classes. In that case, we are not so much trying to get you to change your faith, but merely to make it clear how that faith doesn't apply to science. Or, similarly, hwo the Religious Right is trying to give Christianity a place in government affairs. I'm Canadian, so this issue has already been settled, but the American opposition to same-sex marriage is, to me, an entirely Christian-based violation of human rights. It is unacceptable to me that any religion drive social policy. In those cases, I'm not so much hoping that a person will drastically change their mind and reject God completely, but rather hoping that they will see the validity of my non-belief, and see the errors in pushing for Christian standards for all.

Another reason I might care about changing one's mind is that I think a life lived without the arbitrary rules and guilt-trips and boundaries imposed by Christianity would be considerably more enjoyable. You care about and are trying to improve my existence in the afterlife; I'm trying to improve your existence in this life. Because right now, this life is the only one anyone knows of for sure.

As for would I try to convert an atheist's child?
Our family would go about their business, as usual...like praying at meals, talking about church activities, and the like. I would answer questions that the child may have, but I would not spend the evening trying to 'convert' the child. I would think the kids would just want to play, and have a fun evening together .

If I had a Christian child spending the night, our evening would be pretty much the same, except without the praying. However, if the child wanted to say grace for himself before dinner, I wouldn't have much of a problem with that. Out of curiosity, would you expect the atheist child to join you in prayer/grace?

I really am learning from this thread. I very much appreciate your candor on this subject.

Right back at you! It's very enlightening; in some cases, I am shocked at how "frightened" people are of atheist influences, but on the other I am happy to see that in most cases it would not be an issue.

 

[united4Peace]

My Husband is an Atheist.
Still is a human. Nothing I can do about it.
Just as there is nothing he can do about me being who I am.
We still love each other.

 

[Skaloop]

If my child wanted to marry atheist, then they better have all the issues worked out before the marriage.

Which is no different than if they wanted to marry a Christian, right? Obviously, a couple planning to get married should be certain it's what they want, and clear about their feelings and goals for the marriage, but what difference does their religion (or lack thereof) make as long as there is love and respect? What does religion contribute to a successful marriage that can't be gotten through other means?

 

[MikeMcK]

1) You discover that your young child's best friend is from an atheist family.

Since atheism usually doesn't become an issue in such relationships, I wouldn't be worried about that.

2) Your teenaged child begins dating an atheist.
3) Your grown child wishes to marry an atheist.

A Christian dating or marrying a non-Christian is a recipe for disaster on several levels.

4) Your child becomes an atheist.

I would love him, but continue to tell him the truth.

5) Your child's teacher is an atheist.

As long as they do not teach atheism to my child, I don't care.

6) Your new boss is an atheist.

I can't imagine under what circumstances it would be an issue.

7) A new co-worker is an atheist.

I would share the Gospel with them and leave the rest to God.

8) An atheist family moves into your close-knit neighbourhood.

Depends. What kind of family are they?

9) You are in a military unit with an atheist commanding officer.

Again, I can't imagine in what circumstance it would be an issue.

10) An atheist wishes to participate in some secular church activity (eg-contribute to a bake sale, help raise money for charity).

Since most church activities are ministry related, naturally, we would not allow an atheist to be involved (and why would they want to, since they believe that what we're doing is senseless, anyway?).

However, if they wanted to support or contribute, then I'm reminded of a story involving D.L. Moody.

The owner of a large and very notorious Chicago saloon was moved by the charitable good works of Moody and his church among the poor of Chicago. Upon hearing that Moody was trying to raise money to build a new church, the man went to Moody and gave him a very large donation.

The following Sunday, Moody thanked the man from the pulpit for his generousity.

After the service, a prominent woman in the church approached him and said, "Mr. Moody! How Dare you take the Devil's money for a work of God!"

Moody responded, "Madam, that may very well have been the Devil's money but God has decided that the Devil had it long enough and has moved upon that man's heart to give it."

 

[Skaloop]

A Christian dating or marrying a non-Christian is a recipe for disaster on several levels.

Is it really? There's nothing preventing a Christian and a non-Christian from sharing the same goals and opinions on marriage, and as such being a perfectly good couple. Disastrous marriages are the result of differences in these areas, and a lack of love and mutual respect, but there's nothing to say that a Christian and an atheist won't share the same ideals in terms of having and raising children, roles within the household, morals and values, etc. The only real difference is that one believes in God, and one doesn't. This is really no different than one believing in the Loch Ness monster and one not. If the belief difference doesn't interfere with the their everyday interaction, and as long as both respect the other's side of things, there should be no problem.

For example, my wife is deeply spiritual (though not Christian), whereas I am not. She believes in ghosts and reincarnation and fate and karma and spirits. I believe that is all superstition and fairy tales. Nonetheless, we have an extremely happy and successful marriage in which we respect those differences, respect each other, and share the same dreams for the future. We live in harmony despite our differing beliefs. Why would it be any different for a Christian and a non-Christian?

 

[seajoy]

Well, in very general terms, I've found that some reasons involve the recent attempts by some Christians to get their faith-based beliefs inluded in science classes. In that case, we are not so much trying to get you to change your faith, but merely to make it clear how that faith doesn't apply to science. Or, similarly, hwo the Religious Right is trying to give Christianity a place in government affairs. I'm Canadian, so this issue has already been settled, but the American opposition to same-sex marriage is, to me, an entirely Christian-based violation of human rights. It is unacceptable to me that any religion drive social policy. In those cases, I'm not so much hoping that a person will drastically change their mind and reject God completely, but rather hoping that they will see the validity of my non-belief, and see the errors in pushing for Christian standards for all.

Another reason I might care about changing one's mind is that I think a life lived without the arbitrary rules and guilt-trips and boundaries imposed by Christianity would be considerably more enjoyable. You care about and are trying to improve my existence in the afterlife; I'm trying to improve your existence in this life. Because right now, this life is the only one anyone knows of for sure.



If I had a Christian child spending the night, our evening would be pretty much the same, except without the praying. However, if the child wanted to say grace for himself before dinner, I wouldn't have much of a problem with that. Out of curiosity, would you expect the atheist child to join you in prayer/grace?



Right back at you! It's very enlightening; in some cases, I am shocked at how "frightened" people are of atheist influences, but on the other I am happy to see that in most cases it would not be an issue.

Oh, oh...the first few lines of this post may send this thread off into 'debate land.' I've really chosen not to do that here in this forum. *I am biting my tongue, though* I will just say that God has His reasons for setting up the commandments as they are.

My present life feels just fine. You don't know how your future life may end up though, if you stay on your present path.

Also, I would not expect an atheist child to join in our prayers. I would think that would make him/her quite uncomfortable, possibly even scared, if it was a very young child. I would just expect them to sit quietly until we were done. (only takes a few moments for our diner prayer).

seajoy

 

[Skaloop]

Oh, oh...the first few lines of this post may send this thread off into 'debate land.' I've really chosen not to do that here in this forum. *I am biting my tongue, though* I will just say that God has His reasons for setting up the commandments as they are.

It wasn't my intent to derail this thread into a different sort of debate, I was just using an example of where I see a negative influence of Christianity. The 10 Commandments are fine for defining Christian morals, but most have no place in the rules of law. For instance, the First Commandment flies directly in the face of the First Amendment.

But, that's enough on that; don't want to derail things too much. Thanks for the input...

 

[MikeMcK]

Is it really?

Yes, it is. That's why the Bible tells Christians not to be unequally yoked with non-Christians.

There's nothing to say that a Christian and an atheist won't share the same ideals in terms of having and raising children, roles within the household, morals and values,

If somebody claiming to be a Christian has the same morals and values as an atheist, then they need to take a good hard look at their claim to Christianity.

As for raising children, how can an atheist raise a child in the fear and admonition of the Lord, when they don't believe in God in the first place?

The only real difference is that one believes in God, and one doesn't. This is really no different than one believing in the Loch Ness monster and one not.

I wasn't aware that the Lock Ness Monster gave us commands to follow in how we live our lives and how we live out our faith.