Can an Atheist date a Christian (and vice versa)?

[ewq1938]

If the Holy Spirit is real and guiding Christians in their complete and perfect 100% understanding of the Bible, why are there so many different branches of Christianity?

Not everyone has the Holy Spirit. Not everyone listens either. There are false teachers and false prophets and wolves in sheeps clothing. The scriptures warn of these things. But there are many who do and have a valid understanding of the scriptures.

 

[Cearbhall]

And why don't you practice what you preach? Apparently you don't realize everything you said to me actually best applies to yourself.

If you reread our exchange, I hope you'll see the difference.

Here's a guiding example:

You're welcome to believe this, but I personally disagree. I'm capable of the same critical thinking skills and can obtain the same cultural/historical knowledge as you can.

versus

I would actually agree if that were possible but it isn't.

An Atheist lacks something he cannot obtain without faith and the Holy Spirit.

I recognize that my beliefs are about me. I'm going to end this conversation because you can't seem to do the same. I stated multiple times that I was only interested in getting you to understand why I disagree. I was not attempting to make you change your beliefs.

 

[Locutus]

One thing that needs to be done before there is marriage, or even before the relationship starts to get serious is what do you do with children, are they going to be brought up Christian, atheist, let them decide or what, because last thing you want to do is have children and have a fight about wether your taking them to church or not.

Also I don't think fundementalists would work very well with Atheists just due to how diametricly different each can be.

That's easy

Well, not so much easy as doable! Friends of mine have done it. They simply gave both scenarios to the kids, and encouraged them to decide for themselves. This part was actually easier than it might be for most, because they had themselves as examples of both options, and the added example of the two being compatible. It was also balanced by the fact that neither parent was obviously 'better' or happier. FTR, they ended up with one of each

 

[Locutus]

Yet, you are here on a Christian forum. I am not on an atheist forum. The dead cannot communicate with the living so your example cannot happen yet the Holy Spirit is real, and does give believers the ability to understand the scriptures where non-believers are lacking.

That holy spirit is real TO YOU. It's not real to the poster in question, just as dead author ghosts aren't real to you. You are absolutely equal in this regard, so there is no argument.

 

[Locutus]

But there are many who do and have a valid understanding of the scriptures.

let me guess ..... you're one of them. right?

 

[Hetta]

I am an Atheist, but I respect the right of anybody to believe their beliefs and I would never criticise anybody for holding a true faith in the heart. I met a lovely lady and we have started dating, she is a Christian and regular church goer, is the relationship doomed to failure or can the two coexist? We're both middle aged, divorced and with grown up family so we wont be looking to procreate, there is therefore no great imperative for marriage or cohabitation, we both have our own homes and like it that way.

What are the thoughts of the Christians on here?

My thoughts are - good luck to you both. Love is a wonderful thing, and if you are fortunate enough to find it, don't let it go over religions/non religious feelings.

 

[loveofourlord]

That's easy

Well, not so much easy as doable! Friends of mine have done it. They simply gave both scenarios to the kids, and encouraged them to decide for themselves. This part was actually easier than it might be for most, because they had themselves as examples of both options, and the added example of the two being compatible. It was also balanced by the fact that neither parent was obviously 'better' or happier. FTR, they ended up with one of each

I kind of like that method, but I see alot there is usually one parent doesn't say anything and gets upset, or worse, they fight over it, so at least best to decide before hand. ALSO a big thing, discuss in laws, because thats another thing that can be rough, parents decide to let their children grow up and chose a religion when older, but the parents are sneaking them off to churc, or mosque or what ever. Or one family is catholic other is protestant and causes problems. I think it can work out but relies on comunication and how much they are even willing to communicate. If you have a young earth creationist mormon or something like that, isn't going to work tell well with a atheist that accepts evolution and wants to teach to their kids.

 

[Locutus]

I kind of like that method, but I see alot there is usually one parent doesn't say anything and gets upset, or worse, they fight over it, so at least best to decide before hand. ALSO a big thing, discuss in laws, because thats another thing that can be rough, parents decide to let their children grow up and chose a religion when older, but the parents are sneaking them off to churc, or mosque or what ever. Or one family is catholic other is protestant and causes problems. I think it can work out but relies on comunication and how much they are even willing to communicate. If you have a young earth creationist mormon or something like that, isn't going to work tell well with a atheist that accepts evolution and wants to teach to their kids.

I think both parties would probably need to be moderates, but I think it can work with stronger positions.

And I think you've absolutely nailed the REAL problem, and that is ... grandparents! They can and do sneak religious or atheist indoctrination into the mix when parents' backs are turned. Obviously this is an outrageously inappropriate thing to do, and not all grandparents are that unprincipled, but many are. The two parents would need to make it very clear to the Grandparents that no such attempts will be tolerated. It's really no different to reminding Granny not to give the kids too much candy when she's babysitting. They'll be a little miffed at having their fun killed, but they get over it pretty quickly.

 

[Cearbhall]

That's easy

Well, not so much easy as doable! Friends of mine have done it. They simply gave both scenarios to the kids, and encouraged them to decide for themselves.

I think that definitely works for some people, but then there are Christians who believe that non-Christians go to Hell. Such parents would understandably not want to present multiple options to their children. To them, that would be worse than telling the kids to decide for themselves whether they want to commit murder. I personally think it's just a form of anxiety, but I can understand that they don't want to risk their children's immortal souls. If I get into a serious relationship with a theist, I would definitely have a conversation about this.

 

[Locutus]

I think that definitely works for some people, but then there are Christians who believe that non-Christians go to Hell. Such parents would understandably not want to present multiple options to their children. To them, that would be worse than telling the kids to decide for themselves whether they want to commit murder. I personally think it's just a form of anxiety, but I can understand that they don't want to risk their children's immortal souls. If I get into a serious relationship with a theist, I would definitely have a conversation about this.

I think the hell stuff would necessarily need to be the lowest priority in this scenario. I don't think the terribly anxious Christian would be able to cope with the perceived threat to his or her kids.

 

[ewq1938]

let me guess ..... you're one of them. right?

Hopefully. Are you?

 

[ewq1938]

That holy spirit is real TO YOU. It's not real to the poster in question, just as dead author ghosts aren't real to you. You are absolutely equal in this regard, so there is no argument.

No, because I know the spirits of the dead exist but I also know they aren't allowed to communicate to the living based on scripture. No equality in any regard.

 

[Cearbhall]

No, because I know the spirits of the dead exist but I also know they aren't allowed to communicate to the living based on scripture. No equality in any regard.

Nevermind, maybe you didn't get my point after all.

No, because I know the spirits of the dead exist but I also know they aren't allowed to communicate to the living based on scripture. No equality in any regard.

I guess I'll try one last time. You believe you know this. I, however, do not know this. I do not believe this. The fact that you believe it does not change my perception of the truth. It does not convince me that you are actually better able to understand certain ancient texts. Your opinion is nothing more to me than the Mark Twain example is to you. The only thing I've been trying to achieve here (and I thought I made it quite clear) is making you understand why some people, like myself, do not agree with your claim that we are less able to understand the Bible.

I feel like it would be clearer if I said your statements back to you, but I don't want to stoop to that level. The sort of argumentative assertiveness which you seem to favor is not how I like to engage with people of other religions. This matter isn't of enough consequence for me to start telling you that you're wrong, and your beliefs aren't equal to mine because I know you're wrong, and it doesn't matter what you think because you're still wrong, etc. All these things you like to say. I'd rather just share what I believe.

Is it really so difficult for you to grasp that there are people who disagree with you, and that they aren't going to automatically view your opinion as being superior to theirs?

 

[Archivist]

The dead cannot communicate with the living so your example cannot happen yet the Holy Spirit is real, and does give believers the ability to understand the scriptures where non-believers are lacking.

In your opinion. Our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters would tell us that God may allow a soul in purgatory temporary return in order to somehow right any damage it caused in its life. Likewise a soul already experiencing the beatific vision may also be sent to the living by God, in a similar manner to the angels, in order that it may intercede for us in some way.