Diversity

[l0v3n]

Hi everyone,

I consider myself a devout Christian and so most of my friends here at college are Christian too. I've been having some weird issues though dealing with other persons whose religion differ from mine. As of now, I am uncomfortable sharing my own faith with others or even hanging out with people who don't share my faith. What advice can you give me to better handle this anxiety? I'm not even sure why I should be afraid of these people?

 

[timothyZ]

There is no law against love. So just love em.

 

[Isambard]

Is there anything in particular that they do/say that makes you uncomfortable?

 

[l0v3n]

There isn't anything specific that they do. Its just that it would make me uncomfortable if they tried to discriminate me just because I believed in the Christian God. Or calling me close minded if I couldn't take any other point of view even though this has never happened to me YET.

 

[news4thenonbeliever]

College is a place of many experiences.
I don't think you should really be "afraid" of anyone. They are most likely not going to attack you or anything, unless you're rude about what they believe or try to beat them over the head with you're Bible, which (from your post) doesn't seem like something you would do.
Be friendly, open minded in a sense that you'll listen and not be rude and hateful.
And to cut down on some of the anxiety, take a close christian friend with you when you hang out with others.

hope this helped some

 

[Sarahfina]

I go to a school where many of the students are Mormon or Muslim. At first, I always felt uncomfortable because I didn't know if I could share my love of Christ without being singled out or if my views would offend anyone. After a while, I realized that my views are a part of who I am. Now when I share my views with my friends or visa versa we compare the similarities and differences between our faiths and we often agree to disagree.

 

[stacymay]

Hi everyone,

I consider myself a devout Christian and so most of my friends here at college are Christian too. I've been having some weird issues though dealing with other persons whose religion differ from mine. As of now, I am uncomfortable sharing my own faith with others or even hanging out with people who don't share my faith. What advice can you give me to better handle this anxiety? I'm not even sure why I should be afraid of these people?

Hmmm, I think I know where you're coming from. I go to a school with TONS of religious diversity; it is a plus, but for one tied to his beliefs, it can also be very stressful. It's important to learn as much as possible about other people's worldviews, and there's no law against disagreeing with someone if theirs is not the same as yours. After all, there is a plethora of unique opinions on life even within the Christian community. Your best bet would be to shine as you are; a believer and a child of God, so that you can represent your religion as best you can.

Witnessing doesn't have to mean shoving the Word down someone's gullet; it simply means portraying yourself through honesty and love as Jesus intends. You can't expect to change anyone's heart, but the best way to try is to show them what God has done in your life, and what He can do for theirs. After all, the reason you're "afraid" of them is most likely (and correct me if I'm wrong) because if you share your faith, they may judge you as a hateful bigot because of their opinions on Christianity.

The way to prove them wrong is through actions! You will get used to the diversity. Hope I helped, and God bless!

 

[lindseyk3]

i agree with what everyone else is saying on here. it's ok to disagree with your peers about your religious beliefs. it's part of maturing in your faith and growing closer to God. if they can't handle a little disagreement, then they won't be fun people to be around anyways. love them well and they will be able to see Jesus through your actions, rather than theological debates or arguments that make everyone uncomfortable.

don't be mean when you're talking about your beliefs, but rather talk about it as you would any other relationship (the only difference they'll see is that a relationship with Christ is so much better than all your other relationships). they likely won't give you judgment for what you believe in as long as you don't judge them for what they believe in.

the diversity is to be expected and you should probably get used to it now because in the "real world", there are going to be even more people who believe very different than you and will likely be even more firm and rooted in their beliefs than your current social circle.

you'll be fine. go for it and Godspeed, my friend!

 

[E.C.]

Hi everyone,

I consider myself a devout Christian and so most of my friends here at college are Christian too. I've been having some weird issues though dealing with other persons whose religion differ from mine. As of now, I am uncomfortable sharing my own faith with others or even hanging out with people who don't share my faith. What advice can you give me to better handle this anxiety? I'm not even sure why I should be afraid of these people?

Look, so long as you are respectful and tolerant than coexistence is possible. Like it says somewhere in the Bible, "love the sinner, hate the sin". I don't agree with paganism as a religion, but one of my best friends is a pagan and the best thing that I can do is be a good example of Christian people.

Frankly, the only thing you have to fear is fear itself. God gives us trials, but none that are too great for us to handle. My own personal policy, which seems to work, is this: when asked a question answer it, but until then share nothing except by good example.

 

[Cremealamenthe]

I say, take it as a learning experience. There are so many different types of people around the world. It's fascinating, really. Being around people of all different backgrounds will help you grow as a person. Start out talking to people about things other than religion. There are so many other topics out there that you could discuss. If you feel comfortable enough with them, express your religion in a non-aggressive way, and if they express theirs with you, be as accepting as possible. Being tolerant works wonders. A lot of my friends are wildly different from me, but that's what makes them so interesting.
Hope I helped!