Thank you so much Rob. I always try my best to temper what I say with love and to offer my thoughts in a constructive way. That you think I am part way to achieving that means a lot to me.Originally Posted by walesrob
I understand how you feel about people approaching you to share their faith. Remember, that those that attempt to share their faith with you are only doing so as they think it a loving act to share something that they personally benefit from with others. When I myelf share my beliefs with an individual, I try to be sensitive to who I am sharing with and tailor what I say accordingly. But then, I have to do that every day in my working life.Hi Piamed.
I personally don't go around telling everybody I am an atheist, but I find it so obnoxious that religious bods feel they have to tell everybody about their beliefs. They actually SHOUT in the streets. What a bore and what a liberty, and if anyone asks them why they do this, they shout even louder
I also do not ask for money from people because I am an atheist.
I realise that people in the Philippines are "god-fearing" and if that is their belief then good luck to them, as long as they go about their business in a quiet dignified manner.
But you see, religion does strange things to people and they feel it their right to try to convert others.
As you know, the "RC" or "C of E" religions are fading away as every week goes by.
People just don't care about them anymore in the way they did in days of old.
I don't know why religious people feel they cannot live with non-believers.
That is bigotry and intolerance.
If we all observe our history we will notice that Europe was subjugated and spent hundreds of years by religious zealots who killed people because they did not want to believe.
That is one of the main reasons that people in Europe fled in their droves to the "New World".
I understand that people, like my father, strongly believes in the church.
That is fine by me, as long as it is not rammed down my throat.
I will continue to ignore the church as many millions now do here in the UK. However, if a poster here or anywhere asks how people can live together with differing beliefs, then the answer is clear for all to see. Don't rock my boat and I will not rock yours.
God does not exist and no amount of brow-beating, shouting or persuasive language will convince me otherwise.
If the approach of some is less sensitive, then perhaps it is just that they are passionate in their quest to help others or just clumsy in their interpersonal skills. In either event, a polite statement of disinterest should see them off with neither party the worse for wear.
People do not try to raise money because they are Christians; they attempt to raise money to futher a charitable cause that they believe in, so on that basis I understand that you would of course, have no need to canvass for money in the same way.
I'm not a religious person but I do have a faith and have absolutely no problem engaging with non-believers. Just as not all non-believers are the same, the same is also true of believers.
You are right that millions are moving away from the more traditional churches pre-modernist practices and perspectives. However, the post-modern churches are growing at a faster rate than at any other time historically.
I accept that your belief is that God does not exist and respect your view as you have your own personal reasons underpinning it.
