I believe,
I hesitated about writing this post.
Because it has to do with religion.
Religion and politics, two subjects we should avoid, right?
But, here's the thing: I started this blog so that I would have an outlet to be able to say whatever is on my mind, without having to worry about what others would think.
I'm not going to change that, just because I have some readers now(love you!), and I'm not just talking to myself.
So, here I go.
I have friends who have similar beliefs to mine, friends who are of different religions, and friends who have no religion. Love all of them.
But, what I've noticed lately is that when someone says that they do not believe in God, they receive a positive and supportive response(in general, anyway).
Good for you- you are so independent.
You think for yourself.
You're such a strong person.
But, if someone says that they do believe in God, the reaction is the opposite.
You are so narrow-minded.
You're weak.
Why can't you trust in yourself?
You shouldn't judge others(as if by saying I believe in God, it automatically means that I judge others).
Why do you believe that nonsense?
And it goes on and on.
I just don't get why the attitude is that it's acceptable not to believe in God and that no one should question that non-belief, that we should support people's right to believe that there isn't a God, but the opposite is true if someone says that they believe.
If you tell me you don't believe and we're in a situation where we can have a conversation, I might tell you that I do believe. I won't force what I believe down your throat or try to convert you from what you (don't) believe, but I don't see what's wrong with saying that I believe when you don't.
I don't think that going into great detail about why I believe and specifically what I believe is going to change your mind, though I'm willing to have that conversation should you want to.
All I ask is that if there is understanding for people who choose not to believe, the same courtesy should be extended to those of us who do.
Because it has to do with religion.
Religion and politics, two subjects we should avoid, right?
But, here's the thing: I started this blog so that I would have an outlet to be able to say whatever is on my mind, without having to worry about what others would think.
I'm not going to change that, just because I have some readers now(love you!), and I'm not just talking to myself.
So, here I go.
I have friends who have similar beliefs to mine, friends who are of different religions, and friends who have no religion. Love all of them.
But, what I've noticed lately is that when someone says that they do not believe in God, they receive a positive and supportive response(in general, anyway).
Good for you- you are so independent.
You think for yourself.
You're such a strong person.
I can understand why you think that way.
But, if someone says that they do believe in God, the reaction is the opposite.
You are so narrow-minded.
You're weak.
Why can't you trust in yourself?
You shouldn't judge others(as if by saying I believe in God, it automatically means that I judge others).
Why do you believe that nonsense?
And it goes on and on.
I just don't get why the attitude is that it's acceptable not to believe in God and that no one should question that non-belief, that we should support people's right to believe that there isn't a God, but the opposite is true if someone says that they believe.
If you tell me you don't believe and we're in a situation where we can have a conversation, I might tell you that I do believe. I won't force what I believe down your throat or try to convert you from what you (don't) believe, but I don't see what's wrong with saying that I believe when you don't.
I don't think that going into great detail about why I believe and specifically what I believe is going to change your mind, though I'm willing to have that conversation should you want to.
All I ask is that if there is understanding for people who choose not to believe, the same courtesy should be extended to those of us who do.
posted by Shell at
6:25 AM
29 Comments:
I agree.
Just stopped by from SITS; hope you will do the same.
Good for you for posting about religion. Indeed this is your blog and you will do what you will. That's interesting that you see that reaction. I actually see the opposite in my circle - if you don't believe in God then you are the odd man out.
I believe and I'm proud to say I believe and I wear a cross around my neck so you can look at me and know I. BELIEVE. :)
Wow. Great post topic. I have to agree with what you say. I've noticed that as well, but it wasn't really apparent to me until I read your post.
You go, girl. I totally agree with this. It's a whole backlash against believing, which has always been the majority opinion.
Hmm... I think it must be the company you keep?
As someone who DOESN'T believe, I have found, like Midday Escapades, the opposite to be true for me. I am reluctant to discuss religion (or my lack thereof) with folks that I don't know VERY well. In my experience, I have seen judgement on the part of religious folks, and I have on the receiving end of a few of those 'try-to-save-the-non-believer' conversations. I certainly won't HIDE my non-belief, but I don't exactly bring it up in casual conversation. I think maybe those who are very firm in their faith feel more compelled to discuss it more openly? And if it seems like there is a recent "backlash" against belief, maybe it's because the non-believers are becoming more confident to speak as the "odd man out" against the "majority opinion", which isn't a bad thing.
I think people generally react the way they do based on the experiences they've had. I actually find discussions about belief and religion to be extremely interesting and I enjoy learning WHY people believe what they do. I imagine the same might be able to be said about your non-believing friends, so don't necessarily assume disdain on their part. I think both 'sides' can learn something from the other.
wonderful post, and so very true...
And along those lines… I find it hard to understand that someone will protest in your beliefs of god and then sport there Christmas tree for all to see…
I agree with your post. I never push my beliefs on anyone but lately it seems that people who don't believe look down on those who do. I see it more and more.
There is a person who I am acquainted with (not by choice) who is extreemly critical of me with respect to my beliefs. She has made rude comments to me when my girls took their first communion etc and it never ends. She even makes remarks about my nativity set. She says she doesn't believe in all that God crap and what a waste of my time it all is to DRAG them to church etc. Hmmm..it's my time...why do you care? So then a relative of hers was injured in a serious accident and she starts posting things on facebook asking for everyone to pray for this person. WHAT???? What ran through my mind (after I prayed that the person would live) was just who is she praying to if God is nothing but crap? Suddenly she wasn't taking any chances JUST incase she was wrong. I guess she decided to try God out for a few days when it was critical.
I actually saw a family member do the same thing. This person, whom I love dearly, has picked on me for years about believing in God and then he found himself in a situation where by golly, he felt the sudden need to pray.
It's puzzling.
I am not one to go around asking people what they do or don't believe in because I truly don't care. I just don't appreciate it when non believers feel the urge to make such rude comments when I would never do such a thing to them. Bashing Christianity seems to be the new black.
I really didn't realize this was happening! Like you, I tend to keep religion and politics off of my blog, but I believe! :) And yes, the understanding needs to go all the way around.
This was fabulous. I can't agree with you more.
I agree wholeheartedly......seems God gets a bum wrap allot....
peace
Sometimes I wish blogs had a "like" button similar to facebook. :)
I think it varies by groups, honestly.
In my group of friends I always feel a little out of the loop because I'm one of two who aren't big on the religion bit. Whereas two of my best friends are so involved they do mission trips.
If I bring up my lack of religion, then it's "You're a pessimist." "How can you NOT believe in that?!" etc.
I agree thank you for posting this!
I agree!!I am a beleiver and you are so right! I am having a great giveaway so please stop by!
Wonderful post and thank you for posting this. I agree 100%
Thank you for writing this post-- it encapsulates how I feel about one of my very best friends and his lack of belief. I always feel like I have to make excuses for my faith, just so I don't insult him. But you're right, I shouldn't have to apologize for my beliefs... I have them for a VERY good reason!
~Elizabeth
http://confessionsfromaworkingmom.blogspot.com
I hadn't noticed this but I am a believer, too. And, yes , we shouldn't be dismissed because of it.
PS It's your blog. Talk about whatever you want!
Atta girl!
Ya know, if others don't like what they read, they can kiss your hiney-poo:)
I am glad you were true to your own heart and put it all out there.
In general, I believe that the things that cause the most uncomfortable stirring within other people, tend to generate the most negative responses.
I believe if we are truly confident in our beliefs, spirtual or otherwise, we are not so easily rattled by opposing beliefs.
Clearly, you are confident in your values, and feel comfortable having mature and respectful conversations with those that don't share those values. I think the key component is your level of confidence. (And perhaps their lack of confidence in their beliefs.)
I try to consider this when I hear someone trashing my belief in Jesus and what His story means to me. Fabulous post.
I'm glad that you wrote what you thought, felt and believe. My experience is that people are more willing to give believers a hearing if the believers start off building a relationship. I think Jesus does this, doesn't he? Even if it was a short building of a relationship, he listened to them and met them where they were at.
Instead of being critical of people who claim to be disbelievers of God and prayer until the heat is turned on, we should be praising God that they turned to Him (even if temporarily). It is in these times that they might actually meet God and become believers themselves.
To be honest, I pray that the Lord will "turn up the heat" in various people's lives so that they go running to Him.
Shell, people are always quick to judge what they are afraid of.
It seems to me that people are often fickle when it comes to religion and politics. Almost to the point of 'en vogue'. It's cool to have conviction when others do, and not when others don't.
It's only the strong of mind and will who will speak their beliefs be they political or religious, when they are certainly going to be mocked for them.
Good for you, writing what moved you today! :D
Good post girl! I'm with ya!
you are sooooo right.
I don't push religion down anyone's throat - but if/when asked - I will tell you exactly how i feel ;)
I very rarely discuss religion except with people I feel comfortable around. But I would never push my beliefs on others and I've been fortunate enough to never have had someone do that to me.
I am a Catholic, and proud to be one.
I personally like a person for the person, and not what religion they are or are not. I think some people are drawn to religions for one reason or another. If you are a good, loving, fair person it doesn't matter to me what religion you have or have not. I will listen to what ever any other human being believes or why they don't. I think all the diversity just makes us all that more interesting. My faith is deepened and not diminished.
Thanks for stopping by at my blog!
Figured I'd stop by to say hello!
No one should judge others. Regardless of beliefs. I"m sorry you've run into that.
Oh gosh, it's the opposite down here here in the South. Everyone ASSUMES you're Christian; mention that you're not and you get looked at like you have two heads. But I'm all for respecting what anyone believes or doesn't believe. - Sherean (www.randomneuralfirings.net)
I totally agree! Often expressing your faith is shown as weakness to an unbeleiver, when in fact I feel it's the exact opposite. Good post.
Hmm, good points made!
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