How Skeptics and Believers Can Connect

[Free Speech Enjoyer]

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New York Times

[Oldiesfreak1854]

The easiest way for Christians to reach them is to live more like Christ.  As Gandhi famously said:

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[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

The easiest way for Christians to reach them is to live more like Christ.  As Gandhi famously said:

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I rarely agree with Oldies but I'll have to here.  Personally, the way I saw the gays treated was the first thing that pushed a young me (let's say 12 yrs old) away from religion.  I very much doubt Jesus, as he is described, would have been so awful to any group of people. 

I would have left anyway, but I'll make a comparison.  A break-up between two people can be amicable or it can be nasty.  Let's just say my break-up with Christianity was a nasty one...

[Torie]

I wonder if it is all easier if you basically accept the way you were brought up, I guess because on one's own personal journey, nothing occurs to create the psychological energy to reject it, even if one does not dwell on it. I was raised an an atheist basically (well my mother was a confused Deist, my Dad a relaxed atheist).  I still am the way I was raised. But I have never felt any urge to view religion, or the religious, as the "enemy" either. In fact, I have been candid and open about my secularism, and have never, ever had a person of faith treat me poorly as a consequence. Yes, never. Sure, a few try to get me to change my mind, but rapidly realize that that attempt, given my beliefs, nature, temperament, background, and world experiences, is wholly futile.

In fact, in a way, I view those who have managed to make a leap of faith as having received a gift. I mean, what is there not to like about believing, truly believing, that there is an after life, and a good one to boot?

I might add, that so far, I have not had any unpleasant experiences arise by being upfront about being gay either, but then I rub shoulders with a non-random sample of folks I admit. And maybe, given my age, who in their right mind would give a darn anyway?