Christians, would you be able to be friends with an Atheist?

1. 61

   zeke2100posted 10 years ago

   Christians, would you be able to be friends with an Atheist?

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   Deepes Mindposted 10 years ago

   I have a few atheist friends. There is nothing wrong with it. We respect each others beliefs (or lack thereof) because our beliefs are only part of who we are. they aren't the whole of our existence. We are also able to have discussions and debates that leave us both with more understanding of each other

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3. 44

   Ericdierkerposted 10 years ago

   I really want to see the literalists' answer on this. We know Christ commanded to Love you enemies. So for sure we are commanded to love everyone without exception.
   
   But there are verses that also say: knock the dirt off your sandals and seperate yourself from unbelievers.
   
   It would be a conundrum if not for the first rule being a commandment from Christ and the others are simply telling you what to do in certain circumstances and were written or spoken to specific audiences. So if you follow the second in disobedience to the commandment clearly stated you would be wrong.
   
   So the answer is not if you would be able, but that you must.

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   1. 64

      Claire Evansposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      A Christian doesn't have to be friends with an atheist because of the Bible.  They must be if they like the person.  Jesus mingled with Gentiles.

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      zeke2100posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I believe the Lord can call Christians to be a friend and a servant to those who do not believe in God. That does not mean that you necessarily have a deep trust or connection with them, but you are concerned about their well-being.

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      Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Zeke, I just wanted to thank you for this question being asked. I have learned much that I can improve on. I will pose this question to my youth in bible study this week.

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   MickSposted 10 years ago

   Well I'm friends with many Christians, and Muslims, and Jews, they seem to have no problems being friends with me.  I like the person , not the colour or creed.

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   JThomp42posted 10 years ago

   I have friends from all walks of life. I love them all the same.

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      PlanksandNailsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You cannot love all the same because love takes on many forms. I don't think you have romantic love for all your friends, or that your love for Chad Kroeger of Nickelback is divine love.

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      JThomp42posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It is called friend love planks. Chill out.

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      zeke2100posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That is great that you have diverse friends with different beliefs and try to love them in the same manner without prejudice.
      You didn't say that you have a deeper friendship with some than others. Do you trust some more than others?

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      JThomp42posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Zeke... Yes. There are those whom I trust more than others. For instance, I have a friend I've known from childhood who is like a brother. But, I do show them all the same respect.

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6. 64

   Claire Evansposted 10 years ago

   Jesus meant do not exact revenge on your enemies not love them.  It was translated from Greek so it is a translation issue. 
   
   If a non believer doesn't want to hear about Christ, etc, then don't force them.  Just move on and that is what is meant by shaking the dust off one's feet.
   
   A Christian who loves Jesus does set a barrier between themselves and atheists.  I have a couple of atheist friends on Facebook but I can only speak about trivial things to them because we know about the elephant in the room.  How can you deeply confide in an atheist when they don't believe in the very thing your life revolves around?

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   1. 61

      zeke2100posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It would be hard to have a deep, trusting relationship with one that does not share the same spiritual connection to God. The elephant in the room would be hard to overcome.

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      Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I reckon some folks will work real hard to find reasons not to love. This concept is new to me "Jesus meant". And was Christ a Christian? Not exacting revenge, is forgiving, which is part of love. Is a small child an atheist. Fellowship restricted?

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      MsDraytonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      @t zeek2100, I agree

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7. 61

   zeke2100posted 10 years ago

   Does anyone here know what the word Koinonia means?

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      JThomp42posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, of course. In a sense fellowship.

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   2. 61

      zeke2100posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Koinonia is the Greek word for communion, meaning "that which we have in common." So spiritually, Christians and Atheists cannot fellowship on a spiritual level.
      You can love & care about people that aren't Christians. Fellowship is different.

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8. 55

   MsDraytonposted 10 years ago

   I wouldn't because we would always argue over our beliefs. I would still speak to the atheist and treat the atheist nice but the friendship thing I would have to draw the line.

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   celafoeposted 10 years ago

   I have been friends with an athiest, but it is on a completely different level than  a friendship with a Christian.    And it usually does not last a real long time, they usually get born again or just move on over time.    Light and darkness have no real fellowship.

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10. 63

    fatfistposted 10 years ago

    I can never be friends with an Atheist. They are the dumbest of the evolved apes on this planet. Theists are always smarter and win all arguments against the Religion of Atheism!
    
    
    "A serious case could be made for a deistic God." – Richard Dawkins

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       Austinstarposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Who are you? and what have you done with fatfist?

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11. 0

    cjcs138posted 10 years ago

    I know there are christians that seem to only stick together like a gang. I find this very unfortunate because it is not what God called us to do. I am friends actually with atheists, mormons, jews and agnostics. I have also debated God with them in a friendly manner. Since youre asking the question, I'm assuming you dont have any christian friends.

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