How can people remain good friends in spite having religious differences?

1. 93

   jpcmcposted 11 years ago

   How can people remain good friends in spite having religious differences?

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2. 81

   MsDoraposted 11 years ago

   My best friend and I grew up in the same church.  He studied theology and changed his beliefs.  He tried to convert me, but it hasn't worked. We still disagree in some areas of our beliefs.
   
   We loved each other before the change, and we still love each other, despite the fact that our beliefs are different.  Our love, concern and understanding for each other cannot be diminished by our religious differences.  We respect each other enough to say, "I disagree; now let's eat."

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3. 38

   ChristinSposted 11 years ago

   Mutual respect.  My grandmother was a devout Catholic married to an atheist and they were married a long time.  They agreed that each person is entitled to their own opinions and path in life.  I am not religious, but I am friends with many who are, so long as they respect me as I respect them.  We don't argue about our beliefs and focus on our common good and interests.

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4. 0

   dragonflycolorposted 11 years ago

   My friend and I have had religious differences from day one.  I respect her views and she respects mine.  We never bring up anything that truly bothers us and we abide by that code.

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5. 76

   Emmyboyposted 11 years ago

   It is quite easy but it will require a lot of tolerance for the two parties involved to be in agreement without experiencing unnecessary scruples.
   
   Friends can also remain friends in spite of religious difference if they are able to express their religious beliefs without resorting to trying to impose their own personal beliefs on the other person. This means that they will strive to avoid criticizing each other based on their religious backgrounds and/or beliefs.
   
   Also, one very way of still being good friends in spite of the prevailing religious difference is for the friends to avoid discussing religion, if that is possible.

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6. 0

   sheilamyersposted 11 years ago

   In my case, we do. I'm a Christian, but I have friends who are atheists and even one who is Wiccan. Depending on which friend, we deal with the differences in one of two ways - we either don't discuss religion at all or we discuss our differences without arguing. None of us have ever tried to convince the other people they're wrong. Even when I'm asked if I believe they're wrong, I can tell them "yes" and explain why I believe that and they don't get offended. I treat them with respect and vice versa. It's the same as having friends with different political views, who root for the other sports team, or any other differences.

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7. 50

   t00ty33posted 11 years ago

   You cannot be good friends without respect for each others beliefs, be they religious or otherwise. I am Christian and I have friends from other religions. We often discuss our beliefs and agree to disagree. Most religious differences stem, not from the individual, but, instead, from what the individuals have been taught. Sometimes, my friends and I review the differences in our cultural norms and we can each understand how the other's belief system developed. If two people are truly friends, then one would not want to force another to believe what he/she believes. In addition, if an opened mind is maintained within this friendship, the differences can, possibly, offer opportunity for spiritual growth. In our society, the unspoken belief about differences amongst individuals is that a source of conflict is created because of them. My belief is that conflict is created by our reactions to what we believe. Therefore, if we can react as friends and be willing to listen, conflict will succumb to knowledge.

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8. 74

   Crissyliteposted 11 years ago

   love and respect...love each other no matter what and respect the other person's belief even if you do not agree with them

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   1. 0

      dragonflycolorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      i agree!

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9. 72

   dashingscorpioposted 11 years ago

   Your question states (remain) good friends which implies that you are already good friends. With all the topics that friends have to discuss why most religion be one of them?
   Having religious differences shouldn't matter unless one is trying to covert the other or convince them that they are in the "wrong".
   Life is a personal journey.
   Each of us is entitled to believe whatever we choose to believe. No two people are going to agree on "everything". Sometimes the best way to remain friends with someone is to agree to disagree and move on from that subject. Focus on the things that you have in common instead of your differences.

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10. 76

    kenneth averyposted 11 years ago

    Mutal and sincere respect for each other's established religious views. But to be truthful with you and myself, if I had a friend who says "dirt" is his god, then I have to draw the line. I will not condemn this person, just ease out of the friendship, for what lies beyond worshipping dirt can be detrimental.

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