When someone tries to share their belief with you, who do you feel about that?

1. 76

   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   When someone tries to share their belief with you, who do you feel about that?
   
   As many are aware it is often the role of those who believe in a God or Gods to share the good news about those Gods with those who profess non-belief. How does this make you feel when someone does it to you? Bad or good experiences? How do you manage it? I have a hub in progress and am trying to get two sides to the story...aside from being genuinely curious. (Prior warning - I don't want arguing so will manage the answers/comments if necessary) - I want honesty. Thanks

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2. 0

   jonnycomelatelyposted 10 years ago

   Thanks for this question, jlpark.
   
   I feel this is very much to the point.   I respond in a variety of ways, none of which is perfectly appropriate or effective.
   
   First reaction is annoyance.  "What right does he/she have to push stuff down my throat, as though whatever I accept or don't accept is irrelevant?"
   
   The second response might be to try and put him/her in their place.  A fight-back sort of reaction.  It rarely has any positive effect.
   
   Thirdly, I can try to get behind the scenes and find what is driving that person to have such an arrogant and judgmental attitude to me and everyone else.  Is it their mental health that's driving it?  Do they have a hermit-like existence, shut away in a basement, where the only connection with the world is via the Internet?  Is he/she disabled, like in a wheel chair, or blind, or deaf..... or even in prison? 
   
   If it turns out to be any of the above then this can ease my reaction somewhat.  I develop a bit of empathy or sympathy with them.
   
   If the Believer is absolutely immoveable, unwilling to even consider my opinion as reasonable, then I call it quits and can be quite forthright!
   
   In the final analysis, what does it matter if we disagree.   There are some much more vocal people with better gifts in expressing themselves without holding back.... lol.

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3. 60

   Link10103posted 10 years ago

   Would be nice to not have the subtle threat of eternally regretting my choice, or the superiororly condescending attitude that I am an idiot for not blindly believing in something that no one can collectively prove outside of personal experiences. Experiences which differ even among people of the same faith.
   
   But my response is usually the same either way. I ask questions and point out the glaring flaws in someone's logic. There are usually 2 results. 1 being that they back themselves so far into a corner and eventually start insulting people, to then exit on the first 2 points I made. Or 2, they preach about the glory of the lord with Bible verses, to then possibly exit on the first point I made and half of the second one.
   
   The first result would be amusing if the complete and utter lack of common sense didn't devolve into personal attacks for simply asking questions. Most of the time, I am left quite flabbergasted.

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4. 72

   manatita44posted 10 years ago

   For the devotee of God, he or see tends to have an intuitive feel, as to how to get on with humans in our their different stages of development. It is a bit like sitting at the branch of a tree and looking down.
   
   Generally, the seeker listens. He/she knows quite quickly how to respond. This may involve listening or moving on. What the seeker wishes to do is share, inspire, serve. Frankly, religion is the last thing on his/her mind. The seeker knows that all come from God, are in God and will ultimately return to God. Religion is also necessary to him/her but secondary.
   
   I see so many people whose religion I never ask and never know. Yet I serve and try to inspire. The seeker also feels intuitively when to stop. One can say too much, no matter how noble. The purpose is always to serve, to love, to inspire or elevate. Unless ordained from on high, one should do nothing to destroy or disturb this spirit.

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