by sarah h.
Member since:
August 29, 2007

Why oh why do people feel the need to try to "convert" me????

October 20, 2008 09:10 PM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 37
I am an atheist and have no problem admitting that to people.  I feel it's my choice and I shouldn't be lectured about it by other people.

I hate, hate, hate when people find out that I am an atheist and then try to convert me to whatever religion they may be.  Why do people do that??? I don't try to convert people to an atheist when I hear that they are Christian or Catholic or whatever they may be.

Sorry about this rant, just had to get it off my chest!

Comments: 37

*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle Y. Oct 20, 2008, 9:14pm UTC
Christians are taught to convert because they are truly concerned for your soul. I am not a good Christian because I find I really don't care anymore. You are an adult and if your choice is to be atheist, have at it.
Mooch -. Oct 20, 2008, 9:20pm UTC
I've learned long ago to not try to convert people, and I gaveu p if someone wants to know about me or my faith I will tell them but most of the time I keep my mouth shit, I am done trying to convert people, if people want to know something about me that religion playe da part in, then needless to say they will hear it, but its not meant to convert people, its part of me and who I am.

sometimes it may take a while but I'm done with trying to convert people,
Mooch
Sherrie H. Oct 20, 2008, 9:31pm UTC
No one should ever lecture you about a personal choice. It's yours to make. But for those Christians who know and care about you... well, if they believe as Christians do, they're going to want to "convert" you because they love you.
Claudia B. Oct 20, 2008, 9:37pm UTC
You surely have a free will and can chose to do believe what you believe. But, one question, how do they find out that you're an atheist? I'd find a diplomatic way to answer their questions i.e. "Are you saved?"

I have told people that I don't think it's necessary to discuss my religious beliefs with anyone. It's discriminatory and harassing so if the people asking are co-workers, I'd would gently remind them about how they're over stepping some boundaries.

I agree with Mari, I don't go out of my way to sway/convert anyone to my faith but if they ask direct questions, I will talk very openly about my faith. But, I surely would respect your opinion if you told me.
rainne c. Oct 20, 2008, 9:41pm UTC
it your choice
☃ Shannon K. Wendt Oct 20, 2008, 10:01pm UTC
I'm with you sistah. My MIL tries and tries to "convert" me and she thinks she's really subtle about it.

Why is it that atheists never try to get anyone to convert to our heathen ways but the religious nut jobs always try to get you to "find gawd"?
☃ Shannon K. Wendt Oct 20, 2008, 10:02pm UTC
Or go door to door dropping off pamplets about the last days?
☃ Shannon K. Wendt Oct 20, 2008, 10:02pm UTC
(Don't get me started on this particular topic!)
Robin G. Oct 20, 2008, 10:04pm UTC
I'm going door to door to make you this INCREDIBLE offer!
Robin G. Oct 20, 2008, 10:06pm UTC
I hate those damn pamplets. They go great on the bottom of the dog cage though.
Elaine A. Oct 20, 2008, 10:09pm UTC
Religion is a person's choice. I have no right to question anyone's beleif.

I am a christian, I have never tried to convert anyone & I never will
☃ Shannon K. Wendt Oct 20, 2008, 10:09pm UTC
Or kindlin' for the fire.
Tanzanite S. Oct 20, 2008, 10:18pm UTC
It is your choice and you shouldn't be lectured. Go ahead and rant.
Ryan Reid Oct 20, 2008, 10:19pm UTC
im with ya, im not quite athiest but i dont like organized religion. but i still think we should have conversations/ debates about our belifes. as long as they are kept free of any form insult or anger. because if we dont have our belifes challenged, then do we really belive? or are we just following. im not saying we sould try and convert people, but i think a healty argument every once in a while will only strengthen your belifes if you truly believe...

a great professer once taught me this. and i stand by it to this day.
Cheryl W. Oct 20, 2008, 10:26pm UTC
I'm a Christian, but don't feel it is my place to convert anyone. If someone asks me about my faith, then I will gladly share. I know that it is a turn off for anyone to have someone's religion shoved down your throat. I believe that chases more people away than it does draw them near.
Janet "Jax" B. Oct 20, 2008, 10:47pm UTC
True athiest or more of an agnostic? I find most that say they are athiest are actually agnostic.
Kerrell Goolsby Oct 20, 2008, 10:50pm UTC
I try not to convert people... but if I do, I try to get them to Catholicism. After all, it is at the top of the religious food chain.
Because every atheist is withholding income from a jive-ass preacher. Jeeeezus needs your dollars!!!!!
Eddie Resner Oct 21, 2008, 1:32am UTC
Hi, have you lost all of your Gather points also?
Aimee "I Love Points" K. Oct 21, 2008, 5:21am UTC
I am a Christian, probably more an agnostic. However, I understand what you mean and I feel you are what you are. I have no problem with anyone choosing for themselves! Here is a 10 for you!
Ishbel R. Oct 21, 2008, 6:59am UTC
I'm an agnostic - and refuse to engage in discussions about religion - particularly with the religious!
A N. Oct 21, 2008, 8:37am UTC
Thanks for posting your content to the Group: We comment back
Elaine S. Oct 21, 2008, 9:19am UTC
It's your choice
Heather M. Oct 21, 2008, 9:32am UTC
I almost said that some churches are big on evangelizing. That is true. However, I have found it to be more true that some individuals, often those who are unchurched themselves, are really big on evangelizing-- and will even try to convert Christians to their particular brand of Christianity.
Abby N. Oct 21, 2008, 8:51pm UTC
I'm a Christian and Catholic but I don't feel I should push my beliefs on you. I figure you already know what is said by now and have made your choice. Not my place to convert or judge.
Abby N. Oct 21, 2008, 8:51pm UTC
Thank you for posting to Image Points! :)
René Allen Oct 22, 2008, 9:59am UTC
Sarah ~ It is very THERAPEUTIC to get things off your chest. You may want to try drawing an artistic sketch expressing yourself. It helps a lot.

No one will try to convert you in here. BE as you are.

THANKS for JOINING US!

You've received a lot of INTERESTING COMMENTS to this post -- let me go back and read them all!
Holly K. Oct 23, 2008, 5:58pm UTC
I don't understand why either. I guess they think they are doing you a favor - helping you to see the light. You are free to live your life the way you want.
Kimber L. Oct 24, 2008, 3:00pm UTC
I say to each their own
Lisa B. Oct 24, 2008, 10:24pm UTC
Yeah, that can be totally annoying.
I don't try to convert people. But I do like to discuss why they don't belive in Jesus and I do.
Peter Joseph Swanson Oct 28, 2008, 10:33am UTC
BE A VEGETARIAN !!!
Peter Joseph Swanson Oct 28, 2008, 10:33am UTC
PRAY TO ISIS !!!
Peter Joseph Swanson Oct 28, 2008, 10:34am UTC
READ MY NOVELS !!!
Peter Joseph Swanson Oct 28, 2008, 10:34am UTC
WEAR BLACK !!!
Renda B. Oct 31, 2008, 6:08pm UTC
Ranting does the body good :)

This comment is to let you know your content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations.

Happy Halloween. Hope you have a great weekend.
Goddamn Atheist Nov 18, 2009, 1:27am UTC
Here are some other web sites I go too...thought I'd share them with you....it's not a total listing of atheist groups on line...just some

http://www.atheistnexus.org/
http://www.infidelrevolution.com/
http://www.thinkatheist.com/
http://atheistpenpals.ning.com/
http://www.gather.com/
http://www.vox.com/
http://www.livejournal.com/
http://goddamnatheist.blogspot.com/
http://www.examiner.com/
http://loljesus.com/
http://www.atheist-community.org/
http://www.plurk.com/goddamnathiest/invite
http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html
http://www.myspace.com/goddamnatheist

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Business | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Giveaways | Health | Money | Moms | News | Politics | Sports | Style | Technology | Travel | Writing
Version , "Zach"; Copyright © 2012 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.