Posted by Helen on: 10.07.2007 /
Debbie posted this comment on An atheist in Christian college today.
I have served in Christian ministry for over 20 years and have been a pastor’s wife for nearly 10 of those. I am now separated and awaiting divorce. During my time of healing over the past 2 years of separation, therapy, and abuse at the hands of my so-called “Christian” friends, I found one very special friend. She is an atheist, and a very convicted one. At first meeting, you would have thought a pastor’s wife and an atheist would have little in common. She remains my closest friend, my greatest support, and my most valued support-sister. And it has NOTHING to do with religion - which we agree to disagree on. That doesn’t mean we don’t talk religion - we do. We just don’t try to sell each other anything. We just listen, and support. It’s a beautiful relationship. When I say “praise God,” she smiles for me. When she gets angry and says screw God, I give her a shoulder to rest on.
Just love keeps us connected. Isn’t that what Jesus really asked us to do anyway? He doesn’t need anyone to advertise His name - God, if we think we need to do that for Him we must have a tiny God who is incapable and we myst think very highly of ourselves!
I love my girlfriend. She is an atheist. I am a Christian. We have much to share and offer each other.
Comment by: Steve S.
1 10/8/07 11:44 AM | Comment Link |I have an ongoing very positive and constructive dialogue with a zen-atheist(?)-marxist about Jesus.
I hope that our spiritual community continues to be a place that is centered on Jesus without intentionally or unintentionally excluding anyone from meaningful involvement in the life and direction of the community; in fact, going beyond this to actively create space for everyone at the table, no matter who they are or how they define themselves. (so far we really are seeing that happen, which is a complete blessing to me!)
If, as christians, we believe the bible teaches that all women, and men are created with the image of the Creator stamped upon them, shouldn’t this just be a given?
Comment by: David H
2 10/8/07 8:24 PM | Comment Link |It occurred to me recently that if my faith was purely instructive to me about how I should act toward others that wouldn’t be a bad thing. I was raised to believe it was all about conversion and every conversation had to lead to that. It also made sure that I had few friends who didn’t share my beliefs. That doesn’t seem constructive now. I learn far more from conversing with others than I ever did simply telling them what I believe.
Comment by: Helen
3 10/9/07 5:43 AM | Comment Link |Steve S. wrote:
Neat :)
Without having been to your spiritual community it’s hard to know what this means in practice. However, your comments about how diverse it is do indicate you’re succeeding at creating a welcoming inclusive environment - to the point where that brings its own challenges because it makes church ‘messy’.
Evidently not, since some Christians consider it could be dangerous to one’s faith to listen to the thoughts, beliefs and non-beliefs of people who don’t fit their definition of Christian. I was once advised against going to a UU course about Jesus. I think this was because I already had doubts/questions and the pastor thought it might lead me further away. Anyway it illustrates what I’m saying, that some Christians think it’s dangerous to listen to those who are not like-minded.
David H wrote:
Me too, David.