Last night I had an unexpected conversation about faith and religion with an atheist. What I think is most amazing is multiple times during the conversation he stated, “I wish more people thought like you.” This was profound to me because I never wavered on my faith.
Our conversation came up while discussing a bill that recently didn’t pass in Florida regarding the legalization of marijuana. From there it took an interesting turn to religion.
During our discussion I learned he became an atheist because of his frustration with religion and judgmental Christians. He had a significant negative experience during childhood and it started a rebellion against religion and everything that came with it. He did add that he does thoroughly enjoy the views of the current pope, with the exception of his belief in God.
I think what intrigued him the most about me is that we actually agreed on many things. Our main difference came down to he puts his faith in people, where as I put my faith in the God that created those people.
I do understand where he is coming from. I have some similar frustrations with religion, and especially with judgmental people who consider themselves the best of Christians.
I was raised Catholic like my mom, but my dad is Baptist. These two religions regularly bump heads over what is right and what is wrong, but my parents never did. The focus in our household was the importance of our faith, rather than religion. My dad taught me that there are differences in religions, but the core faith is a belief in God. I was raised to never judge others, and taught that your religion does not make you better than other people. This has greatly shaped the person and the Christian I have become.
One of the things we discussed last night were judgments he and I had faced from other Christians. My wonderful parents helped me through these trials when I was young assuring me that anyone that makes me feel bad about my faith is not displaying Christian behavior. He had faced similar experiences, but without the support a child needs when shaping their faith.
My main point in discussing this is not because it was an amazing conversation, but because of the lessons all Christians should learn from it. Love is what changes hearts and minds, not lack of acceptance. I may never know the full impact our conversation had on him. Maybe he will think more about God, maybe he won’t, but I know that for me it was a lesson I will never forget.
Until next time,
Kaycee
P.S. My favorite song today is Do Something by Matthew West