I have a friend thats a christian and i'm an atheist....?
817591
No one should be forced into a religion.....and no one should be judged.\n\nIf the time should come, seek knowledge.\n\nLectio Divina is Latin for “spiritual reading” and represents an early monastic technique of prayer which continues in practice though less widely, intended to achieve communion with God as well as providing special spiritual insights and peace from that experience. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray from God's Word.\n\nHistory\nLectio Divina was first expressed in the year 220 AD. It was found that to read the Bible profitably it is necessary to do so with attention, consistency and prayer. The systematization of “spiritual reading” into four steps dates back to the 12th century. Around 1150, Guigo II, a Carthusian monk, wrote a book entitled “The Monk’s Ladder” (Scala Claustralium) wherein he set out the theory of the four rungs: reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI stated, “This is the ladder by which the monks ascend from earth to heaven.”\n\nMethod\nLectio is typically practiced daily for one continuous hour. A selection from the Holy Scriptures is chosen ahead of time, often as a daily progression through a particular book of the Bible.\n\nTime\nSelecting a time for lectio divina is important. Typical methods are to pray for one hour in the morning, or to divide it into two half-hour periods, one in the morning and one in the evening. The key is to pre-select the time that will be devoted to the prayer, and to keep it. Using the same time every day leads to a daily habit of prayer that becomes highly effective.\n\nPlace\nThe place for prayer is to be free from distractions. This means it should be isolated from other people, telephones, visual distractions, etc. Some find a religious icon to be helpful. The same place should be used for lectio if possible, especially as one first begins to practice it. Familiarity with a location reduces the possibility of distraction away from the prayer. Some practitioners conduct other devotions, such as praying before the Catholic Eucharist, as a preparation for Lectio Divina.\n\n Preparation\nPrior to reading, it is important to engage in a transitional activity that takes one from the normal state of mind to a more contemplative and prayerful state. A few moments of deep, regular breathing and a short prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time helps to set the tone and improve the effectiveness of the lectio.\n\nOnce the stage is set it is time to begin the prayer. There are four phases of the prayer, which do not necessarily progress in an ordered fashion. One may move between different phases of the prayer very freely as the Spirit guides.\n\nThe Four Moments\nLectio\nRead the passage several times.\n\nMeditatio\nReflect on the text of the passage, thinking about how to apply to one's own life. Gravitate to any particular phrase or word that seems to be of particular import. This should not be confused with exegesis, but is a very personal reading of the Scripture and application to one's own life.\n\n Oratio\nRespond to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but more of the beginning of a conversation with God.\n\n Contemplatio\nListen to God. This is a freeing oneself from one's own thoughts, both mundane and holy. It is about hearing God talk to us. Opening our mind, heart and soul to the influence of God. Any conversation must allow for both sides to communicate, and this most unfamiliar act is allowing oneself to be open to hearing God speak.
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Personally, I am not a Christian nor do I believe in the same creator, Lord as you do. I do however have the modesty and decency to respect your choice in Religion and the civility not to insult it. \n\nPeople who poke fun at the Christian faith, and generalize all Christians into one category, whether it be "stupid" "idiot" "imbecile" or as a recent post stated, "retarded" are only proving to be close-minded. People who insult the Christian faith are people who cannot see a situation from a different perspective, and understand the stance of another.\n\nWhere as one might not believe it to be true, they don't feel a need to respect it, proving only ignorance and barbarity. \n\nI don't believe in your Religion, but I do respect it, and the people who choose to believe in the Christian faith. I see you are very strong willed, and set on your Religion. Such a security is very admirable, and more people should have such an honest devout opinion about nonstereotyping, and freedom as you. \n\nI bid you a good night. \n<3 Ashlee
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As long as you two stay away from bigots, zealots, hypocrites, and holier than thou people you'll be ok.  If you respect each others religions then do what you do, and let him do what he does and be tolerant.  If you differ on opinion let it be a debate and not an argument;  If it starts to seem like it's headed in that direction just stop talking about it.
1091400
Accept them as friends.  Ask God for wisdom on how to witness.  God loves them unconditionally but He doesn't approve their choice of lifestyle.
530387
hey my friend, I KNOW SOMEONE WHO KNOWS ALL THE TRUTH. GET ON YOUR KNEES AND SAY THIS..JESUS, I ACCEPT YOU AS MY SAVIOR AND LORD JESUS CHRIST.FORGIVE MY OF ALL MY SINS. I BELIEVE IN YOU AND LOVE YOU. I BELIEVE YOU DIED ON THE CROSS FOR MY SINS AND THAT I AM FORGIVEN.AMEN... After you say that prayer you wont need to look for fake people no more!!!!
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I am curious to know why did you convert ? they won't kill you, relax.,you both believe in the same God, HE is watching over both of you. Do not worry.
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hi, first i want to confess that i am weak in english and i read your question thrice to understand the meaning. forgive me if my answer seems to be different from what you have asked.\nyou need to know the difference between religion and spirituality. religion includes customs, rites, fasting, going to the church, etc. which i think started atleast 15 yrs after the death of jesus. it took some time to build a church. furthermore jesus himself was a jew and not a christian, if we consider his religion. so, friend, the question is not your religion but your spirituality. i think your belief is enough to prove it. i feel it suffocating to practise religious rites, prayers,etc. if i am the son of Him, then why do i need to go to him "through proper channel", can't i put my request directly to him? leave it, now to discuss your problem. friend, you are in love and you are in tension. you are trying to appear religious in her way to her. friend, why are you doing so? whether you don't want to LOOSE her or you feel that she may be hurt. if the second option is the cause then you can say that you love her and if the first one is the cause then it is possesiveness and not love. in most of the cases it results in suffering and nothing else. you try to clarify it to yourself first.\nhow long will you be able to act in this way. what you actually are, will be revealed to her in some days. i think it's better to tell her the truth at RIGHT TIME(depending on her mood).\ni'm not sugggesting you any hit and run policy as you do not seem to be of that type. if needed you can contact me at aauumm_tatsat@yahoo.co.in. all the best
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First of all, never tell someone what "they believe."  Just because the Quran teaches something doesn't mean that your friend believes it.\n\nSecond, ask him to teach you more about Islam while you teach him more about Christianity.  Don't "debate" him, but have an honest, sincere conversation.\n\nThird, and most importantly, love him.  Let him know you care.
929046
Amen. I couldn't have said it better myself, Christian here.  I believe why not let the other person believe, think what they want, I never push Religion on anyone.  If they act interested or curious, I let them lead me into the discussion.  And I try my hardest to be polite, but I do have my days, I think every one does now and then.
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if a christian is judging you two, then in my opinion they're not real christians. christians are told not to judge. i'd just ignore them. they don't deserve the time of day. if you two are happy then just forget them!besides, love should be the thing that really matters, not what religion you two are.
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Trying to "convince" her will only alienate her. You are friends because you love and accept each other the way you are. You need to consider this: Does she try to convince you that your belief is wrong? For now, live and let live. Take your worries to God in prayer. Pray for her and pray that she will be saved. When it comes right down to it, after all, faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is not arrived at by argument or pushing by you.  Live your life as an example, let your own faith shine, be happy and feel blessed. You have been brought into her life for a reason, but if you drive her away by being difficult to be around, or making her feel unacceptable in your eyes, or "damned" for goodness' sake, you will have accomplished the opposite of what you want. When and if the time is right, God will do what needs to be done. Also remember this--none of us can truly see what is in another's heart and soul, only God can. You may be worrying for nothing. People are very complex and often say things they don't actually feel for complex psychological reasons.  So relax, enjoy her friendship, and have faith that all will be as God plans.
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I have no problem with non-believers here.  I am not insulted by your presence; in fact, this may be the perfect setting for you.  I pray that God would speak to you in some way that you would believe in Him.  True Christians do not condemn others, however, love them and avoid saying hurtful things. However, I will not refrain from expressing how I feel about my personal relationship with God and how He has carried me through many difficult times.
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i do believe in faith. it sounds like you were meant to be with this person whether that is for a friend or a soul mate. don't let them out of your life.
773024
Finally a Christian speaking and acting like one! Wish all the Christians were like you, the world would be such a better place! And...just to set the record straight, not all Atheists are so rude and respectless like the guy who wrote that silly question; I'm not a Christian but I do have a great respect for Christians like you and for Jesus who has been one of the greatest men ever existed ( God's son or not, his value is undeniable).
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An atheist will definitely go to hell.  Satan has atheists to make money and to do good works to add confusion to the nonbelievers, the noneducated Biblically, and the weak Christians so they can't commit fully to Christ.  Satan is a wiley critter and has confusion as one of his greatest tools against God! My uncle was an atheist who did good works but his was the saddest funeral I have been to.  There were no prayers or hymns of encouragement  for his family, just a few other volunteers saying what he had done.  It was an earie atmosphere with everyone knowing that he hadn't made the choice to follow Christ and that he was in hell. It is hard to comfort family by saying that he is in a better place because he isn't. Accept Christ into your heart and ask for His forgivness.  You will feel the difference immediately like a wieght has been lifted off of your chest.  Ask Him for strength and guidace to make good choices and join a good Bible class to learn more and to fellowshiip with.  God Bless You!
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Take some time and read a little about her beliefs.  Then you can make an educated decision about wither or not you could support her religious decision.  If you can live with what she believes, even if you don't share the same beliefs, then go for it!  If what she believes truly bothers you then kindly back away.
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Whoa... It's interesting to note that sharing Christianity raises the hackles of so many people. You would think they are the only ones out there cramming their opinions down others throats. There's certainly enough answers on this one doing the same thing. This person is sharing their heart out of love for all of you, and the majority stomp on it.\n\nThe conflict does not lie with the individual, but the differing beliefs. Talk about respect...  that goes both ways. To be sure, there are some zealous Christians out there, but the majority simply are sharing what they have found to be true to those who are asking, especially in this forum, for some answers. A quick survey of some of the answers here on YA will show that most of the personal "attacks" are coming from the non-Christians. Even the avatars reflect the hatred that is so blatantly spread on here.\n\nDon't shoot the messenger who says things you do not want to face or hear. Just because their beliefs counters yours, or hits some spiritual nail on the head, it does not justify your anger to a complete stranger. The motives are readily apparent. Are you coming from a place of hatred or love. Most of the Christians here, and elsewhere, are operating on the love side... are you?