As my title suggest, I believe that my religious beliefs are personal and private. My beliefs are truly irrelevant; I choose to share them not in the hopes of converting anyone but to allow you, my readers, to get to know me better.
Unfortunately, not everyone believes this. Twitter is constantly flooded by evangelist-styled messages which, at times, are invasive and insensitive not just to people who may not believe, but to those who practice different religions. Twitter is not the only medium where this happens. I am constantly targeted on my blog by Christians who believe that they must convert me to their belief system. I have been lectured and emailed and tweeted sermons and scriptures that are supposed to enlighten the heathen, and quite frankly, it is rather annoying. I do not try to convert anyone to my side. I do not discuss religion unless it is to have a discussion of ideas with a person who has agreed to do so.
This is not to say that I do not like to befriend bloggers with Christian beliefs. In fact, I read several on a daily basis and some of the best bloggers I know are devout Christians and not only do I respect them for their beliefs, but these beliefs are much of what I enjoy about them. However, when you do not fit the religious mold, respect for your beliefs is actually lacking. In fact, so many people write you off because you don’t believe. I know that I will lose a lot of followers on Twitter and readers on my blog because of this post, but so be it. I want to befriend people who respect me and my wishes- is that too much to ask? Can we PLEASE keep it private?
Not going to lose this reader/follower, hopefully friend in the near future. I respect your view on privacy. You should be proud of yourself for being honest. I look forward to reading more of your honesty! Thank you for being you!
Thanks for the support. I hope more people are open minded.
Thanks for the candid opinions. I am an unapologetically Christian blogger, but I pride myself in the fact that I have all kinds of friends and readers, from Twitter to forums. Some of them are wiccan, agnostic, atheist, Jewish. I don’t have any problem with people sharing their true self, whether it be inspiring quotes, scriptures or religious thoughts. However, it does cross the line when people email you or target you personally, without permission, and try to convert you. I appreciate you sharing, because it’s important for others to know how they are being percieved.
I think if someone feels strongly about sharing their beliefs with someone, a message that simply says, “Can I share some of my faith with you?” Might be good, and then if the person says, “No, I’d rather you not.” Then by all means, keep it to yourself!
What do you think?
I totally agree with you- simply asking if it’s OK is all it takes because it shows that there is a level of respect that will- in my opinion- be returned. Thanks for the support.
I think I’d definitely prefer those who keep their religious views private versus those who go out of their way to make you feel (unintentionally) uncomfortable.
I agree with you. I am an unapologetic Christian blogger, who gets annoyed with people like that. I am all for people expressing their opinions – but when they start attacking you saying that your evil – or something along those lines….thats a different story!
I was following a fellow Christian on Twitter who, throughout the whole election, was spouting that if you voted for Obama you were not a real Christian (I obviously stopped following her). It upsets me because thats how most people of other religions view us Christians.
I have my beliefs – and if you ask me I will tell you all about them (or it comes up in conversation). But I am not going to push them on anyone else. EVERYONE is entitled to their own opinion, I mean after all God gives us free will to make our own choices. Who am I to say otherwise…ya know what I mean?
I totally agree with you
Well said. I’m Christian and I find anyone who thrusts their uninvited beliefs – whether they are religious or otherwise – on others to be wildly annoying. Although my greatest wish is to have others around me experience what I do as a Christian, I don’t believe that the way to do it is by clobbering people over the head with scripture verses. I cringe when I hear stories like yours because experiences like yours tend to detract, rather than attract. Thanks for voicing this opinion – you know I love you for it!
Respect is the most fundamental thing to have in order to understand each other. Thanks for your views.
Well said!….You have gained a follower
I agree – we can be good people without trying to convert everyone we meet.
Yep. I so agree.
Thank you all for your comments and support. I really appreciate that you took the time to comment.
Oh, no, not at all! I just wanted to let you know that I’m very enthusiastic about my faith, but I also totally agree with you! You are awesome!