I can't believe a colleague tried to convert me yesterday!

[Longhorn]

I had told three adjuncts with whom I share an office that I have an appointment at MD Anderson next week. When I was leaving, one man was left and he started out telling me that his wife, who has diabetes, has had a transplant -- he was offering it as an example of how there can be positive outcomes to serious medical conditions. But then he asked me if I was a "believer" and I said no, I'm not religious. He was absolutely incredulous! "But what did you do on Easter?" I answered that I watched basketball. :)

Anyway, I made it clear that I respect his beliefs, that I was raised to be a Christian -- in fact, my mother has been a lay minister in the Disciples of Christ church for the last ten years or so -- but it just didn't take, and that I'm 52 years old and I don't think I'm going to change my mind at this point. I told him that I truly appreciate all of the offers of prayers that I have received but he said that I must consider those folks liars! How could people who genuinely care about me as another human being, who send a prayer on my behalf because they believe that it will help me, and who never asked me what my beliefs are because my beliefs don't affect their beliefs -- how could they be liars?! There's a Jew in Israel who has his synagogue praying for me -- if I was a Christian, should I tell him forget it?

Most people I know are secure enough in their own beliefs that they don't feel the need to try convince others that they are right and others are wrong. I would never try to convince a believer to become an atheist. I believe whatever brings a person peace and strength and a clear vision of how to live his or her life is what is best for that person.

Frankly, I've only had two incidents of negative feedback since I found out three weeks ago that I have cancer. One was a gal who asked me how long I have to live and then there's this guy! It makes me appreciate all of you "strangers" here on DU all the more. I know that many -- probably the majority -- of you are believers, yet not one of you tried to impose your beliefs on me. You all wished me the best -- via prayers or positive vibes -- without demanding to know whether I shared your beliefs. I appreciate you all so much!

:grouphug:

[Swede]

1. If he is an okay person,he should respect your views.

[Longhorn]

4. That's how I feel!

I could tell he thought a debate would be great fun! And I can debate with the best of them (I won second in state in 1973! ;)) but I would not enjoy debating religion. Why would I ever want to convince someone to give up a belief that has given him or her comfort and strength? I don't have this view that I'm right and others are wrong. I believe my beliefs are right for me and others' beliefs are right for them.

[Lars39]

2. You've been in my thoughts, Longhorn.

:hug: Steer clear of the negatives. I've got some relatives I avoid like the plague because they believe I have cancer due to sin. :crazy:

Wishing you the best,Longhorn. :hug:

[Longhorn]

5. Oh, dear!

That's horrible! I'm so sorry you've had to be exposed to that!

Stay strong! And yes, I'm learning who gives me strength and who drains me of my positive energy. Thanks! :hug:

[LeftyMom]

3. What a vulture.

That sucks. I'm sorry.

If it continues at work, please talk to somebody, that's definitely unwelcome harassment.

[Longhorn]

7. I hope he leaves it alone.

But if he doesn't, I will make it clear to him that he needs to stop. We only share the office for about 30 minutes during office hours but I don't need him to make me his personal challenge!

The funny thing is, all the prayers that have come my way made me feel good because I knew what they meant to the senders. I don't want anything he said to take away the healing powers that those prayers and other positive thoughts gave me!

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. Poeple who believe in "the Way, and only this Way" are always shocked that someone

else could be unlike them. They just can't comprehend people doing things differently, or how those people once exposed to "the right way" could reject it.

It's funny, but I am pretty laid back about religion these days. Everyone finds their own way. But in politics the LEFT is the way!!! And I just don't understand why everyone else doesn't get it too, even after I have told them the beauty of being on the Left. LOL

[Longhorn]

10. It surprised me that someone who lives in Austin

and teaches at a college (both Austin and this college are more liberal than not) would be so surprised to come across a real-life atheist. It would be one thing if I had brought it up and engaged him -- I wouldn't blame him for explaining his views if I had asked him. But I don't bring it up myself unless I'm asked and then I'm honest but I make it clear that I am not challenging the other person's views. If someone says, I'll say a prayer for you, I don't respond, Well, thanks but I'm not religious. I always honestly thank that person because I truly appreciate it!

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. Well, you know that I am "praying" for ya, but my prayers are more like

trying to send out good vibes. :)

And since you mentioned it, yeah I guess Austin is pretty liberal. Is your school like the Berkeley of Texas? :D

[Longhorn]

14. I'd say the University of Texas is more like the Berkeley of Texas.

We even have clay tiled roofs on the older buildings. I couldn't believe how much Berkeley reminded me of UT when I visited it the first time in 1977.

However, I teach at a community college. :)

And your prayers and/or good vibes are very much appreciated (and respected!) :hi:

[supernova]

8. Totally agree with you, Longhorn

Most people I know are secure enough in their own beliefs that they don't feel the need to try convince others that they are right and others are wrong. I would never try to convince a believer to become an atheist. I believe whatever brings a person peace and strength and a clear vision of how to live his or her life is what is best for that person.

I'm a believer and I've had that view for a long time. I think everybody had to decide and explore these subjects for themselves. Whatever answers they come to are the right answers for them. I think it's awful that someone would try to dissuade you from your POV, especially over such a vulnerable situation as illness. It's terrible.

:hug:

[Longhorn]

11. I understand that there are people at both ends of the spectrum

who feel the need to constantly point out the errors of the other's beliefs but that has never been my view. Thanks for your support! :hug:

[Parche]

9. Why

Do some people feel the need to do that to others, do you believe?

Yeah I believe in love, goodwill toward everyone, and peace on Earth, that is all we should

Religion should be banned.....

:hi:

[Longhorn]

13. I don't understand it either.

When it's a matter of rights or discrimination or abuse -- no matter what the point of view -- that's different. I think most of us on this board truly respect the right to believe a certain way, even when we disagree. :hi:

[EstimatedProphet]

15. This is interesting

in fact, my mother has been a lay minister in the Disciples of Christ church for the last ten years or so

So's mine, in San Antonio

[Longhorn]

16. My mother's church is one of the more liberal churches in the area

(outside of Houston) -- even though she's a Republican. :( However, I think a lot of that is just plain stubbornness because she comes from generations of Republicans in Indiana and just can't see herself as anything else. Yet she is very moderate to liberal in many of her views. Her church has been very active in programs for the homeless and Habitat for Humanity, etc. She has loved and accepted me without condemnation or even argument since I told her I was an atheist when I was 20. I think she was more upset to find out I was a Democrat (damn that University of Texas that corrupted her daughter! ;)) She has also totally loved and accepted my gay younger brother.