*edit*. the bible.....ugh.

Let me start out by saying, I have no problem with anyone being religious, believing in god, or anything like that. I don't know how I feel about evolution, I really have my own personal beliefs. It's fine with me, but I could not believe any of it for all the money in the world.

Alright, today at work ( I work at a grocery store where ALOT of old people shop) an older lady came up to me and asked if I prayed today.

"um no?"

Then asked if I believe in god.

"nope"

Then acted completely shocked out of her mind. Like she has never seen anyone ever that doesn't believe in god.

She then told me to wait while she goes to her car to give me her bible to read.

I said, "No thanks, I dont read that, I never will ever again"

She goes on. and on and on. About what will happen to me if I dont find god.

I tried politely multiple times to leave the conversation but she kept following me around!

Finally I said " I apologize, but this is none of your business, I do not want your bible, I don't want ANYTHING to do with it and I think that God is absolutely ridiculous, Please leave me alone"

 

THEN she went and talked to my supervisor about it.

I know I was at work, and I was not rude to her at all, but seriously I don't want people talking to me about religion! It's totally inconsiderite.

 

Agreed?

Disagreed?

i completely agree. i was raised a christian but i no longer want to be associated with christians at all because the majority is extremely conservative and close-minded, which is nothing like me.

the thing that i hate most is their trying to shove their religion down other people's throats, like in your case. technically i still consider myself a christian i guess, like i still hold the same basic beliefs, but i'm totally against pretty much everything they do..

I agree that she shouldn't have kept shoving religion in your face but you could've left out the part about thinking God was ridiculous. That was what probably upset her. 

this is going to be a very interesting thread...

"the thing that i hate most is their trying to shove their religion down other people's throats, like in your case."

 Even atheists can be like that, trying to convince people that there is no God.

i've never encountered an atheist who tried to force their beliefs on other people, but if you say so.. i would dislike them just as much.

Asking you about your religious beliefs was inappropriate. Following you after you declined her 'help' was inappropriate.

I am not sure this actually has anything to do with the religion itself. It's more about some crazy old lady harassing you!

Original Post by feanor:

Asking you about your religious beliefs was inappropriate. Following you after you declined her 'help' was inappropriate.

I am not sure this actually has anything to do with the religion itself. It's more about some crazy old lady harassing you!

 absolutely it has nothing to do with religion itself.

 

So everyone can stop getting all work up now before it gets crazy haha. Because this thread isnt about what anyone believes in. Its wheter or not its right to bring it up 

i learned long ago one should never bring up politics or religion during polite conversation. 

I work in a grocery store too and that is so weird to hear your story because while I finished the transaction of this elderly woman she whipped out these mini bible books from her purse and offered one to me and my bagger. I just smiled and said "no thanks" but in my mind i was thinking WTF. I don't care who you are, what age, race, DO NOT PUSH RELIGION ON ME AT ALL. Even offering a book or pamphlet. If i want to be religious I will go to a church myself. As you can probably tell, i am not religious.

Your response was completely justified. You lasted longer in that annoying conversation than I would have! I really dislike people who heckle others about their religion (or anything else). Leave me alone!

I agree that she handled that very poorly. She must not realize that if one wants people to see things their way, they shouldn't offend them and push them the opposite direction. Unfortunately most people do not understand that, no matter what issue they are pushing. It's not acceptable behavior, the way that woman acted. Sorry you were treated that way.

May I ask why you never read the bible "ever again"?

Original Post by feanor:

Asking you about your religious beliefs was inappropriate. Following you after you declined her 'help' was inappropriate.

I am not sure this actually has anything to do with the religion itself. It's more about some crazy old lady harassing you!

 I have to say that if you are an atheist you may not see how it can be pressured on believers... but it certainly is. Especially when non-believers treat Christians like they are not able to think on their own, or treat them as if they may have less intelligence. I wish it weren't the case, but it is just as bad as anything else looked down upon in this society.

Hehe i think the reason you were so uncomfortable is because you see christians as a little crazy. If she were actually normal and was telling you about a book on something real...i doubt you would have been so avoidant of continuing the conversation. (I agree with you though! it is really crazy! on the level of someone saying you need to read the dungeons and dragons manual and that it will help you live your life....yea....)

Original Post by erinlf:

I agree that she handled that very poorly. She must not realize that if one wants people to see things their way, they shouldn't offend them and push them the opposite direction. Unfortunately most people do not understand that, no matter what issue they are pushing. It's not acceptable behavior, the way that woman acted. Sorry you were treated that way.

May I ask why you never read the bible "ever again"?

 I'm going to offend alot of people here.....I went to church till i was about 14...Even when I was much younger I knew I had no belief in that book I just think its a bunch of crap. I can't believe the things people buy into. I don't care how old or how huge it is.....I think it is absolutely the stupidest thing I have ever began to read.

Sorry 

I think she's probably really lonely, and maybe angry because she's nearing the end of her life and all her friends (and family) are dead or dying, and the ones alive don't visit, and so she puts all her hope and love into this one invisible thing that cannot fail her. It's really sad.

Nonetheless, completely inappropriate!! Rude! Yuck!

I've been in situations like that and you guys may hate me for it, but I COMPLETELY LIE. I hate making the elderly sad. They get all happy if I'm like, oh yeah! That's great! God is great! Instead of, hey, I'm a Jew, and no, you're barking up the wrong tree. It also let's them move on in conversation. I also work in hospice, if that explains anything.

Original Post by schnooder:

Original Post by erinlf:

I agree that she handled that very poorly. She must not realize that if one wants people to see things their way, they shouldn't offend them and push them the opposite direction. Unfortunately most people do not understand that, no matter what issue they are pushing. It's not acceptable behavior, the way that woman acted. Sorry you were treated that way.

May I ask why you never read the bible "ever again"?

I'm going to offend alot of people here.....I went to church till i was about 14...Even when I was much younger I knew I had no belief in that book I just think its a bunch of crap. I can't believe the things people buy into. I don't care how old or how huge it is.....I think it is absolutely the stupidest thing I have ever began to read.

Sorry

 Well, the great thing about our country is you have every right to believe whatever you want. I am a believer in God and try to be a good Christian... and you are not offending me. You would only offend me if you told me I wasn't allowed my beliefs; and I think that from the sounds of your desire to have the right to your beliefs, you would never tell me that.

I actually think we would all be better off if things like politics and religion could be discussed in polite conversation. These are emotional issues, however, and many are unable to control their emotions... I have been known to lose control myself. None of us are perfect and we just have to hope that we don't turn others off in our life paths, no matter what our beliefs.

Thus... no need to tell anyone you are sorry. 

Ive personally found that if when someone I dont know wanted to talk to me about Jesus, replying that I was atheist generated a one-sided conversation about  my atheism, Jesus and my soul which I had very little interest.

I stopped volunteering my atheism and switched to saying that I am not christian.  This worked to put off said conversation which I appreciated but found curious.  I figure its assumed Im of another religion so there is not as strong a desire to address my non-belief.

This is regarding strangers though.  Ive really no issue discussing it with people Im familiar with, although I identify myself as agnostic now and that usually draws some questions as it doesnt seem as well understood as atheism. 

As well, I have met some atheist/agnostics who are willing to shove it down your throat but Ive found these people much more likely to be religous although these religious zealots are in a very small minority of the large majority of respectful religous people Ive encountered.

As well, I believe it comes from a good place as they feel they have something they want to enrich and enlighten you with.  This can be easy to forget when someone is giving you a heavy religious sales pitch though.  Yes it can be intrusive but its rarely malicious.

 I don't think you were wrong as she kept pushing and could not take a hint. But in her defense I would say that sometimes older people don't get it and can not or will not take a hint.

 Sometimes it is easier to humor them without compromising your own beliefs. Obviously this is something that she felt strongly about and wanted to share it with you.

 Occasionally I think that I get overzealous trying to share the healthy eating/exercise thing with people who don't care and just want another donut. So far I think I have been able to get that hint. 

 I am not religous but have my own views on life.

i no longer want to be associated with christians at all because the majority is extremely conservative and close-minded, which is nothing like me.

Aristotle would have a field day with this statement.