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To: Conservative Me
Thank you for this post. I agree with it to a point, along with your statement, "I don't care if you believe in God, or Allah, or Ra or whoever."

For the record, I do care whether someone believes upon God, Allah, Ra or whoever. Since the resurrection occured, that is the proof that all men everywhere must repent in order to be saved. Because of the resurrection, I am evangelistic, and unashamedly so (Romans 1:16,17).

But I respect religious freedom, and the right for someone to tell me I'm wrong about my belief in Jesus Christ and to reject my message. Likewise, I believe that the right to pray and witness in schools is not a Christian right, but an American right. If a Muslim wants to share his faith, he should be free to do so. The same with a Hindu, a Taoist, or whoever else I could name.

I think it's terrible for someone to desecrate religious artifacts and symbols "in the name of God" or "in the name of Allah," simply because "it's not what I believe." That's offensive and disrespectful.

I have major doctrinal issues with another church in the area (I'm a pastor), and yet I'm reverent when I enter the church for a Ministerial Alliance meeting. I treat the pastor with respect. I would do the same in a synagogue or a mosque. I would never make fun of someone's faith, because it means something to them.

I'm glad that you have the freedom to be an atheist. I really am. The New Birth comes "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13). In other words, no one can force you, or attempt to try to force you, to become a Christian.

I truly hope that I haven't offended you in any way, and I apologize if some "Christian" in the past has tried to "force-feed" you the Gospel.

It goes back to freedom...the freedom to accept or reject the message.

89 posted on 10/07/2003 12:33:56 AM PDT by scott7278 ("If I'm not back by dawn -- call the president.")
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To: scott7278
I am not offended in the least. I don't feel you are trying to force-feed anything, only state your beliefs. How could I find fault in that?

Honestly, I find atheists who try to force-feed their beliefs on to others just as offensive as theists who force-feed their beliefs. Those who do that are the minority, although they seem to get the most attention (including the atheists who would like to be considered "brights").

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I wish you well.
93 posted on 10/07/2003 7:05:52 AM PDT by Conservative Me
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