Non-beliver but my partners family is christian

[SchrodingersSpy]

This seems sort of common topic on this site but not one i believe commonly approached from this angle.

To be frank I am an non-believer/AgnosticAtheist and my partner professes some sort of christian belief however is rather private about it I don't challenge them on their belief and vice versa. I suspect that may not be a popular stance but we are content and its pretty common in Australian culture where belief is seen as a more private thing.

Where my actual issue lies is her family. They are Christians and no offense intended with this but they are american so rather open and honest about their belief which I respect.
But as someone who is trying to have a relationship with their daughter I find some issues have occurred were beliefs crossover with real-world actions if that makes any sense.

One example is circumcision which in Australia is rather uncommon and becoming less so and though we don't have kids or currently plan to that ended in a rather aggressive discussion. Other such issues have occurred and I am not the instigator at least i don't believe so. I find I am being pushed to do things and go against personal beliefs based on my partners family's beliefs.

So while myself and my partner are willing to respect each others positions and come to agreeable compromises when any belief conflict issues have occurred.
Her family (specifically her mother) is rather intractable, I am unsure of how to deal with beliefs of this strength and type.

In a sense it could be similar to inter-denominational relationships where each church has clashing beliefs.
Im just at a loss of how to reconcile my personal stances without entering world war 3.

Anyway I have tried rather inefficiently to muddle my way through an explanation of this situation, I am hoping insight from the opposite site of this conflict.

 

[MadParrotWoman]

Christian/non-Christian relationships are not ideal in my honest opinion. In a family of non-Christians being a believer can be a lonely experience - I'm speaking from experience. Having said this, it doesn't sound like your partner is a particular active Christian and it could work though it sounds as if you are already encountering problems with her family.

Male circumcision shouldn't be one of your issues. Judaism is the only religion that insists on this practice. Some Christians - especially Americans like to take this route because they go by OT scripture but all that changed in the NT and it's more personal choice. There are health benefits to this practice though - hygiene being one. I also understand that the uncircumcised man could be the root cause of cervical cancer in women - I'm not sure it this has since been ruled out.

The only way you are going to overcome the opposition of your partner's family is to get your partner on-side and to back you up on Christian matters and you need to be discussing these issues. Have you thought about and studied the possibility of God? Becoming a Christian yourself could be the answer to your problems and not just those you list here. I promise you, you will never look back. God bless you.

 

[SchrodingersSpy]

The only way you are going to overcome the opposition of your partner's family is to get your partner on-side and to back you up on Christian matters and you need to be discussing these issues.

Well luckily my partner is rather on my side, at least on stuff like circumcision. But you are right in the fact she isnt a particularly active christian mostly due to life constraints and the general culture over here in aus.
The circumcision thing is an issue and I suspect that's more of a cultural background than religious issue but its being disguised as such.

Anyway perhaps its not optimal to not share the exact same belief when entering a relationship, but these things occur there are just to many different positions for it not to and honestly cant really help how we feel about each other. That being said I don't think it will be lonely for either of us with our beliefs due to each having our own support networks there.

I suppose thing is I am trying to agree to disagree respectfully here, but am not being allowed to. I am aware of how sincerely held some of these beliefs are yet I feel its unreasonable to not be honest, not combative, just honest in how we differ in these areas and such. However its not working out as I ideally hoped it would.

Have you thought about and studied the possibility of God? Becoming a Christian yourself could be the answer to your problems and not just those you list here. I promise you, you will never look back. God bless you.

Just wanted to say thanks but no thanks =). I do appreciate and understand the sentiment but i suspect its unlikely to happen any time soon.

Have a fantastic day yourself.

 

[Dan58]

Many Christians (especially Americans) are pushy, or as you put it "intractable". If your being browbeaten, there's probably not much you can do besides argue. I'd just tell them that you respect what they believe and ask for the same courtesy in return. It might also help to remind them that Jesus never forced himself on nonbelievers. If that doesn't work, just say "I understand" and ignore them . You could also throw some bible verses back at them which contradicts whatever her family is preaching;

"Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." (Galatians 5:2-6)

 

[themusicmiss]

Talk to them. I have recently started dating a guy who isnt a Christian, and my parents both work for the church... they havent condemned me or anything but I know their views as my mum was disappointed when my bro began dating a non christian girl last year. However, as mentioned above, your girl doesnt seem so active in her faith(I dont know her though, maybe she is), you need to think about if/when you guys move far far away and realise youre your own people. When youre a couple, its just you two , not anyone else, they should know that...

But the first thing my boyfriend said as soon as he began to feel the awkwardness one time when I was having a call with my mum(and she was telling me about the non sex rules blablabla) he said to me "You know, Id love to just sit with them. NO conflict, no fights, no immaturity, just pure discussion." I think as long as you are taking care of her and MAKING HER HAPPY, theyr'e gonna love you. Its what my mum asks me(I can tell shes uneasy about me dating him but I can tell shes really trying so long as she hears that "Im very happy")

 

[maxwel]

SchrodingersSpy,

Since you keep calling this woman your "partner", I'll assume you're living together but not married.

1. A person's "beliefs" are NOT INSIGNIFICANT. They constitute that persons "worldview". They constitute that person's core paradigms, from which all other things in life are viewed, and evaluated.
If your girl is a genuine Christian, and deeply holds these beliefs, then it will inevitably create deep, lasting, and worsening conflict.


2. Some people only carry the label of christian, like a title, but without actually having accepted the tenants at the deepest levels. Some people are not, according to biblical terms, a true Christian.

If your girl is a "genuine" Christian, meaning she has had a true CONVERSION EXPERIENCE (which the Bible calls being "saved" or "born again") she will never be at peace with an atheist. There will be conflict, not just from her parents, but from within her. These conflicts will not go away, they will increase. Even if these conflicts subside for a bit, or seem subdued, they will resurface. They will never go away, and in time they will increase.

It matters little if you understand, or believe, in this conversion experience.
She either has these core paradigms at the deepest levels, or she does not.
If she does, then you are in for a lifetime of conflict... as her core paradigms will forever clash with yours...
this will eventually lead to a breakdown in the relationship.
There is something even worse.
If she submits her core paradigms to yours... then instead of conflict with you, she will have deep and lasting conflict within herself. This too will eventually lead to a breakdown in your relationship... but possibly not until after she's had a severe breakdown within herself, during which she will go through all manner of self loathing.


3. If her parents are genuine Christians, they will never, ever rest, or be content, while their daughter is with an atheist.
This is because they will clearly see everything I mentioned above in point #2.
They will always strive with you, and they will always hope for their daughter to leave you.
Nothing will ever change this.
Nothing will change this unless YOU have some change of heart, and turn to Christianity yourself.
Short of that, they will never change their view of you, or their desire for their daughter to leave you.


4. Core Paradigms:
I will reiterate; your feelings cannot alter truth or reality.
You can, in no way, alter reality.
Beliefs are NOT INSIGNIFICANT... even if you want to pretend otherwise.

A belief system is NOT a small addendum that gets TACKED ONTO a worldview.
A beliefs system COMPRISES THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLDVIEW ITSELF.

A person's worldview, a person's core paradigm, is the foundation, the filter, through which everything else is ultimately valued and judged.

No matter how much you dislike this, it is simple logic, and it is the reality with which you must live.


5. Because it is against the Bible for her to be with you, her parents will always be against you, and against the relationship. This will never change.

It is against the bible for her to live with you before marriage, and it is against the bible for a believer to marry an unbeliever.
Both of these are separate issues, and spelled out clearly in the Bible.
This is no doubt what her parents believe, and it is no doubt what she believes at some deep, core level... even though her feelings for you have clouded this for the time being.

Not only are her parents against your relationship, but there is no doubt they are praying daily for it to end.
I suspect they have all their friends also praying for this relationship to end.
Right now, there are probably people on this forum reading about this, and they too will be praying for this relationship to end... any true believers reading your post will pray for you to be converted, or for this relationship to end.

If her parents are true believers, they will desire, with all of their hearts, in the MOST serious way, for this relationship to end.

YOU WILL NEVER make peace with them, as long as you are an atheist involved with their daughter.

There will be no peace.
Period.

 

[tenderhearted]

I agree with someone's point that her parents are praying for her to commit herself to Jesus. This isn't a religion you are talking about, this is a God who is in control. He is loving and faithful. He died on the cross so that all may be saved from their sin. He isn't a pushy God. He will not push his way into your life. However, He will pursue you because he loves you. He created each and every person with a purpose. He created people to be in relationship with him. This may not mean anything to you, but it's truth.

You can't change the fact that your partner's family is a Christian and their involvement in her life. If this is going to be an issue for you then you may want to consider moving on. You are not married to her. If you choose to stay then you will encounter resistance. You will have to compromise your lack of faith if you desire to be with a believer. At the end of the day what you choose to believe and who you spend your life with is your choice. You have to be able to live with those choices and the consequences that come with that.

 

[djness]

Being a lonely christian is just plain awful.

 

[sandtigeress]

I commend you, that you are here

It is difficult to live with someone from an other religion, exspecially if both persons are
grounded in theirs. The parents alone are one thing, you might handle.

The core conflict is more difficult, that you think god does
not exist and she/they do.

Can you accept it, when she (and her family) finds strength in a spiritual relationship
with a beeing whos existence you do not believe in.

What will happen, when the "strange" rules (f.ex. teaching your children to pray
to god, biblelessons, etc.), will come from your then wife.
Will you accept that and will she accept, when you will want to teach your children
your world view.

It is very difficult, but not impossible, but there are always battles ahad.
Exspecially because those people literally will want to save their grandchildren.

I chose a then in name only christian myself, who went the way to an agnostic.
it is difficult, sometimes very difficult, for both of us.
but we have no children, so the question, of "What nonsence are you teaching
my [grand]children" never happend.

 

[psychomom]

SchrodingersSpy,

Since you keep calling this woman your "partner", I'll assume you're living together but not married.

1. A person's "beliefs" are NOT INSIGNIFICANT. They constitute that persons "worldview". They constitute that person's core paradigms, from which all other things in life are viewed, and evaluated.
If your girl is a genuine Christian, and deeply holds these beliefs, then it will inevitably create deep, lasting, and worsening conflict.


2. Some people only carry the label of christian, like a title, but without actually having accepted the tenants at the deepest levels. Some people are not, according to biblical terms, a true Christian.

If your girl is a "genuine" Christian, meaning she has had a true CONVERSION EXPERIENCE (which the Bible calls being "saved" or "born again") she will never be at peace with an atheist. There will be conflict, not just from her parents, but from within her. These conflicts will not go away, they will increase. Even if these conflicts subside for a bit, or seem subdued, they will resurface. They will never go away, and in time they will increase.

It matters little if you understand, or believe, in this conversion experience.
She either has these core paradigms at the deepest levels, or she does not.
If she does, then you are in for a lifetime of conflict... as her core paradigms will forever clash with yours...
this will eventually lead to a breakdown in the relationship.
There is something even worse.
If she submits her core paradigms to yours... then instead of conflict with you, she will have deep and lasting conflict within herself. This too will eventually lead to a breakdown in your relationship... but possibly not until after she's had a severe breakdown within herself, during which she will go through all manner of self loathing.


3. If her parents are genuine Christians, they will never, ever rest, or be content, while their daughter is with an atheist.
This is because they will clearly see everything I mentioned above in point #2.
They will always strive with you, and they will always hope for their daughter to leave you.
Nothing will ever change this.
Nothing will change this unless YOU have some change of heart, and turn to Christianity yourself.
Short of that, they will never change their view of you, or their desire for their daughter to leave you.


4. Core Paradigms:
I will reiterate; your feelings cannot alter truth or reality.
You can, in no way, alter reality.
Beliefs are NOT INSIGNIFICANT... even if you want to pretend otherwise.

A belief system is NOT a small addendum that gets TACKED ONTO a worldview.
A beliefs system COMPRISES THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLDVIEW ITSELF.

A person's worldview, a person's core paradigm, is the foundation, the filter, through which everything else is ultimately valued and judged.

No matter how much you dislike this, it is simple logic, and it is the reality with which you must live.


5. Because it is against the Bible for her to be with you, her parents will always be against you, and against the relationship. This will never change.

It is against the bible for her to live with you before marriage, and it is against the bible for a believer to marry an unbeliever.
Both of these are separate issues, and spelled out clearly in the Bible.
This is no doubt what her parents believe, and it is no doubt what she believes at some deep, core level... even though her feelings for you have clouded this for the time being.

Not only are her parents against your relationship, but there is no doubt they are praying daily for it to end.
I suspect they have all their friends also praying for this relationship to end.
Right now, there are probably people on this forum reading about this, and they too will be praying for this relationship to end... any true believers reading your post will pray for you to be converted, or for this relationship to end.

If her parents are true believers, they will desire, with all of their hearts, in the MOST serious way, for this relationship to end.

YOU WILL NEVER make peace with them, as long as you are an atheist involved with their daughter.

There will be no peace.
Period.

this.

i'm an annoying american; a Christian momma.

and intractable is precisely what i'd be in that situation.
not about the circumcision biz...that's small potatoes.

if you live long enough, or look hard enough, you see marriages destroyed
when they occur between a believer and a non-believer.

at first it seems possible...then, perhaps children come, and the chasm widens.
but it will widen, nonetheless.
we take this stuff pretty seriously...you see, God IS real, and He sets the standards.

and, yes, i did say marriage.

 

[SchrodingersSpy]

Many Christians (especially Americans) are pushy, or as you put it "intractable".

I dont think americans are intractable inherently just my partners mother, im sure people can sympathize with that religious or not mother in laws/partners parents are often a scary thing .


That being said thanks for the advice, some of it i think will really be useful.

 

[SchrodingersSpy]

I commend you, that you are here


What will happen, when the "strange" rules (f.ex. teaching your children to pray
to god, biblelessons, etc.), will come from your then wife.
Will you accept that and will she accept, when you will want to teach your children
your world view.

Thank you, Im trying to learn in some ways.
Im willing to be pretty flexible here surprisingly I dont have an issue personally with this really, however I would expect compromise and balance which might be the difficult part.
If we had children, and I think some people here will agree ultimately a persons belief is individual and no one can really impose their beliefs onto others, I would take the same approach their were I would regardless of my views encourage them to make their own decision.

The core conflict is more difficult, that you think god does
not exist and she/they do.

This is quibbling but I don't see that a god does or doesn't exist, for me there just inst enough evidence. I don't know if thats less or more combative about it, I am just trying to say I don't share their belief not that i think their belief is wrong

But the first thing my boyfriend said as soon as he began to feel the awkwardness one time when I was having a call with my mum(and she was telling me about the non sex rules blablabla) he said to me "You know, Id love to just sit with them. NO conflict, no fights, no immaturity, just pure discussion." I think as long as you are taking care of her and MAKING HER HAPPY, theyr'e gonna love you. Its what my mum asks me(I can tell shes uneasy about me dating him but I can tell shes really trying so long as she hears that "Im very happy")

I can sympathize with your Boyfriend lol.
But ultimately we are very happy together and realistically they wont condemn their daughter, so hopefully that is enough at some point.

 

[Standingwolf13]

I agree with maxwell, also scripture teaches us that circumcision only has value if you obey the law.

Romans 2 25Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the[SUP]c[/SUP] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.28A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.29No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

 

[SchrodingersSpy]

SchrodingersSpy,

Since you keep calling this woman your "partner", I'll assume you're living together but not married.

Its just a common term I prefer to use, sort of live with her part time but no not married.


1. I know she professes beliefs on some level and nature but they are muted compared to what you are describing. Here culturally its very common, most Australian marriages or partnerships are interfaith and or non-faith mixings. Based on that I am hoping it wont be are damaging as some people here suspect.
I do agree though that it is a world view yes, but even Christians aren't united on what that is.


2. Im honestly unsure how respond to that but i suspect that isnt quite what will happen or maybe thats just hope on my part.

3. Is being an Atheist that bad of a thing? I don't think I am morally corrupt, neither does her family for that matter. I don't think a god does or doesn't exist, there just isn't sufficient evidence for me and in that sense im not trying to attack anyones faith its just something I find i am personally incapable of doing such so if I professed belief it would be highly dishonest on my part.

5. Fundamentally this is the only real serious discourse I have with any part of your post, because i feel its unrealistic.
Very few people follow the bible word for word christian or not. Im not sure its actually possible to, I can go into specifics but its not the place and Im not trying to argue about the bible/religion.

 

[maxwel]

Its just a common term I prefer to use, sort of live with her part time but no not married.


1. I know she professes beliefs on some level and nature but they are muted compared to what you are describing. Here culturally its very common, most Australian marriages or partnerships are interfaith and or non-faith mixings. Based on that I am hoping it wont be are damaging as some people here suspect.
I do agree though that it is a world view yes, but even Christians aren't united on what that is.


2. Im honestly unsure how respond to that but i suspect that isnt quite what will happen or maybe thats just hope on my part.

3. Is being an Atheist that bad of a thing? I don't think I am morally corrupt, neither does her family for that matter. I don't think a god does or doesn't exist, there just isn't sufficient evidence for me and in that sense im not trying to attack anyones faith its just something I find i am personally incapable of doing such so if I professed belief it would be highly dishonest on my part.

5. Fundamentally this is the only real serious discourse I have with any part of your post, because i feel its unrealistic.
Very few people follow the bible word for word christian or not. Im not sure its actually possible to, I can go into specifics but its not the place and Im not trying to argue about the bible/religion.

It doesn't matter if you argue or not.

You seemed sincere in asking questions, and I gave the BIBLICAL Christian answer.

That's all.

I didn't expect you to listen to it, agree with it, or understand it's significance.

I know it surprises you that any Christians actually believe the Bible, or try to abide by it,
but for those of us who do, it COMMANDS us to answer those who have sincere questions.

I was only doing what I'm commanded to do by God.
It's none of my business what you actually do with the answers.
That is strictly between you and your creator... whom you refuse to acknowledge.

 

[Percepi]

If we had children, and I think some people here will agree ultimately a persons belief is individual and no one can really impose their beliefs onto others, I would take the same approach their were I would regardless of my views encourage them to make their own decision.

This is a wonderful way to raise your children. You're definitely on the right track here. (Granted, I'm an atheist myself.)

 

[jogoldie]

this.

i'm an annoying american; a Christian momma.

and intractable is precisely what i'd be in that situation.
not about the circumcision biz...that's small potatoes.

if you live long enough, or look hard enough, you see marriages destroyed
when they occur between a believer and a non-believer.

at first it seems possible...then, perhaps children come, and the chasm widens.
but it will widen, nonetheless.
we take this stuff pretty seriously...you see, God IS real, and He sets the standards.

and, yes, i did say marriage.

Oh yeah .....another one......Christian mama....more will probably come.......especially us annoying american ones.....I mean ...you started it......

As my friend who is wise......knows what she is saying.....I married a none believer and what she says happened to us.....I think what might help you though......maybe if you find out more about what they
believe in ....might help you navigate through this time.....I think you are misguided.....circumsion is of
the heart.....the Jewish faith believes in male circumsion....not us.....your personal choice..... what you do with your son is up to you.....find out ahead of time what obstacles you will face....
But if you love her...at least respect her enough to marry her and learn what she believes in....and if you can still except her knowing our beliefs ..... cause its not a bad way to live..
And do some studying about who we are before you judge us......we are nice people.....
I hope you find the answers you seek......peace......jo

 

[Keeper]

This seems sort of common topic on this site but not one i believe commonly approached from this angle.

To be frank I am an non-believer/AgnosticAtheist and my partner professes some sort of christian belief however is rather private about it I don't challenge them on their belief and vice versa. I suspect that may not be a popular stance but we are content and its pretty common in Australian culture where belief is seen as a more private thing.

Where my actual issue lies is her family. They are Christians and no offense intended with this but they are american so rather open and honest about their belief which I respect.
But as someone who is trying to have a relationship with their daughter I find some issues have occurred were beliefs crossover with real-world actions if that makes any sense.

One example is circumcision which in Australia is rather uncommon and becoming less so and though we don't have kids or currently plan to that ended in a rather aggressive discussion. Other such issues have occurred and I am not the instigator at least i don't believe so. I find I am being pushed to do things and go against personal beliefs based on my partners family's beliefs.

So while myself and my partner are willing to respect each others positions and come to agreeable compromises when any belief conflict issues have occurred.
Her family (specifically her mother) is rather intractable, I am unsure of how to deal with beliefs of this strength and type.

In a sense it could be similar to inter-denominational relationships where each church has clashing beliefs.
Im just at a loss of how to reconcile my personal stances without entering world war 3.

Anyway I have tried rather inefficiently to muddle my way through an explanation of this situation, I am hoping insight from the opposite site of this conflict.

Religious or non-religious, if she is with you, then that's simply because she loves you. Period.

Now, as far as I know, a relationship is always about two people getting together and committing themselves to spend the rest of their lives together. (And if I'm not mistaken, Americans understand and respect this better than most cultures... even if some kind of reminder is needed on occasions)

So what I recommend is that you try not to look every suggestion she brings at the table in the lenses of her parents. As if it's her mother talking through her mouth. If you can do that, the next thing I'd recommend is that you then handle every "situation" on its own, just like adult married people do.

Say you're chatting about kids and circumcision. She says: "Our son must be circumcised." You reply: "Ok... I'm listening." Then she goes on: "Here are the reasons." You take a sip of coffee and keep listening, calmly... then once she's finished to speak her mind, you take your turn to explain why you don't want the child to go through with it.

This conversation doesn't have to end with a final decision. You may decide "Today was just a simple chat. A brainstorming session. Let's get back at it tomorrow." (or in a week, or 2).

A calm approach will always lead you to a final decision which you both agree upon. However, if the kid's grandma ever tries to get involved; then your wife (/partner) should slap her on the wrist right there and right then. Like I said earlier, sometimes parents need a little reminding, as to what is and what isn't their business. She can/should never be allowed to meddle.

 

[DiscipleDave]

This seems sort of common topic on this site but not one i believe commonly approached from this angle.

To be frank I am an non-believer/AgnosticAtheist and my partner professes some sort of christian belief however is rather private about it I don't challenge them on their belief and vice versa. I suspect that may not be a popular stance but we are content and its pretty common in Australian culture where belief is seen as a more private thing.

Where my actual issue lies is her family. They are Christians and no offense intended with this but they are american so rather open and honest about their belief which I respect.
But as someone who is trying to have a relationship with their daughter I find some issues have occurred were beliefs crossover with real-world actions if that makes any sense.

One example is circumcision which in Australia is rather uncommon and becoming less so and though we don't have kids or currently plan to that ended in a rather aggressive discussion. Other such issues have occurred and I am not the instigator at least i don't believe so. I find I am being pushed to do things and go against personal beliefs based on my partners family's beliefs.

So while myself and my partner are willing to respect each others positions and come to agreeable compromises when any belief conflict issues have occurred.
Her family (specifically her mother) is rather intractable, I am unsure of how to deal with beliefs of this strength and type.

In a sense it could be similar to inter-denominational relationships where each church has clashing beliefs.
Im just at a loss of how to reconcile my personal stances without entering world war 3.

Anyway I have tried rather inefficiently to muddle my way through an explanation of this situation, I am hoping insight from the opposite site of this conflict.

first off i just read:

Agnostic atheists are atheistic because they do not hold a belief in the existence of any deity and agnostic because they claim that the existence of a deity is either unknowable in principle or currently unknown in fact.

This is so illogical to me. Basically it is saying an Agnostic Atheist is a person who does not believe in the existance of any God but if there is a God it is either unknowable in principle or unknown in fact. HUH? They don't believe in God but do believe there might be an unknowable God that is not proved by facts.

Anyway, i do not understand what the issue is. If you love her, what does it hurt to do as she wishes? i mean its not violating any of your religious beliefs you don't have any. Its not like you are doing something that is against your religion, you don't have one. You mention circumcision, are they asking you to become that way, or that you shouldn't be that way, or you should be that way?

If i did not believe in any God whatsoever and i came upon a village in the jungle, and at noon everyday they all bowed to the west to worship the mountain God, i would bow also, as to not offend them by not doing so. It matters not if i bow to their God because i don't believe there is any God.

Now i can understand if you believed in a specific God, you had your own beliefs, and in by bowing to another God you violate your own religion, this i can understand being offended by, and understand how that would be a conflict. But you do not believe in any Gods, so what does it matter if you play along with your mother-in-laws delusions (so you believe) when you have no religion at all? Confusing to me that is.

^i^

 

[Percepi]

first off i just read:

Agnostic atheists are atheistic because they do not hold a belief in the existence of any deity and agnostic because they claim that the existence of a deity is either unknowable in principle or currently unknown in fact.

This is so illogical to me. Basically it is saying an Agnostic Atheist is a person who does not believe in the existance of any God but if there is a God it is either unknowable in principle or unknown in fact. HUH? They don't believe in God but do believe there might be an unknowable God that is not proved by facts.

This video should help clarify atheism and agnosticism:

[video=youtube;sNDZb0KtJDk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNDZb0KtJDk[/video]

I hope it helps!

An agnostic is essentially a person who says, "I don't know but...". An agnostic atheist would say, "I don't know, but I don't believe there is a God" or "I don't know if there is a God or not and have not come to a conclusion. An agnostic theist would say, "I don't know, but I believe there is a God."