Materialism and atheist friends

[TheBreak]

English is not my native language, I’m sorry for any misspellings.

I’m former atheist as some of you know. I have many atheist friends and liberals. I used to be so liberal, liberal about everything but after becoming catholic I became more and more conservative even though there are other issues that I will never change my views about.

Lately because of my views, I started getting into arguments with my atheist and liberal friends and when I ask other friends they tell me to just simply shut up and stop sharing my religious and conservative views because they cause problems, BUT WHY ON EARTH would I not share my beliefs while atheists and liberals are okay to talk about their beliefs?? And because of that I started feeling kind lonely and feelings that I’m problem makes just for sharing my views and that started to effect my faith making me feel that I might need to give up some of my values to just keep everything okay ? What should I do ? Is it fair to not share my views while secular share them ?

The other issue is about materialism, to make the picture more clear. When I used to be an atheist I used to be person who is in love with the materialism views and for example, I looked at NYC as the sympol for that, as the city where dream come true even though I have no intention whatsoever to live in, but it was just as city I looked at that showed me how materialism is really cool and now when I see something about that city and talk to my friends who lives there ( All of them are atheists or agnostics ) I get kind pulled to that feelings again? What should I do ?

 

[eyesopening]

English is not my native language, I’m sorry for any misspellings.

I’m former atheist as some of you know. I have many atheist friends and liberals. I used to be so liberal, liberal about everything but after becoming catholic I became more and more conservative even though there are other issues that I will never change my views about.

Lately because of my views, I started getting into arguments with my atheist and liberal friends and when I ask other friends they tell me to just simply shut up and stop sharing my religious and conservative views because they cause problems, BUT WHY ON EARTH would I not share my beliefs while atheists and liberals are okay to talk about their beliefs?? And because of that I started feeling kind lonely and feelings that I’m problem makes just for sharing my views and that started to effect my faith making me feel that I might need to give up some of my values to just keep everything okay ? What should I do ? Is it fair to not share my views while secular share them ?

The other issue is about materialism, to make the picture more clear. When I used to be an atheist I used to be person who is in love with the materialism views and for example, I looked at NYC as the sympol for that, as the city where dream come true even though I have no intention whatsoever to live in, but it was just as city I looked at that showed me how materialism is really cool and now when I see something about that city and talk to my friends who lives there ( All of them are atheists or agnostics ) I get kind pulled to that feelings again? What should I do ?

If they are telling you to shut up, maybe they aren’t really your friends.

 

[manualman]

It’s not materialistic to appreciate and value impressive works of human art, engineering, music architecture, business, infrastructure, etc… These things are ways that humans reflect the creative power of God himself, so they are GOOD. Materialism is when such desires and greed take precedence over love and respect for our fellow man.

It can be irritating to have friends who never want to talk about anything else but attempts to convince you you are wrong in your religious beliefs. Make 'em a deal next time and offer to lay off the religious (name removed by moderator)ut if they are willing to similarly lay off the denigration of religion and religious people. This will allow you to preserve the friendships. But you ALSO need friendships with believers. Humans are not meant to live in isolation, but community. We need support and affirmation. Find some.

 

[agnes_therese]

There’s a difference between sharing your views and pushing them on people. Since you say you keep getting into arguments over them, it sounds more like you’re pushing your views on your friends. There are (or should be) lots of other things you can discuss with your friends. That certainly wouldn’t mean you were giving up your values.

 

[Gordon_Sims]

Lately because of my views, I started getting into arguments with my atheist and liberal friends and when I ask other friends they tell me to just simply shut up and stop sharing my religious and conservative views because they cause problems, BUT WHY ON EARTH would I not share my beliefs while atheists and liberals are okay to talk about their beliefs?? And because of that I started feeling kind lonely and feelings that I’m problem makes just for sharing my views and that started to effect my faith making me feel that I might need to give up some of my values to just keep everything okay ? What should I do ? Is it fair to not share my views while secular share them ?

From my experience, that’s pretty typical. The vast, overwhelming majority of liberals I know not only feel the need to shout you down if you say anything even slightly contrary to their beliefs, but they need to throw in as many insults and personal attacks as well. The more liberal, enlightened and open-minded they claim to be, the louder they shout and the quicker they are to throw in personal attacks. I’ve been told countless times by liberal friends and acquaintances that I don’t, in fact, have a Constitutional right to voice my opinion or state facts that contradict their views. I’ve abandoned several friendships over it and refuse to talk about anything more controversial than the weather with others.

 

[jimperu]

When Jesus and Barabbas were brought in front of the crowd to decide who shall be set free, and who shall die, most everyone yelled for the murderer, Barabbas, to go free. Their shouting down of those few who tried to defend and save Jesus, was victorious. God said that those who follow Him, and speak out for Him will be persecuted ,You, are a good man with the courage few of us have, you are defending your Catholic faith. Do not let anyone stop you from loving God so much that you will deny Him.

Continue to be a soldier for Christ, even if it costs you the friendship of the whole world. You are the kind of person Jesus Christ would have selected as one of His Apostles. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER stop fighting for good. You will gain an eternity in heaven which is much more valuable than any and all possessions you could ever have here on earth.

You will always be tempted to do, and have earthly things that are very temporary. Do not be concerned with these passing desires. They will not fulfill you like God can fulfill you.

Be not afraid, He goes before you always. I am so proud of you. God Bless You.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I think you need some new friends.

I’m not saying you abandon all your old friends simply because you have now changed your views on a number of social issues, but perhaps you could be a bit more selective about whom you spend your time with.

However, if you feel that spending time with atheists is damaging to your faith, then please turn your back, leave them, and never look back. You need to be strong in order to handle the secular world. It is really hard to be a faithful Catholic these days. My prayers are with you.

 

[StrawberryJam]

I second what another poster said. If you are being told to keep your views quiet or to shut up, then there is a problem.
There is always the risk that someone will refuse to answer your questions or stand by their statements. That is life as we know it here. Not everyone plays by the rules.

 

[TheBreak]

Thanks to each one of you and I appreciate your support. I think it is time for me to look up for new friends to be with.

God bless.

 

[lreyes5]

It’s not materialistic to appreciate and value impressive works of human art, engineering, music architecture, business, infrastructure, etc… These things are ways that humans reflect the creative power of God himself, so they are GOOD. Materialism is when such desires and greed take precedence over love and respect for our fellow man.

It can be irritating to have friends who never want to talk about anything else but attempts to convince you you are wrong in your religious beliefs. Make 'em a deal next time and offer to lay off the religious (name removed by moderator)ut if they are willing to similarly lay off the denigration of religion and religious people. This will allow you to preserve the friendships. But you ALSO need friendships with believers. Humans are not meant to live in isolation, but community. We need support and affirmation. Find some.