to be amazed at people going to church

[Hullygully]

I really didn't think anyone still did the whole church on Sunday thing (this is not meant rudely, am just genuinely amazed).

Why do you go?

Don't you go out dancing and drinking on Sat and have a terrible hangover?

Or don't you want to have a lie-in with the papers?

Do you have roast dinner after?

Where do you live?

Why would it be obvious? Unless you discuss religion, or they say "I can't do that because I am going to church" how would you know what someones beliefs are? Last time I looked in the mirror I haven't got two heads or any other obvious physical signs of my faith. I don't push my beliefs on others and therefore wouldn't feel the need to say tell someone I am Christian.

Oh dear 47. It's a shame you assume all people of faith agree with you on those points.

No wish to derail thread however.

Hilly, have you turned into Louis Theroux?

Are you Louis Theroux?

I know wiggles! Seriously tell me a way to express it in an acceptable fashion - I will be very grateful.

is there an inoffensive way to say I think people believe in and see things that aren't there?

Why cant you just say "thats your faith, its not what I feel but I can respect your right to believe that" why do you have to say any more?

1. Because I enjoy it
2. Can't party anymore with a toddler. Mass starts at 11 am so do get time in morning
3. It is only 45 mins so fit stuff in find

If you think people believe in things that aren't there, why does it bother you so much? I mean I don't believe in aliens etc but I don't refer to people who do as delusional. I just think not my thing, move along.

yes I could in general, sirzy, but this was about why I would find it difficult to be friends with someone so I was trying ot be more specific.

same answer wiggles.

Hully, having grown up in a largly secular society, I've long since come to terms with the fact that a large number of people don't care about religion.

Labelling them all as wrong and misguided only serves to reinforce negative opinions some of them have about religion, and would only deter people from attending church for the first time or even attempting to find out more about Christianity.

So you can't just respect a friend's beliefs, you have to actually judge them? I find this very odd. I have plenty of friends who hold different views to myself.

What MamaMary said. Surely as adults it not hard to respect other peoples differences?

See, it IS very interesting. Those with faith are saying they are more open-minded and tolerant of different belief/non-beliefs than those without.

What is that about?

And there's a difference between saying 'I don't understand this bit of Christianity, it makes no sense to me' and 'This bit of Christianity makes no sense to me, you're a Christian, therefore you're nuts'

Perhaps it is because those with faith can appreciate just how important someones beliefs are to them and as such are more able to respect that? Perhaps it is because they know what its like to be constantly judged for what you believe and don't want to subject other people to that?

miss linnet - yes there is, but as I said I was trying to be specific about why I was unlikely to be close friends with a believer, that's all.

Good point sirzy

Do you feel constantly judged? After this thread it seems to me that there are loads of believing churchgoers!

I go to church because it's an important part of my faith, and because I'm a missionary so it's kind of part of my job .

I hate feeling sick so although I like nice wine I don't drink enough to be hungover I do love dancing though but live in a little village where there's no chance of that.

No lie-ins due to 3 small DCs and have to read the papers online which isn't quite the same.
Too hot at the moment for roast dinners but sometimes we do in the evening.

Please tell me about being a missionary! how where what when why?

Being tolerant of, or co-existing with, people with non-belief is a theme that runs through the entire bible.

Why don't you say something really shocking, Hully? I am getting bored with this same-old same-old.

I don't feel constantly judged, no, but there are some posters on MN who are very derogatory and rude about Christians and simply write them off. 'delusional' is a common adjective. Yes, it is a lack of respect but it feels even more hostile than that. Interestingly the same doesn't happen about other faiths, as far as i can see.

I'm totally an atheist but love the songs and Hymns and carols.

I sing them loudly in the car because it pisses off DP and the DC when i do it at home.

Can't remember when i last went to Church,last wedding we went to was held in an Hotel and there weren't any hymns

Do I feel judged? Only on MN , MN is strange about peoples personal beliefs. People I know in real life couldn't give 2 shiney shits about what I believe as long as my beliefs don't impinge on them

The missionaries do have a position in society you know.