Yes, a considerable number of friends, people who's character I admire are devout believers, Christian and Islamic. One is a man of 100; a dear soul who still works in housekeeping dept. at Glacier Park. I say whatever results in a person being genuinely loving and life affirmative isn't evil. Unfortunately, religions also host and manufacture dangerously sick people.

I've had friends/relationships with plenty of theists. With the agreement that they respect my non belief and don't try and convert me, and I won't mock their imaginary friends (to their face)

Wait. You made new friends? How did you do that? ?

Relationship, maybe. But, not satisfied. If so, I wouldn't be here at 10:20 on a Sunday night.

Friendship is a two way street.Would they be as open to you showing them a video on evolution like this one?

To you I am an atheist. To God I am a loyal opposition, just like in democracy.

If we are talking about conservative Christians that believe in ID, there is a ton of baggage that goes along with that. What are their views on the LGBTQ part of of our population, And their views on the right to choose for women.

My housemate is closer to me than family and she's a Catholic. We don't talk about religion - to her it's more an emotional position than a rational one. If I ask her whether she believes in heaven she says she doesn't know.

My parents just hugged me when I told them I was leaving seminary 23 years ago. Mom visited a few months ago and we chatted about Buddhist style meditation and have had several nice chats on spirituality.

Unfortunately only one other friend who knew me as a devout Christian has tolerated me beyond FB friendship. A few have tried bringing me back into the fold.

As an Agnostic, I've formed ok friendships with several theists but so far nothing that lasts long.

I do... I have a good friend who is a pastor and he is a thoughtful, gentle man who does it for all the right reasons. I know his family and knowing them, there was just no way he wouldn't be a pastor. We do have debates over a whisky from time to time but they are respectful and smart and good-natured. I also have some family members who bleive but I dn't challenge them in any way as the reasons for their faith seems pretty fragile and I don't want to attack their world view.

Absolutely ! Religion is like genitalia - as long as you keep it in your pants, and don't push it on anyone - I'll hang with ya !

When we let religion divide us and get in the way of the human relationships, religion wins. Sometimes I think that's what it's for.

That's how it should be, beautifully said. I don't care for religion either, but if at most they're just passively, rarely/occasionally "testing the waters" with you on religion & leave you alone otherwise, and are decent friends/people to you, the rest no need to push them away. If they're the types who won't push you away and/or base your value as a person by what you believe, that is great!

Yes, an instructor in college. She was fascinated by the fact that I am able to survive my years in high school, which a religious one. One time she asked if I would get annoyed if someone would mention or talk of faith or god. I said "only if they push/force their beliefs to my face or would act like I some sort of freak for not sharing their beliefs"

Yes,but religion is never discussed.

I'm generally pretty outgoing and cheerful with anyone until they give me reason not to be. Since most people are religious obviously I know some whom I get along with.
That is a limited relationship though.
They are not what I consider 'friend'.

• As an aside, the term friend has been watered down to near meaninglessness by social media and ones urge to fit in - I think.

Very rarely can I get past the initial ignorance factor... Also, as you well know their radical intolerance for people who don't "Believe" is just a big ass put off. Most of the religious fanatics are hypocritical bushwackers... as they say...And they are trying to put one over on you so as they can take advantage of you...

Yup, lots of them... The ones that I have had to weed out of my life are the ones that were trying the sales speech..... Those I can live without

Pretending to be kind and tolerant is how they deceive you. Did you share your beliefs? I find it quite insulting when a christian prays for me after I tell them I'm atheist. Kind words do not make a good person.

Yes

Yes, a considerable number of friends, people who's character I admire are devout believers, Christian and Islamic. One is a man of 100; a dear soul who still works in housekeeping dept. at Glacier Park. I say whatever results in a person being genuinely loving and life affirmative isn't evil. Unfortunately, religions also host and manufacture dangerously sick people.