Neighbors

[Jezzebelle]

I was just seriously annoyed by my neighbor today, who I do consider a friend. We live in a cul-de-sac with 5 houses, on a street of about 15 houses. 1 of the 5 houses has sat empty for almost 2 years while going through the foreclosure motions and has just been put up for sale. The other four of us all have children the same age who play outside together, and we have become fairly good friends. Down the street we've had less than stellar neighbors move in and out over the last year (people with way too many cars, too many parties, drama, etc). These things rarely bother me, but I can understand why it upsets my neighbors.

So, we were outside chatting and my very religious neighbor who is normally extremely nice, and wholesome says to me... "Well, I've just been praying since they finally put that house up for sale that we will get good neighbors. I pray for neighbors who LOVE the lord, because you know they are nicer, more respectful, and quieter neighbors.... you can trust them."

:confused

She clearly has no idea how much this offended me since I am an atheist. I've never hid this about myself, but looking back I can't remember a time where I actually told her I was either. It just doesn't come up in my daily conversations because it doesn't matter to me.

Most people who know me, know that I am rarely at a loss for words... but I really was with this. My daughter walked up to me, and so I just walked away with her without commenting at all. I feel like I should say something to her, but what???

 

[Weebs]

Religion and politics... I steer clear of em both in any conversation that's not pixelated.

 

[Mercury]

I'm not atheist, but I don't belong to any Church either. Typically when someone pulls this stuff on me I just nod my head, smile and agree with them. It makes things so much easier ...

... or I could answer, "Yes, because God really gives a damn about you wanting "good" neighbors ..." ... but again, I would avoid saying that. LMAO!

 

[36gamer]

I would have just said "you do know that I'm an Atheist, right?" BTW I am a christian, and I do actively go to church. I don't have a problem with Atheists at all though. There are tons of Christians I know that I'd hate to be neighbors with, and there are tons of Atheists that I love hanging out with.

 

[glitch]

I think you should just be tolerant of your neighbor's beliefs; through example, they will in turn feel in need to tolerate you. That's one way to strengthen friendship ties. Show your neighbor you are a good person despite being atheist, and try to make her learn to be tolerant of non-Christians too. Explain how it offended you to hear what she said.

If you are good friends it shouldn't be too difficult. I'm not in a situation to judge you or her, though. You would know your situation best. Hope all works out.

 

[Jezzebelle]

I am tolerant of her beliefs, hence why I am friends with her. I know she's is very religious, and her husband is a youth pastor. I like them because they are nice people, regardless of their beliefs. It just shocked me when she made such a brass, offending statement.

It's the equivalent of saying, "I hope the people who move in are white!"

 

[Maulds]

I think she hasn't caught on that you are an Atheist. Hard to imagine she would say that if you two are friends.

 

[Johnfromokc]

Atheists should not shrink from Christians. "Respect" is mutual - it is not just reserved for Christians. I refuse to tiptoe around religious people. Don't want to hear my opinion about your religion? Then keep it to yourself. Your belief in a deity is no more sacred than my disbelief.

You don't need to be hostile toward religious people, but at the same time you don't have to quietly listen to sermons either.

So, we were outside chatting and my very religious neighbor who is normally extremely nice, and wholesome says to me... "Well, I've just been praying since they finally put that house up for sale that we will get good neighbors. I pray for neighbors who LOVE the lord, because you know they are nicer, more respectful, and quieter neighbors.... you can trust them."

Some Christians have a hard time understanding how anyone could not believe in their god. It has always amazed me at the shock, often followed by outright hostility after I inform a well meaning Christian that I reject the concept of their deity. I've met many who believe freedom of religion means freedom of Christianity and that's as far as their tolerance goes.

I'd bet that an opportunity will present itself for a conversation with your neighbor about religion. I'd just politely tell her you are Atheist and watch her reaction. While many Christians are shocked when they meet an Athiest in the flesh, many are interested in engaging in respectful conversation.

 

[The Man]

Where is "faith" they will be good neighbors...why have to pray for good neighbors?
If you are praying arent you already doubting?
Kinda goes against "God will provide and watch out for me"

They are supposed to love all people equally etc regardless whether good Christians or not...then to "beg" pray for "good Christian neighbors" is being a hypocrite to the faith.
I would politely let em know they are hypocrites.

 

[Joe the meek]

... or I could answer, "Yes, because God really gives a damn about you wanting "good" neighbors ..." ... but again, I would avoid saying that. LMAO!

If I ever throw in the term "cock sucker" out there during a conversation like that my wife get's REALLY ticked at me, particularly if it's IN church LOL

You have to understand my sense of humor.

 

[Panacea]

How annoying.
I mean you could use it as a teaching moment, but...ugh

 

[satinbutterfly]

Just tell her that just because you eat babies doesn't mean you're not trustworthy.

 

[rback33]

Lmao I owe Jen reps....

I can't get past her being an ignorant, arrogant bitch. I read the post before any replies and it still pisses me off what she said. Tell her you are moving to make room for a "&99$, neighbor.