Originally posted as a comment, but I want to include it as a post

[jaala]

I have a friend who's in Campus Crusade for Christ. She's very nice, and though unshakeable in her belief she appears to be open to discussion of other opinions. However, I do wonder sometimes if she's my friend simply because she likes me or if it's because she wants to "win" me for (her version of) Christ.

I have been put off by some of the material on the Queen's CCFC website because I think they use a massive over-simplification of Christian doctrine, and I found one of their marketing campaigns ("Do you agree with Jamie"?) deceptive and manipulative. I have thus been uninclined to attend any of their campus "discussions" because I was pretty sure the outcomes would be pre-determined. Though I have limited experience with CCFC itself, I was briefly a member of an IVCF-type group in high school and found that I felt out of place.

Though I am a self-proclaimed Christian, I am also a non-literalist, a pluralist, and an advocate for gay rights[1]. I support CCFC's right to free speech without hesitation but I do not think their views can be taken to represent all Christians.

*gets off soapbox*

[1] I think that anyone--gay, straight, bi, asexual, whatever--can have moral or immoral relationships. If a relationship is destructive, disrespectful, abusive, or promiscuous I personally do not approve of it. That's not to say I will necessarily reject or dislike the people involved in it.

Comments

On religious beliefs

[echomyst.livejournal.com]

I feel somewhat the same way regarding two of my friends here at Queen's. Even though I have made it extremely clear that I have already done my own soul-searching, know what my stances are on various religions and spiritual beliefs... these two people continue to ask me if I want to attend religious functions with them and tell me that I'm a hypocrite.

Hypocrite?

Just because I say I'm "open-minded," it does NOT make me close-minded for not believing in Christ, God, Allah, etc. I have explored these beliefs and do not wish to believe in them. I have absolutely nothing against those who do believe.

These said friends continue to pester me about my spiritual beliefs... what is to say that my beliefs are wrong? They continue to hold this belief that eventually I'll "see the light." As long as one can find their own spiritual beliefs that can guide them in a positive manner, give one strength, etc.... how can that be "wrong"?

[caliza.livejournal.com]

My post inspired a post!

I feel special ;)

(i'm running on very little sleep and i'm gonna be up for at least another few hours...forgive me )

Re: On religious beliefs

[jaala]

So long as you're not nasty and attacking people for believing, I would hardly call you hypocritical. And, IMHO, if one wishes to advocate for one's spiritual beliefs, pestering is the worst possible thing to do.

[jaala]

But of course... everybody's special, dear! ;-)