#athiests

Technically this doesn't insult their beliefs.

This could be interpreted as showing up overdressed or underdressed.

If you're going to use the harm inflicted by adherents of religion in the name of that religion as a basis for criticism of all religion you're incapable of thinking very far. You should read about the USSR's systematic slaughter of religious faithful. It was of primarily Eastern Orthodox followers, but (predictably) Jews, Muslims and others were caught up in it. Estimates put the low end at 12 million Christian Martyrs, killed in the name of atheism. Literally in the name of rejecting theism outright and attempting to break the back of the Church. Its saving grace (ironically) was Stalin.

This is neither here nor there. People are awful to one another because they harbour hate. Whether that be antisemitism, islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ablelism, or any other bigotry. People use their religions as a justification for their hate, and for a justification to grab power. They may claim their religion calls them to hatred, but hate advocacy is not in any holy book I've ever thumbed through.

Unless you can argue that being atheist somehow inherently puts you above the human tendency of xenophobia (and not your own hard work in combatting that tendency) then "Religions are used as a justification for hate" is not a good take. Secularism is used as an excuse for hate, I mean just look at France or... Like... Reddit.

Not because they are lost and need someone to show them “Love” or “Christ”, not because of a narrative where they’re empty, void, and missing something, or where they are wild and need saving from their own “flesh” or “demise”.

Do not befriend based off of any perceived lack, where your presence is the tool that can save or heal.

Befriend others because they also can sharpen you, but be careful not to make it for your own gain and their own downfall.

Be friends because that is a whole entire human being just like you with beauty and meaning and validity and a complex story that has a purpose. Non Christians can show you love in ways you thought incapable (gonna go ahead and say it because I was taught only Christians know what real love and compassion and peace is). Non-Christians People of all backgrounds can open your eyes to the vastness and glory of God, whether they have what you believe to be the only true and real relationship or not.

Be friends because fear shouldn’t dictate any of us, and if you’re afraid because you might be “lead astray”, you are allowing yourself to stay in a box you were never meant to live in. You are pushing away gifts that could draw you into deeper forms of love for yourself, others, and the Divine. Also can we just talk about that level of fear?

I just really want to see more genuine friendships between Christians and non-Christians and those in-between, still figuring things out. (Understand that putting others in such strict boxes puts you and God in one too).