Whiskey: You still friends with her? Don't let a friendship slip because it didn't move on to something else. Enjoy the friendship for what it is, not hate it for what it isn't. Love her as a friend, for what is, and don't hate her for what she isn't. Some would simply say "get over it," but friends are worth the time. You haven't come across a boundary, or an end, but a new direction. Two people can be far closer platonically than they could ever have been otherwise. Life has ways of surprising us, don't lose hope in it.
AFAIK, yes, I am still friends with her. It's "AFAIK", because I haven't actually been able to interact with her in any way for 3 or 4 weeks now- and I generally used to see her on a weekly (then biweekly, on account of working every other Sunday) basis.
Most of the "get over it" is getting over my romantic inclinations for her- I'd explicitly mentioned to her when I told her how I felt that, if she was not of the same feeling, I greatly desired to retain our friendship.
And I think I'm making a new friend, too. Once again, a girl- though she's a TA at the school on the GCC campus.
BTW do you mind if I inquire as to your religion?
I'm not sure whether or not this is directed at me, but I'll answer it anyways- I'm a fundamentalist, evangelical Christian. Or at least, that's the terminology that closest describes me.
Which brings us to my problem. Religion. I am a baptised, confirmed Christian. From birth I have been raised in Christianity, not too many years ago I consciously acknowledged my faith and got confirmed. Now I doubt my faith.
Doubt happens to believers. I myself struggled heavily with doubts- though it was never regarding the truth of the Bible and salvation, but rather of the status of my own salvation.
There are many differences between human beings. Wealth, upbringing, race, and of course religion, are some examples. Now, I am an incredibly understanding, accepting person (if I do say so myself). I do not judge people on some pre-set stereotype, I know each person for their actions, which is what truly defines who we are. I am also very open to the ideas of others. I don't see the world in rights and wrongs, but in opinions. I understand that every living being has their own understanding of the world, and it would be foolish to shut out the myriad opinions of others.
There's some things I agree with, and some I don't here- and some similarities between myself and you. I generally don't 'stereotype' people, as it were- though I will do so when working my job, as I am in security. Usually, though, I judge a person on their actions and words.
That said, I understand that there are many differences between humans, but I am not nearly as accepting as yourself. I am not too open to the ideas of others, depending on where they come from (actually, the 40K saying "An open mind is like a fortress with its gate unbarred and unguarded" describes my opinion on that matter quite well). And I see the world in a very black and white manner- though there's a great deal of grey.
But in religion I suddenly see a blocking point. In acknowledging that Jesus is the one true saviour of humanity I instantly say that I am right and that everybody else is wrong. I am not a man of prejudice, as I have said. I am also a man who likes to forgive. I do not believe in a hell, I believe that all is forgiveable, and that any person can know true repentance.
Well, I think the best thing you could do is read your (I assume you own one) Bible. Because the fact of the matter is:
1. Christ is the true Savior of humanity. Since you claim to be saved, and of the Christian faith, that does make you right- and anybody who believes otherwise, wrong, on that matter.
2. That said, the point is that you're saved. Which means you should want to share that saving faith with other people. I'm not saying that you should try to convert people- that's God's job. Your job, as a Christian, is simply to tell people the Gospel. God takes it from there.
3. Hell is a real place. It's a Biblical concept. And, unless you hold that the Bible is not the infallible Word of God Himself, then you should simply accept that Hell is a real place.
4. There is an unforgivable sin. I forget offhand what it is, but it has something to do with total rejection and/or the worst blasphemy possible.
5. If you think "how can God be merciful and loving if there's a Hell", then think about this: Mankind is inherently sinful, evil, and utterly depraved.
And yet we still are permitted to live out our lives. What a GREAT mercy that is, that God does not simply eradicate the human race, or kill everyone as soon as they are born!
But I cannot deal with saying that you are wrong, and that I am right.
But what if you really are right, and the other person is wrong? What if one of your superior officers is wrong about how to attack a position, and you are right- and if that officer follows through with his plan, then a lot of men will die. Whereas vastly fewer, or perhaps none at all, would perish if your plan was used.
I think the background to this is the girl I mentioned. She is Indian by origin, and a Hindu, at least by background. I don't actually know how religious she is, but anyway. I have this key issue that I must say that she is wrong and that I am right to be a Christian. I can't do this. I don't know what I believe anymore. How can the good-meaning man draw such a line in the sand? I don't see an answer.
Has she expressed interest in Christianity? If not, then you can still ask her about, and talk to her about your faith. Remember, it is NOT YOUR JOB to convert people- ONLY to tell them the Gospel. Once you've done so, your work is done- you move on to the next unsaved person who doesn't know about it, and tell them. Repeat ad nauseam.
