Brian 2.0 Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 As a fairly recent non-believer (last 5 years) most of my social circle is still active Mormon. Being that it's Easter and general conference weekend, my Instagram feed and Facebook feed had a great number of pictures of the Jesus or stuff from conference. It was heavy today, which was to be expected. But often other times my feed will have a photo of the temple show up in it with a message of how thankful they are to be sealed to their family, have the gospel in their lives, etc. I don't think much on this, I normally just scroll by. But I wondered what the reaction would be from my almost all LDS followers if I posted similar thoughts on my current beliefs (being basically atheist right now). I wouldn't do it on a Easter weekend because that'd look like an obvious afront.... but say I post a picture of the stars on a clear night and say "Looking out into the vastness I'm thankful for this brief period of time I have in this universe and believing that it's all I'll have and there is nothing after death, it makes me focus on those things I love and want to be around most with the time here I do have." I wonder what the reaction would be to a post like that. I'm too chicken to do it, because I know a lot of my friends would think I'm being agressive or anti-mormon even... even though they are posting their testimonies on their feeds. Anyone have an experience with this from a atheistic friend they follow?
Coreyb Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 (edited) Plenty of my friends post their atheist sentiments on FB. Most if those who do are under 25 and their comments are more abrasive than the example you gave. Not sure what people would say about one like that. Edited April 6, 2015 by Coreyb
Duncan Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 I only have one friend who says stuff against the Church but I just scroll on by as I am sure they do when I post stuff
mfbukowski Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 As a fairly recent non-believer (last 5 years) most of my social circle is still active Mormon. Being that it's Easter and general conference weekend, my Instagram feed and Facebook feed had a great number of pictures of the Jesus or stuff from conference. It was heavy today, which was to be expected. But often other times my feed will have a photo of the temple show up in it with a message of how thankful they are to be sealed to their family, have the gospel in their lives, etc. I don't think much on this, I normally just scroll by. But I wondered what the reaction would be from my almost all LDS followers if I posted similar thoughts on my current beliefs (being basically atheist right now). I wouldn't do it on a Easter weekend because that'd look like an obvious afront.... but say I post a picture of the stars on a clear night and say "Looking out into the vastness I'm thankful for this brief period of time I have in this universe and believing that it's all I'll have and there is nothing after death, it makes me focus on those things I love and want to be around most with the time here I do have." I wonder what the reaction would be to a post like that. I'm too chicken to do it, because I know a lot of my friends would think I'm being agressive or anti-mormon even... even though they are posting their testimonies on their feeds. Anyone have an experience with this from a atheistic friend they follow?Just really glad you didn't post that on a Mormon board on Easter. Been there, done that. You still owe me a lunch.
Brian 2.0 Posted April 6, 2015 Author Posted April 6, 2015 (edited) Just really glad you didn't post that on a Mormon board on Easter. Been there, done that. You still owe me a lunch. I do owe you lunch. I still haven't forgot! We should get one on the books. I figured this was a the place, if any, seeing that today was the day I got all the posts in my feeds. And this place is just slightly less well-known than Facebook. Edited April 6, 2015 by Brian 2.0
The Nehor Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 I would not be offended. More likely I would not notice as I usually only look at Facebook maybe once a month. 1
canard78 Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 As a fairly recent non-believer (last 5 years) most of my social circle is still active Mormon. Being that it's Easter and general conference weekend, my Instagram feed and Facebook feed had a great number of pictures of the Jesus or stuff from conference. It was heavy today, which was to be expected. But often other times my feed will have a photo of the temple show up in it with a message of how thankful they are to be sealed to their family, have the gospel in their lives, etc.I don't think much on this, I normally just scroll by. But I wondered what the reaction would be from my almost all LDS followers if I posted similar thoughts on my current beliefs (being basically atheist right now). I wouldn't do it on a Easter weekend because that'd look like an obvious afront.... but say I post a picture of the stars on a clear night and say "Looking out into the vastness I'm thankful for this brief period of time I have in this universe and believing that it's all I'll have and there is nothing after death, it makes me focus on those things I love and want to be around most with the time here I do have."I wonder what the reaction would be to a post like that. I'm too chicken to do it, because I know a lot of my friends would think I'm being agressive or anti-mormon even... even though they are posting their testimonies on their feeds.Anyone have an experience with this from a atheistic friend they follow?I think this is really important to approach with the right tone and intentions. I've decided to adopt the Sister Wixom mantra (via her friend)..."I was willing to extend courtesy to those without doubts if they would extend courtesy to me."https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2015/04?lang=eng&vid=4154712152001&cid=5I've started sharing positive (non-LDS) thoughts, stories and experiences on FB. Sometimes I'll also share a good LDS talk/article quote too. I recently posted about a full-day (Sunday) choir festival of traditional folk music that celebrated moments in human history like diversity, anti-apartheidism and ancient British cultural origins. It was a great experience and one I wanted to share on a Sunday morning. I was aware that the fact that I was doing something other than an LDS "thing" on a Sunday it might be seen as being antagonistic. It wasn't intended as such and I don't think it was taken that way either.
sethpayne Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 I would not be offended. More likely I would not notice as I usually only look at Facebook maybe once a month. Makes sense. When you only have 3 friends..... J/K Nehor!
Teancum Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 As a fairly recent non-believer (last 5 years) most of my social circle is still active Mormon. Being that it's Easter and general conference weekend, my Instagram feed and Facebook feed had a great number of pictures of the Jesus or stuff from conference. It was heavy today, which was to be expected. But often other times my feed will have a photo of the temple show up in it with a message of how thankful they are to be sealed to their family, have the gospel in their lives, etc. I don't think much on this, I normally just scroll by. But I wondered what the reaction would be from my almost all LDS followers if I posted similar thoughts on my current beliefs (being basically atheist right now). I wouldn't do it on a Easter weekend because that'd look like an obvious afront.... but say I post a picture of the stars on a clear night and say "Looking out into the vastness I'm thankful for this brief period of time I have in this universe and believing that it's all I'll have and there is nothing after death, it makes me focus on those things I love and want to be around most with the time here I do have." I wonder what the reaction would be to a post like that. I'm too chicken to do it, because I know a lot of my friends would think I'm being agressive or anti-mormon even... even though they are posting their testimonies on their feeds. Anyone have an experience with this from a atheistic friend they follow? Depending on your circle the reactions may vary. In my case I think it would not be accepted well. I had a discussion with one of my solid believing LDS friends about this once. Essentially I asked why it was ok for an LDS Person to post such things, proselyte to non believers and how would he react if an atheist tried to persuade an LDS believer to give up their beliefs with the same fervor LDS try to convert the non believer. He said he would find that disgusting. I decided not to pursue the conversation further.
The Nehor Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 Makes sense. When you only have 3 friends..... J/K Nehor!I am one of those people who for years accepted every friend request. I am not sure who most of the people are anymore.
omni Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 As a fairly recent non-believer (last 5 years) most of my social circle is still active Mormon. Being that it's Easter and general conference weekend, my Instagram feed and Facebook feed had a great number of pictures of the Jesus or stuff from conference. It was heavy today, which was to be expected. But often other times my feed will have a photo of the temple show up in it with a message of how thankful they are to be sealed to their family, have the gospel in their lives, etc.I don't think much on this, I normally just scroll by. But I wondered what the reaction would be from my almost all LDS followers if I posted similar thoughts on my current beliefs (being basically atheist right now). I wouldn't do it on a Easter weekend because that'd look like an obvious afront.... but say I post a picture of the stars on a clear night and say "Looking out into the vastness I'm thankful for this brief period of time I have in this universe and believing that it's all I'll have and there is nothing after death, it makes me focus on those things I love and want to be around most with the time here I do have."I wonder what the reaction would be to a post like that. I'm too chicken to do it, because I know a lot of my friends would think I'm being agressive or anti-mormon even... even though they are posting their testimonies on their feeds.Anyone have an experience with this from a atheistic friend they follow?Great OP - I was thinking along similar lines as I was reading my FB feed over the weekend and literally 90% of the posts were about the church. Granted, the majority (~75%) of my FB friends are LDS, but the pro-LDS posts outnumber the posts about non-LDS beliefs something along the lines of 100-1. Actually now that I think about it, that's probably an exaggeration - I can't think of a single post from one of my friends praising a non-LDS faith/atheism. To those here who have a little more diversity among their social media contacts, is this type of evangelism something you see irrespective of any particular faith (or lack their of) or is its use greater among LDS?
Traela Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 I am friends with a number of agnostics and atheists, a couple of them militantly so. Brian's statement of belief/nonbelief would be a welcome change from some of the more obnoxious things I've seen. I would probably even "like" it.
mormonnewb Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 (edited) Mormons are not unique in this regard. My feed is about 2/3 non-Mormon and it was filled with Easter messages. A few of them were downright aggressive, even for me and I have a firm testimony of Christ (telling non-believers that Jesus died for THEIR sins is probably a little heavy-handed). However, even then, I don't take offense because Christians are COMMANDED to share the Gospel (even if clumsily). It's like sitting in a movie theater behind someone wearing a turban. It's a slight annoyance but it's worth it to live in harmony with others.Of course, if an atheist or agnostic feels similarly compelled, they should have at it. But to just "get your say in," may not be the most constructive thing for your relationships with these people. And this is coming from someone who does just the opposite 90% of the time on this board (and see how well it works for me?). Edited April 6, 2015 by mormonnewb 1
busybee Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 I would most certainly not be offended if any of my non-believing friends posted something like the OP suggested. ( This has never happened) I do get irritated, however, when I am castigated fiercely for posting my beliefs on MY Facebook. (This has happened more times than I can remember!!!)
bluebell Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 Great OP - I was thinking along similar lines as I was reading my FB feed over the weekend and literally 90% of the posts were about the church. Granted, the majority (~75%) of my FB friends are LDS, but the pro-LDS posts outnumber the posts about non-LDS beliefs something along the lines of 100-1. Actually now that I think about it, that's probably an exaggeration - I can't think of a single post from one of my friends praising a non-LDS faith/atheism. To those here who have a little more diversity among their social media contacts, is this type of evangelism something you see irrespective of any particular faith (or lack their of) or is its use greater among LDS?I do. My friends are about half non members, with a few atheist. I get "testimonies" from all different belief systems pretty regularly. It doesn't bother me.
Brian 2.0 Posted April 6, 2015 Author Posted April 6, 2015 I would most certainly not be offended if any of my non-believing friends posted something like the OP suggested. ( This has never happened) I do get irritated, however, when I am castigated fiercely for posting my beliefs on MY Facebook. (This has happened more times than I can remember!!!) I would be curious to see who commented on my theoretical post. I would assume most would pass it by, but I'm pretty safe to assume I would get some "I'm thankful to know that there is life after death and it's so comforting!" type comments from some of my friends. And I know they would be well meaning and not trying to pick a fight with me or anything... but I just wonder on the etiquette of that... because it definitely feels improper to make some athetist counter-point onto their faith-based post.
Brian 2.0 Posted April 6, 2015 Author Posted April 6, 2015 Depending on your circle the reactions may vary. In my case I think it would not be accepted well. I had a discussion with one of my solid believing LDS friends about this once. Essentially I asked why it was ok for an LDS Person to post such things, proselyte to non believers and how would he react if an atheist tried to persuade an LDS believer to give up their beliefs with the same fervor LDS try to convert the non believer. He said he would find that disgusting. I decided not to pursue the conversation further. This is exactly what I've been thinking on. I think is fair to say that both sides can take things "too far" for sure. I am curious if there is a double standard on what is considered acceptable or rude. I'm not saying there is, but I'm just trying to imagine the posts and comments I sometimes see flipped completely around and what that would look like.
Gray Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 I think it's probably safe to say that no matter what your views on religion, only a small subset of your Facebook friends are interested in seeing your posts on the subject. And that subset are the people who have the same views as you. 2
cinepro Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 The two most active posters in my feed are a friend who is very active in a local evangelical megachurch and John Dehlin, who is still trying to convince me (and everyone else) that he was ex'd for supporting SSM. 4
hearserve Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 I guess I have a more diverse group of FB friends than many on this board. I receive posts with religious or philosophical themes from LDS, Evangelical, Southern Baptist, Bahai, Positive Thinkers (happy, affirmation type posts), Atheists, Deists, and Agnostics on a very regular basis. Percentage wise? Probably 35% LDS, 20% Evangelical, 20% Positive Thinkers, and the rest a mix of those left. We frequently comment on each other's posts. We simply see it as friends sharing. Oh, and all of the above posts represent probably only 1/3 of all the FB posts I receive, The other 2/3 are invitations to play some farm game. 1
Coreyb Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 I actually get sick of my Muslim friends religious posts because they are all in Arabic so I can't read them. I guess they aren't for proselyting purposes?
Maestrophil Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 A post as Brian suggested would not offend me in the slightest. Any post that shares a 'positive' for my 'friend' would be welcome by me. The posts I find tiring are the ones that are negative in tone. MOST of the atheist posts I get on my FB are along the lines of "why religion is a disease', 'how science proves all believers to be rubes', etc. And they often contain vulgarities. Almost as if the intent was to solely offend and injure. I would be offended by an LDS post that said "why non-mormons are going to hell", or 'people leave the church because they are weak and sin'.
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