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Posted: August 5, 2012

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I had these classmates...

Forums > Community > Philosophy & Religion

~Valkyrie-Chaos Aug 5, 2012

It all started when they asked me if I believed in God, in which I told them "no." (I'm an athiest)

Instead of just letting it go, they kept on asking me questions like "Are you crazy or something?" and "Do you worship the devil then?". I tried not to get mad at them, in which I kept telling them "No."
After I told them why I don't believe in God, they finally dropped the conversation.

The next day during lunch, they bring up the topic again. They ask the same questions from yesterday and, yet again, I told them no. Then they begin insulting me, and tell me things like "God is very forgiving" and "Jesus will save you from going to hell". I snapped, and I told them "Stop feeding me your bullshit and accept the fact I don't believe in a sky deity that watches over us!" They all left, but then they told everyone in my class that I didn't believe in God and that I worshipped the devil (even though i told them I didn't). So everyone started making fun of me, and even some of my "friends" in my class began to look at me funny and join in with the rest. i got through the school year (didn't let it get me down too much.) But now I'm afraid that those same classmates will be with me next year.

And so, I ask you: what should I do to make them stop?

(Though looking back, I believe what I said to my classmates when I snapped was really unnecessary... I kinda feel bad for saying that to them, but I was just really annoyed, ya know?)
(Also, i didn't know which forum I was supposed to put this in... sorry XD)

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!MellowCupCake Aug 19, 2012

If they lied about what you said and said you worshiped the devil when you said you didn't then they arent true Christians. No offense to you but many people get that confused true Christians are people who won't try to make you look bad they will try to change your mind but it's only because they don't want you soul to burn forever. Oh and why don't you believe in God?

~CinderBlockStudios Aug 16, 2012 Professional Traditional Artist

Nothing like my fellow Christians giving everyone a bad name. Technically what they're doing is harassment, I'd probably make them aware of that.

The sad thing is that if they talk to you like that, they don't understand enough about their own faith to just leave you alone.

~PhanThom-art Aug 16, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

Don't feel bad for saying that, they totally had it coming for constantly nagging on about the subject after you clearly told them your views on it. It sucks, but the odds are that your are going to be in the same class as some of those assholes again next year. If you can't move to a less religious school then I suggest you just keep ignoring them and not letting them bring you down. You can't help how extremely ignorant and closed-minded some religious people are. Good luck next year, I hope you won't have as much trouble with those morons as you did this year

~Mystyne Aug 15, 2012

I think its funny how some religious people think non religious people worship the devil. If we dont believe in god, why would we believe in the devil? Dont they kind of go hand in hand? And then they tell you that youre going to hell.... like you believe in that too. I've had these problems too. Just roll your eyes and tell yourself that these people will forget about this really soon.

~ruelariat Aug 15, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

I am an atheist, too, and I have experienced similar problems. I think it really depends on where you live that determines your reaction. Some regions are more ultra-conservative than others and are more prone to bullying non-believers.

If the problem persists, which it may not (kids tend to forget things over the summer), then I have a few suggestions. One comment somewhere in here suggested to have a positive attitude. I think that's a good solution because if they are truly bullying you to get a negative reaction (I think that they spread that crap about you being a devil worshipper because you snapped, which I don't blame you for; I would've done that and probably worse) then having a positive reaction may deter them from pestering you further.

The silence reaction usually works, especially in school. Like say it's before class starts, then you could pretend to not hear them and then if they get in your face just say, "Sorry, didn't here you what was that?" And keep that up until the bell rings and say you want to get focused for class. If it's during class then say you're trying to focus on the lesson. In the halls just say you've got to be somewhere right now. It's kind of the flight response instead of the fight response. Avoiding conversation completely will probably discourage them and make them forget you. I do not think you will be cornered because these kids don't seem like the type to physically harm you.

If you live in a region where the teachers are likely to help you and not question your beliefs then I would go to an adult and ask for help if the problem continues. I would say that you've tried to deal with it on your own, and you believe that this is unfair harrassment.

I would NEVER embrace the whole devil worshipping thing, though. With some situations it's ok to embrace whatever you're being made fun of for, but religion is a touchy subject and if you were to embrace it then it would horribly backfire.

Hope I helped you a little with your problem.

~PokemonStarVersion Aug 15, 2012

They probably already forgot about it.

~HaruTotetsu Aug 14, 2012 Hobbyist Writer

Well if you see those you snapped at, ask to talk to them. Say your sorry for snapping last year but that they were being very pushy and disrespectful of you ideas, which you then point out they clearly don't like by turning everyone against you. If it continues, then just follow the general method for dealing with bullies. Tell your teachers, and tell your parents.

*TwistedSynapses Aug 14, 2012 Professional Digital Artist

This scenario seems so surreal to me. You must live in a very religious community, and for this my heart goes out to you.
Oddly enough, when I was in school I was singled out for my religious affiliation (though I'm presently an atheist). I was a part of very small, much maligned religious group. The facts don't matter to these people. They're profoundly ignorant, and perfectly happy to be so. All I can tell you is that some day their immature prejudices won't matter. It will make them small and inconsequential, and you strong and interesting.

*MaryYana Aug 14, 2012 Traditional Artist

People who disrespect you like that deserve a snap response like that.

Also, I think you should talk to the teachers. Apart from that, give them nothing more to bully you for. To quote from a Voltaire song: "There's nothing you can say that doesn't contradict them, 'cause all they want's a victim".

*ValiantShadow Aug 14, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

This happens to me all the time. I just bite my tongue on all the snappy remarks I want to say, like "Do you believe in unicorns too?" Real friends will at least leave the topic alone, even if they don't agree with it. By ignoring people who heckle you for being an athiest, they will, eventually, leave you alone, even if it takes a long, looooong time for them to come around and realize you don't care about what they say.

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