Can a Christian be friends with an atheist?
Question:
Good day sir,
I am a woman. I have a friend who has morals and beliefs similar to mine. She is a focused, good person. I have known her for about six months now and, though it's not long, I feel she is someone I would want to remain friends with. The only thing is she isn't Christian. She is very aware of my beliefs and she doesn't seem worried or weirded out, and she absolutely respects that fact. She says that her parents never taught her that there was a God and it was something she didn't grow up knowing. Basically, she is an atheist. I still talk about godly things with her and she understands and doesn't think I'm imposing my religion on her. Do you think a friendship like this would work out?
Thank you.
Answer:
Friendships don't impose a requirement of commonality in all things. It means there are similarities in some things. "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3). But friendships can cause problems as well. There is subtle pressure to conform all aspects of life. This can be dangerous when the pressure is toward unbelief or wickedness. "Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits" " (I Corinthians 15:33).
If she doesn't pressure you to go against your beliefs, then your friendship might be a benefit to her to see what Christianity is really about and she might grow to gain the belief that is missing in her life. Just so long as you don't let your guard down against being influenced in the wrong way, there is no reason you cannot be friends with a non-Christian who has sensible morals.
Response:
Thank you very much, sir. My mum told me the exact same thing!
Thanks again and God bless.
