Summary

The article narrates the author's friendship with Ruth, an atheist who declines an invitation to a Bible study due to past negative experiences with religion, and the author's subsequent attempt to connect with her by sharing the Biblical story of Ruth.

Abstract

The author recounts the development of a close friendship with Ruth, a fellow hospital volunteer, bonding over shared interests and life experiences. The relationship is tested when the author invites Ruth to a Bible study, unaware of Ruth's atheistic views and her aversion to religion stemming from a hurtful comment about her late Muslim husband's salvation. Ruth's declination prompts the author to offer support and share the inspiring story of Biblical Ruth, hoping to provide comfort and perhaps a new perspective on faith. The article concludes with the author's commitment to their friendship and an open invitation for readers to engage with diverse stories on Medium.

Opinions

The author expresses admiration and affection for Ruth, valuing their shared experiences and companionship.
Ruth's non-belief is presented as a personal choice influenced by a distressing experience, indicating a sensitive handling of her views.
The author believes in the inclusive message of the Bible, as exemplified by the story of Ruth, and suggests that salvation is universal.
There is a subtle advocacy for interfaith understanding and acceptance, as seen in the author's respect for Ruth's differing beliefs.
The author shows empathy and respect for Ruth's past, emphasizing the importance of support and friendship over religious differences.
The article implies that storytelling, particularly of Biblical narratives, can be

The Curious Case of Ruth: An Atheist with a Unique Story.

Exploring the Reasons Behind Ruth’s Non-Belief.

Befriending Ruth:

I met a charming lady, named Ruth, two months ago. We were both at a recruitment meeting for hospital volunteers and it’s safe to say that we hit it off right from the start.

We picked Tuesdays and the same hours to serve. It was perfect! Working together was an absolute delight and we just clicked like two peas in a pod! We had so much in common — the same interests, close in age, and both of us were widows, with lovable grand & great-grandchildren.

Hudson my great-grandson with his affectionate giggle, & overdrive personality- author’s photo.

Cats for pets:

To top it off, we shared a love for our pet kitties. It’s amazing how sharing our love for toddlers & felines brought us together.

I’m most grateful for Ruth’s friendship.

My cats, Marmalade & Skippy. Author’s photo.

Inviting my friend:

Last Tuesday was quite eventful for me. I had invited Ruth, my bubbly and cheerful friend, to join my bible study class. I was excited to introduce her to my fellow class members and share her positive energy. However, to my surprise, Ruth politely declined my invitation and gave me a reason that left me wondering what had happened!

She said,

“Sorry, I do not embrace any religion, and I do not believe in the afterlife. This is the only life for me. The Bible is for the chosen people in Israel. When my husband died, a relative remarked that there was no salvation for him as a Muslim & he would not go to heaven.

Have you ever encountered a statement that hit you like a ton of bricks and left you feeling lost and confused? Well, that happened to me. Sometimes I think about his remark, and I can’t shake off the distress it caused me. So, I decided to have nothing to do with religion & bigots. Anyway, that is in the past. I have to move on.”

Attempting to break the ice:

Sitting in silence, I knew I had to say something. Finally, I said,

“I’m sorry you had to go through something that caused you distress. It’s tough to deal with negative experiences, but I’m here to support you in any way I can. Remember that you are not alone; there’s always hope for a better tomorrow. Keep moving forward and know that you can always reach out to me if you need someone to talk to.”

Then, I gathered the courage to ask my friend if I could share the story of Ruth, with her. To my relief, she agreed.

Then, I shared the story of Biblical Ruth, I said,

“Ruth’s story is inspirational for me. She was a brave and loyal Moabite woman who fell in love with a Jewish man and married him. After her husband passed away, Ruth decided to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and take care of her.

They journeyed together to Bethlehem and arrived during the barley harvest. Ruth had no idea how this journey would alter her life permanently.

In Bethlehem, Ruth met Boaz, a kind and generous man who captured her heart. The two eventually married, and their love story will be remembered for ages.

Ruth’s love, loyalty, and faith are a testament to God’s use of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Through her union with Boaz, Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, one of history’s most prominent kings.

Her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus, as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, reinforces the idea that the Bible is for everyone, and through Christ’s sacrifice, salvation is available to all humanity.”

Naomi and Ruth | Bible Story, Naomi, Moral, & Meaning | Britannica

My friend Ruth listened to my story but offered no response, leaving me uncertain if I had overstepped my boundaries since she had indicated her belief earlier.

As I finished sharing the story, I couldn’t help feeling a sense of sadness. My friend had been hurt by a relative’s unkind words about her late husband’s salvation.

Nevertheless, I know that a higher power decides our fate, and I want to support her no matter what. Our friendship will strengthen over time, as we continue to share stories and plan new adventures together.

Thank you, readers, for your time & support.

Remember for only $5 per month, you can join Medium and gain access to thousands of stories and poems, including those written by Freda Savahl. Membership also provides a great platform to publish your own pieces, poetry, photos, and reports and earn money from them on Medium.

Source of Biblical Ruth: Ruth | Bible Story, Naomi, Moral, & Meaning | Britannica