friend trying to convert me

[Sarkana night]

so, where to start??

let's se, i have this very good (and very christian) friend that i've known since we were about... ten years old. but after she moved to away to another town, long away from where i live, i haven't seen her for almost three years, which felt strange to me, because i was used to have her hanging around everywhere. few days ago i was visiting her in her "new" house, and we were very happy finally to see each other again.

but then i told her about my path, aztec belieafs, (which i've followed in two-three years now) and she started to tell me, that this was not a good idea. she tryed everything to convert me back to christianity again, and i tryed to tell her that i never really have been christian, but she doesn't wanted to listen. and now we can't really start a normal talk without her trying to convince me that i shouldn't keep belief in aztec mythology.

what do you think i should do??

[DanieMarie]

I got this with many of my atheist friends. Mostly, they tried to "educate" me because they have this misguided view that everyone who believes in a religion doesn't believe in science, so I talk a lot about science lol. I did tell them that I believe what I believe and I consider it to be personal. Then I left it at that and never brought up my beliefs again. For the most part, it's worked. I don't really feel the need to discuss my path with others, and when I do, I do it on here or talk to my mom (who is interested). When I first found it I wanted to talk about it all the time to everyone, but now I've sort of mellowed out a bit and everyone has thankfully forgotten about it.

So yea, I'd do the same in your situation. Just tell her that your beliefs are your own, and each person is entitled to their own world view, and that you'd be happy to hear about hers (since you told her about yours). Then leave it at that and see if she lets it alone.

[Sarkana night]

thank you very much for the good tip. I'll see what i can do. maybe she'll learn to deal with it. I just hope so, I'm very tired of discussing religious wiews with her all the time.

thanks

[AzazelEblis]

Worst comes to worst, cite the book of Matthew, Ch 10, verse 14.

"If at first they will not receive you and your message, shake the dust from your feet and be gone".

Then bring up how you still want to be friends, just not... you know, a church buddy.

[Sarkana night]

Worst comes to worst, cite the book of Matthew, Ch 10, verse 14.

"If at first they will not receive you and your message, shake the dust from your feet and be gone".

Then bring up how you still want to be friends, just not... you know, a church buddy.

It's not because i dont want to be her friend. we've known each other for very long, and we share many old memories and experiences. i just want a tip to get her understand that we don't have the same religion, and that she must appreciate it.

[Medusa]

You know I've said this before about us gals. I start to sound like a broken record. Men know how to say a direct sentence and mean it. Women on the other hand? We tend to go way around the bend to say something we mean but end up sounding like we don't really mean it. You can be direct and not be a bitch at the same time. Men do it a billion times a day.

Stop talking about my religion.

The end. And you mean it. You don't explain it. You don't apologize for it. You just say it and start discussing another topic.

[Sarkana night]

yeah, it sounds like a good idea....thanks!

[Celtic Tiger]

I second Medusa's advice. It's really about setting up a boundary in that area. There are a million things that are off the table, even with my closest friends, in discussion. On the rare occasion that those topics are broached, I simply indicate that I am not going there. I'm polite about it, but firm.

[SCoyote]

I would just tell her "I am what I am, either accept it or not....but I am not changing so don't waste your time." The people that love you will love you anyway despite your beliefs. Everyone else, don't make time for them.

[Sarkana night]

thank you everyone! I really appreciate all your advices.