Reducing all subject matter to religion
What is the best way to handle overly religious family members who refuse to stop talking about religion. Even though I've explained to them many times that I prefer not to discuss relgion, they refuse to respect my wishes.
Please advise,
joycesewandsew
Re: Reducing all subject matter to religion
Bores are bores, whether the subject is religion, politics, sex, cars, etc. I don't know that religion needs to be singled out. After all Christians have to listen to people going on and on about offensive things like promiscuous sex and sharp business dealings. Maybe you are even setting them off with some of your choice of subject matter. We do not choose our family. Try to be a little more tolerant.
Re: Reducing all subject matter to religion
Hey Joyce, You have a choice here. You can tell them that religious discussions (1) bore me, (2) upset me, since I'm not a fundamentalist, (3) If you're trying to convert me, it's not working, or(4) (my favorite) "I just read the Bible and put it under skeptical analysis and the more I read the more I'm leaning towards secular humanism. Would you like to set down for a hour or so while I explain it to you?" Just "outbore" them. Hallelujah! Cheers Tom
Re: Reducing all subject matter to religion
Joyce:
Are these the same relatives that come crashing in on you without the courtesy of a phone call?
Let me get this straight - after they barge in on you they insist on talking about religion, even though you've asked them not to.
Sounds like they don't respect you or your wishes. They totally ignore you.
When they insist on talking religion, tell them to knock it off. Period. Save it for Sunday Church Chat. You aren't interested.
Maybe if you make them mad enough, they won't keep dropping in on you!
Good luck!
Reducing all subject matter to religion
I consider myself a very spiritual (as opposed to religious) person. However, I'd rather lead people to ask me about God based on what they see different in me.
Being religious is NOT a license to be rude!
Since these people seem to be hard headed, perhaps you could tell them,
"I'll be happy to talk about your religion as soon as I see it exhibited in your life!"
They might get mad, but, oh well, they have to forgive you!
I hope that this helps,
Guy