How to I tactfully and with respect tell them we do not wish to discuss jesus? He looks for any opening to bring up the topic(even when there is no opening he brings it up)
I live with my mother-in-law and she is catholic and they are always making some(usually subtle)(always negative) comments about her beliefs. And she's too polite to tell them.
They don't seem to hear me when I say that I do not believe the same things they do and do not wish to discuss things further.
I am uncomfortable with them being so disrespectful of the beliefs(varied though they may be) of this household. What can I do?
2006-09-26 08:00:31 · 32 answers · asked by kardea 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just feel sorry for them.... my experience with born agains is that they are trading one addiction for another. Feel sorry and ignore them.
2006-09-26 08:03:36 · answer #1 · answered by a 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Tact is as tact does.
If they so flagerantly disrepct you and your home, they are no longer deserving of your tact. When it comes up, ask the kids to leave the room, and then lay into them. Not your style?
Try this one, have the yellow book ready and bookmarked to the motel/hotel section. Keep it in plain sight. When they start in with their crap, open it up, and say, "would this be better for you?" or you could just hand it to them with the phone, with a short, "Ok, I'm done. You need to find another place to stay." And then don't back down. Leave the room to go shower or something. When you are done, open the door and yell out, "have yall find a place yet?" This will either prompt them to profusely apologize (although doubt it), or enforce your position.
2006-09-26 08:19:25 · answer #2 · answered by Manny 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As soon as they arrive and before they mention religion even the first time, announce to them in a friendly but completely firm and adamant way that there is to be absolutuely no discussion of religion in your household nor will there be any comments permitted regarding other people's religion or they will be asked to leave immediately. Finish with "Do you understand that?" If you speak first and catch them off guard, I think you might get their attention and get them to understand. Make it friendly and make it firm and do it first.
Austynn-Marie, that may be, but they don't have the right to do it in someone else's home. Your attitude makes you sound like you approve of such overbearing behavior, as if it's their right and duty to save the others from the imaginary hell that your religion has invented.
2006-09-26 08:29:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do they not realize that 1. They should have respect when they are in someone else's house and 2. Catholics love Jesus too!! You may have to just be firm and tell them: Let's just agree to disagree, I do not want to discuss this anymore.
I am a born again myself but I would not want someone cramming things down my throat either, it kind of makes you want to vomit. True love is kind and gentle. Good luck and God Bless!
2006-09-26 08:26:38 · answer #4 · answered by AcePrincess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all I am proud to say I am a Christian and I don't think anyone should put down anyone else just because they believe differently or not at all, I would not allow them to stay at my house if they can not respect me and my beliefs. When they bring up their beliefs talk about what interest you and just change the subject.
2006-09-26 08:14:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nicely tell them that this is your house and while visiting, they need to please respect the people that live there. Tell them that you will do the same when visiting their house. (which I'll bet is rare)
If they go on a rant, hand them a phone book so they can look up the number of a Church with like minded folks that they would most certainly rather talk with than you "sinners".
If that does not work, hand them a list of Motels nearby where they can stay and you can maybe meet them for supper at a local restaurant.
Peace!
2006-09-26 08:06:36 · answer #6 · answered by C 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Continue to remind them you don't have the same view.
You can also remind them that since you too have a free will, you choose not to discuss the topic.
Be nice...but be assertive...
Then change the subject.
Hope that helps...
((I would agree that sometimes we as Christians get excited about our relationship with Jesus...and forget that not everyone has had the same experience (belief or non-belief). Sometimes, it can push people away; instead of drawing them closer.
Truly our Christian walk can speak volumes over whatever we could speak. Please forgive us when we get excited.
With that said...We as Christians are to go out unto all nations and tell the Great News (of Jesus). Once we do...it's your decision whether you accept it or not. We are not suppose to brow beat anyone into submission. It's all about free will!
Personally, I prefer to wait for someone to ask (express an interest) and then I'm more than happy to tell them. I don't want to push them away...I want the Lord to draw them near.))
In here...everyone is fair game since it's the Religion and Spiritually section...lol
Best wishes!
2006-09-26 08:05:41 · answer #7 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 6⤊ 2⤋
It's a problem isn't it? And people like these never seem to realize that they're alienating more people from Christianity than they're bringing to it. I especially hate it when they say in that patronizing tone of voice "I'll pray for you."
What has worked best for me is saying something like my religious beliefs are private and I'd prefer not to talk about them. And if they start again repeat it.
2006-09-26 08:05:07 · answer #8 · answered by Sean 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Born agains are like this, they have no respect for anyone's beliefs but their own. All you can do is express your feelings regarding them being disrespectful of others beliefs and ask if you can talk about other things. Good luck though, I'm not sure they know of anything else to talk about.
2006-09-26 08:08:28 · answer #9 · answered by irongrama 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Pull your brother aside and tell him what you expect from them. If that does not work then i suggest that you go to the movies or out to dinner with a friend. Sometimes someone just dont let up on things. Or one more thing- set them both down at the table , get it quite , and tell them that you love them but please as long as you are staying here please keep your opions to yourself. We can talk about anything but religion, sex, and politics. no one agrees on those matters. Good Luck with this problem
2006-09-26 08:14:39 · answer #10 · answered by nieceofmissourifats 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that you don't feel like Jesus would want you to debate or quarrel over him, and that you don't feel comfortable discussing theology with them at this time. Tell him that you think Jesus would rather see communion as opposed to dissention. Even though Jesus foretold us of the conflicts that will arise between believer and non believer, it wasn't his intention to encourage these conflicts, and you would like to avoid a potential argument over the Prince of Peace.
Hope that helps, GOOD LUCK, and keep the faith
:)
2006-09-26 08:10:45 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋