My oldest Brother convinced his wife (which trickled down to their 4 daughters) that organized religion is a hoax. He visited me last week and talked trash about my beliefs the whole time he was here. When he left, I noticed he had saved anti-religion sites on my "favorites." He and his wife are always sending email and talking about the church negatively. How can I handle this situation?
2007-03-30 04:22:28 · 21 answers · asked by Amy 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Love them unconditionally.
Don't argue with them,God knows your heart, and they know what you stand for.
Pray for them... bless them in Jesus name.
Don't let this get you down, that's what the enemy is trying to do... control your thoughts with this.
I tell anyone... do not let this offend you, it will cause bitterness,and bitterness is as a spiritual cancer it will eat your love and compassion away.
Phil.4:4-9
We grow through our trials and tribulations.
Tell them that you will not have anymore conversations about church issues any more. You all know were you stand on these issues, so there is no need for further discussion.
God bless you and keep your mind at perfect peace.
2007-03-30 04:42:15 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, don't give up your beliefs. The devil will use people, particularly family members to harass you. It is his favorite tactic. Second, pray for your brother and his family. Third and most important of all id forgive your brother. And fourth, when he visits you do not make an issue out of his conversation. It is not him speaking, but the devil through him. It is not normal for an invited guest to sit around and trash his hostesses spiritual beliefs throughout the entire visit. This should que you into the fact that it is the work of the devil. Do not overreact to him and do not refuse him or his family hospitality----do not give the devil ammunition to shoot back at you. Setting a Godly example in your home is the best witness that you can give.
2007-03-30 11:32:34 · answer #2 · answered by Preacher 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a Christian your doing the right thing. You can express your opinion to him, or make a point of asking him not to challenge your belief... but it sounds like he's trying to convince himself of something he's not quite sure he believes. Let him keep doing it, the more you show that it won't change how you feel, the greater the chance you will have to witness to him some day.
2007-03-30 11:30:21 · answer #3 · answered by Scott B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sit your brother down and tell him that you respect his beliefs and he should do the same for yours. Nothing he says will change your mind, and you do not appreciate that he talks that way to you and leaves his propaganda. If he's any kind of brother at all, he'll respect your right to follow your faith. Otherwise, you may have to realize that the two of you will be growing apart. Don't attack him, but let him know that if he continues, you will have no choice but to stop speaking to him.
It's hard, but sometimes, it has to be done.
2007-03-30 11:29:39 · answer #4 · answered by sister steph 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You might want to get advice from your priest or pastor on this.
It's OK for him to believe that organised religion is a hoax and to an extent I do.
However, it's not OK for him to disrespect you for your beliefs and it certainly is not OK for him to make you feel bad about going to church.
I personally, don't like going to church but, I always tell people, "If you enjoy going to church and you get something good out of it then I encourage you to continue going to church."
In my opinion you should do what Jesus said, "From these people turn away."
Don't think of your brother as being anti-religion instead, think of him as just being down right negative. That's not good for you and its not good for anyone else. It sounds like hes trying to break your mentality and your spirit. That's bad coming from a brother. You don't need to put up with this. I say ignore him, don't answer his phone calls and if he sends you emails then don't read them just delete them. His actions are designed to hurt you and that's not "brotherly love". Don't bother trying to help him, work on helping yourself and let God deal with him. Cut your brother off. "God helps those who help themselves."
P.S. Drwooguy, it sounds like you need "Spiritual Therapy", a form of "spiritual psychology" developed by one of the greatest psychiatrists of all time, Dr. Carl Jung.
2007-03-30 11:42:29 · answer #5 · answered by Lifted by God's grace 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't read his emails that trash your beliefs. This is a difficult situation that requires sincere prayers for him and his family. I think I would pray that the Holy Spirit would visit him and surround him with love and that he would be made aware of his separation from God. I would pray doubly hard for his children, who have no control over what their parents teach them. I would have great fear for him, because God can get very upset with people who separate their children from HIM.
2007-03-30 11:41:42 · answer #6 · answered by judyarb1945 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just ignore them. It's one thing to disagree with someone's beliefs, it's another to keep on antagonizing them about it. I live with my parents who are Christian, I believe in God and the Bible, I just don't believe in organized religion. In my mind I don't think any one religion is 100% correct, I think in the end, it comes down to an individual's faith and how they lived their life. But I don't go around and trash my parents, my friends or anyone's religious beliefs, I mean who I am I to bad mouth someones beliefs, I'm in no position to do that...and neither is he. Either way, your brother should have more respect with your beliefs and his own. If you both disagree, he should stop acting so immature and downgrading your religion, and just worry about his own life.
2007-03-30 11:35:35 · answer #7 · answered by paha4u 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love him anyway.
Ask him occasionally whether he's any happier since he came to this conclusion.
You might ask him about the ethics religions espouse as opposed to the ones they often put into practice. For instance does the Pope having a solid gold toilet make the idea of forgiving one's enemies and loving your neighbors invalid?
2007-03-30 11:50:08 · answer #8 · answered by Brian 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
pray-forgive him his wrongs-make Jesus the issue not religion. I pray every day not to let nothing or no one take my joy and peace in Jesus away.
do not let him use your computer again-and await the right time to answer one of his e mails -let the Lord lead you-and the key is -he is jealous of you beyond your short commings -which we all have-you have faith in Jesus as your personal savior-John 3 repented of sin and born again.
anyone can sterio type people-the point is many believe with you in a personal relationship with Jesus and fellowship with believers-I had a man like that-I just had to tell him-I love Jesus and I am sorry for you-and that was the end of it-negative input brings negativity.
2007-03-30 11:28:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Delete the site and mention to your brother that he and his family may not believe, but you and your family do and you would appreciate a little respect, especially in your house.
Send back the email with the words, UNREAD in bold. Eventually he will get the idea.
Peace.
2007-03-30 11:29:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋