Just a few minutes ago my daughter and I were in a variety store, when I ran into a former work collegue?

Question

After some idle conversation she began talking about her religion, and trying to convert my daughter, can someone suggest a polite response to this sort of thing ? I think its wrong for people to be so zealous that they bug you in a store.I believe in a personal freedom to worship whatever faith you wish...but don't ram your choice down my throat

Answer 1

when it comes to the person doing this to you, i would say tell them without hesitation that while you appreciate his/her thoughtfulness, you would rather not have a conversation about religion. tell them that you respect their beliefs and because of how touchy this subject is, if they do want to chat with you, it can be about anything but.

now...when it comes to your kid...that is a whole different ball game...

i am very zealous about my son. i don't apologize for being/or being conceived as rude. if anyone approaches my child especially someone that is not in our circle, and does something like that i stop that train in it's tracks. you don't have to wait for this woman to say what she has to say to your kid. it happens again, just tell her look --------- this may sound rude, but i don't allow anyone to talk to my daughter about ---------- without my permission. it's to the point. you don't owe an explanation, but you are clear with what you want to let them know.

at the same time, talk to your daughter about being in situations like that. tell her what it is that she should step away from. since he was very little, my son knew that if anyone approached him even family with something that i had not said to him it's ok to follow along, he would tell me if i was not there, or he will tell them you need to tell my mom first.

Answer 2

Smile. Be patient. Since you know everything is not blown from behind.

Later, asked your daughter what she thought about your co-worker. Let her do the talking.

Your daughter beliefs will not always be challenged when you are besides her. Listen to what she thinks, and later evaluate,, how you can provide any necessary tools.

What you believe is yours. What she believes is her. Now is the time to make sure she knows what you believe.

Answer 3

After you meet Jesus Christ,you're what they say your on fire with the spirit!, and you want to tell anybody you see almost,about Jesus! You kind of act like a young child! That's because you're reborn right than!And it feels like such a relief! But as you get older in Christ,you stop telling people about Him unless they mention Him! You mature! You should try it,you'll love it,and you'll know the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

Answer 4

I think you said it best, but did you say it to her? You should have, and in just that way, because unfortunately that might be the only way this woman learns not to do this to people. It's religious arrogance. The belief that your approach to God is the only one that can be or that matters. It is a form of oppression and verbal abuse, Christ wasn't ever about that, he wanted people to come to him freely. Otherwise, what is the point?

Answer 5

Say, " I don't mean to cut you short, but we are kind of in a hurry, (come on Tiffany, we've got to get dinner started/ work on your homework/ watch American Idol), so we must be going."

"Nice to see you. Talk with you soon."





Then bolt. ( nudge or grab your daughter by the arm as you are explaining this to your co-worker ).



explain to your daughter later why you acted as you did.

Answer 6

Very politely state what you just wrote. "I'm sorry we have our own beliefs and although I appreciate your concern and beliefs, we believe that faith is a personal topic that we don't discuss in public. Gotta run, have a nice night!"

Answer 7

I would have just looked at my watch, commented on how late it was getting and that we were in a hurry for an appointment, told her how nice it was to see her again and run off.

Answer 8

I would just say "I'm sorry, but we have our own church" and left. I absolutely HATE IT when people get all up in your face about religion. What is right for them is not right for everyone else and it is extremely rude of them to preach it to people that are not in their church.

Answer 9

I agree - I am open to everyone's belief but don't ram it down my throat. I usually say something to the effect "I apprecite your excitement for your faith. It is commendable, but please respect my viewpoint. I would appreciate not to be forceably required to listen to your religous beliefs. "

Answer 10

best thing to do is to educate your daughter abt religion or reinforce your religion's, if any, teachings to ur daughter. any other ways and ur collegue may get offended.