How do I tell a Christian to back off?

Question

My brother and sister in law sends me and others emails almost everyday about God and Christianity. When we see them, all they talk about is God. When they're on the phone, it's the same subject. They make me feel like the ones who are not Christians are evil and "enemies of god." I don't feel comfortable or appreciate what they're doing. They make me feel like I'm evil because I don't believe in what they believe. How do I tell them to back off?

Answer 1

Just tell them you'd prefer not to talk about God anymore. It is wrong for them to put so much pressure on you.

Answer 2

I don't think their intention is to make you feel bad. They simply are Christians that like to talk about their faith. There are many people that are very open about it. They are not meaning to hurt you. If they are, they are not being very Christian about things. As far as the emails, you don't have to read them. Simply delete them if it's really a problem.

Understand that they do have a right to talk about whatever they wish. But, also, understand that you have that right too. Talk to them and tell them exactly how they are making you feel. They may not know they are doing it. You are not an enemy of God because you aren't a Christian. Always remember that you have the right to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what it is. You have the right to have a conversation without having another person offend you on a regular basis. Talk to your brother. He is a member of your family. You should be able to be open and honest with him about this.

Answer 3

I am a Christian, and I used to do the same thing when I first became one.
I had to learn that not everyone was interested in my newfound lifestyle.
I had to learn that people respected my lifestyle more when they saw it in action rather than having to hear about it all the time.
I don't think you have to be as rude as some of the others here are saying - that would only cause dissension and make you look bad.
I think you can tell them politely that you're not interested, and that if the time comes - God will do the calling not them. Tell them that all they're doing is driving you away from God. Ask them how they'd like to have that on their consciences.
God bless.

Answer 4

Even though I am a gospel preacher, an ordained Christian minister, I do know how you feel. Some people, and I know a few, do not know when to take a break and take a breath. You need to confront them directly, but lovingly and peacefully. They do have your best interest at heart, but sometimes the best of intentions can do the greatest of harm. Tell them that you do appreciate their concern for your spiritual health, but that they are being overbearing and it is upsetting you tremendously----they do not have the right to torment you. Jesus never told his disciples to torment people. He said preach the gospel, and those that do not accept it, then leave them alone. Someday you may come around to their point of view, but that is a decision that you will have to make, not them. No one can force you to believe anything that you do not want to believe. I pray that someday you will come around, but i am not going to tell you that you must do anything. You spiritual beliefs are between you and God and no one else. You must answer to God and no one else. I suggest that you pray about this and seek God's guidance. Please do not be confrontational with anyone, as this will just make things worse. There is a peaceful solution to this. God bless you and always remember that Jesus loves you regardless of what decisions you make now or in the future.

Answer 5

humor usually works the best. They will get the message, get frustrated and go away.
Ex: I'd love to go to your church, do I bring the goat or do you supply those?
Do they serve cheese with those little crackers? Can I get seconds if I'm hungry?
If you confess something horrible that you did, do they "have" to tell the police?
I will listen to your thoughts on religion, if you will listen to mine....I'll go first!!!! Then just go crazy.
Do you ever wonder if Satan had worn sunscreen if he would still be as cranky as he is?
Are the teletubbies truly evil? What about Barney? I have concerns.
Is burning in eternal damnation the same as shopping the day after Thanksgiving?
If I'm really good in church, will the minster let me wear his collar the next time?
Do they ever have American Religious Idol? I've been dying to sing "Bat out of Hell" I think I have a shot, at the Golden crucifix!!

Answer 6

U must understand that since u said ur brother and sister in law are christians they out of there love for u are telling about GOD.and how lonely ur life is without GOD.Man's sole job on earth is to trace his way back to GOD through JESUS.

I understand because i was in ur situation before i became a christian but then when people where telling me i neglect.Then i got myself into lots of bondages hard to break.Now thank GOD i am christian and now that if i look back it only shows that they are trying to tell u out of love.Think about it just because i convert my sister into a christian i wont get a promotion,extra pay ,or etc etc.But i would be more than happy to know my sister is a christian and be proud of her than she with everything else not a christian.But why dont u once sit down with ur brother and sister in law and discuss ur opinions to.If u want to know GOD in a simpler way try this.

"For GOD so loved the world that he gave his only beggotten son that whoso ever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life".So ask JESUS to be ur saviour and forgive ur sins and cleanse ur life.

Answer 7

There are some of The Faith who go too far in "demonstrating" The Faith. Sounds like you Brother is one of them... you need to just tell them...politely... to stop the spam email... I do not like any of it even the funny stories and chain letter business... I just delete all of it ... and tell them you are not receptive to such constant proselytizing and please "knock it off"... if they do not you will have to decide how much contact you want with them... if they continue after you ask nicely... your decision... I am of The True Christian Faith and I would respect your "space" so-to-speak... but some do not seem to be able to recognize the bounderies and the negatives of such behavior as you describe.... that said.... I can tell you the The God Stuff is for real... but only if you are seeking, and God is accepting of your seeking, will it come to have any meaning for you... and only then will you be able to come to an understanding that will lead to acceptance...

If you would like to know about The Faith with out the "hassles" from over eager believers you may check it out on my web site if you like.... very amature but for people like you who do not want to be hassled whil they "look in to it"

http://www.mikesfaith.com

Answer 8

Just decide you are comfortable with your sin, and God will stop bothering you.

The reason you feel the way you do is because you are being called. It drives people crazy to think about the sin in their life until they answer the call.

Don't delay in answering the call. He won't continue to call forever. One day you may find yourself relaxed in your sin and then you might feel a tug at your heart which will be the last call.

Answer 9

First, be patient and know that your brother and sister-in-law probably love you very much, thus their need to share God's Word with you.
As a mother, I will feel much more at ease when I know that when all of my kids have accepted Jesus into their heart, they will be in Heaven with me for eternity. I want them to experience the joy in my heart that I have found in Jesus.
So, in answer to your question, just tell them. Tell them that you are not comfortable at this time with all the information that they are sending your way and to please back off and give you a little space. They may be a little hurt at first or they may just accept the way you feel right off the bat.
God Bless you and your whole family!

Answer 10

It is difficult, but you have to be firm and consistent, even a little rude sometimes.
I have the same issue with my "fundie family", they are always trying to drop something about their church, or God into the conversation. I usually just ignore and change the subject.

Nip it in the bud.

They don't actually want to have a give and take discussion on my atheism, they just want me to repent and come back to the church. That is a non-starter, so I don't start.

I think what confuses my parents the most is that I am probably the most "christian" of their children. I am the "good son" who helps out with things, visits and calls regularly just because I love them, not because I want something.

Answer 11

It seems they're into their beliefs so strongly that it's all they want to talk about. I guess in their minds everyone should be Christian. If what they're doing makes you uncomfortable, I suggest that while you respect what they believe in, you firmly and tactfully bring up another subject to talk about. If they still seem unwavering, leave them alone.