Do you have a religious fundy in your family that always brings God in every conversation? How do you deal?

Question

with him/her without being rude?

I did ask annoying questions! The response, and I quote "Ask God dear brother and Jesus shall guide thee" end quote.

Answer 1

I am a religious "fundy" as you put it. Actually, I am a born-again Christian and honored to be called one. So if someone calls me a fundy, I'll consider it a compliment. Just the same, nobody, not even us "fundies", appreciate hearing about God & religious topics in every single conversation. That's annoying. That would be no different than someone talking about sports, their health, their job, politics or some other thing nonstop.

Many years ago, my uncle, whom I had never met, came to visit my family. Bear in mind, I come from a Christian family and we all had a relationship with Jesus Christ and attended church each week. Every word out of my uncle's mouth was about God, his church, how many people he introduced to Christ, what ministries his church was participating in, his own personal beliefs and walk with God and on and on. We all wanted to strangle the man!! Thankfully, he never visited again, as he lived across the country and hated to travel.

I was too young to remember what my parents did to deal with my uncle, but what I do today when anybody goes on and on about ANY topic of discomfort, is to just smile and change the subject. A subject can be changed politely, such as with a distraction like going to the bathroom and coming back talking about something else, or just simply saying "hmmm... that's nice...so, how's work going?" or some other thing to change the subject in a polite manner.

Another thing you could do if you don't want to go to all that trouble, is simply tell the person "hey, I can respect that you believe as you do and want to share your beliefs, but when that's all you talk about in every conversation, it becomes difficult to follow what you're saying because it's tempting to want to tune you out. Nobody wants to hear the same thing over and over again, and I don't think it's fair to you to be tuned out when you feel so strongly about what you are talking about. Would you mind cutting back just a bit?". If that person feels hurt by that, feel free to tell them that a fellow fundy offered that suggestion because too much is too much, and it sounds as if you are having to hear far too much from this person.

Answer 2

Somewhat. It isnt that they bring in god in every conversation but rather that when the topic of religion does come up, they see the questioning of the existence of a god as something so insulting. Saying there is a no god is the conversation ender...and a reason to get mad at the person who employed free thinking.

How do I deal with them? I highlight the hypocrisies and contradictions within their religion/culture and bring up difficult questions etc. It doesnt really make any difference since they are all so hell bent in believing in the all mighty...but it makes me feel better...and amused.

Answer 3

well, i don't know if it's possible to not be rude when someone else has already been rude enough to behave the way you describe. you can tell them, directly, that while they find the subject intoxicating, you don't share their appreciation, and inquire if there is any chance of having a conversation on some neutral subject. if they can't bear to discuss even the weather, or food without bringing up this topic, then you might consider ignoring them when they open their mouths in any conversation. speak with the rest of the family, to see if they will back you up.

Answer 4

Lalu,
One of the best ways is to get everything out in the open. Invite him to speak at your home. Bring your preacher and several of your knowledgeable friends who know and understand the BIBLE. Generally the person will not want to speak with such a group. I would begin by introducing him and having the rest of them question him as to his beliefs to make certain that he knows GOD's TRUTH. After that, he should tame down a little. Have a wonderful evening.
Thanks,
Eds



.

Answer 5

Bite the head off a dove right in front of them. Play heavy metal records backwards. Wear black clothing and get tattoos. Say things like, "Jesus was a liar!" to them....I'm sure you can think of a few more. These people are really quite easy to rattle.

Answer 6

My problem is that my sister send me a lot of Christians mails, but in general we don't talk much about religion or politics on family meetings. Is a good practice believe me.

Answer 7

My mother-in-law can't stop talking about angels and Sylvia Brown. I just smile and nod, and try to ignore it. And I wear my most lovely pentagram most pointedly when I get the chance :)

If it's really bothering you, take that person aside and nicely tell them that it's fine that they have their beliefs, but you have your own. Say that you're fine with their beliefs but do not want them pushed on you, and it makes you uncomfortable.

Answer 8

Yes I do; my brother. I've tried the nice route but it's gotten no where so I've gotten to the point where I have nothing to do with him unless I absolutely have to and that is when it is something about our parents. I haven't seen him in over a year and he only lives 20 min. away from me.

Answer 9

Yes I do. It is me. God should be in every conversation since he is standing right there. If someone is trying to bring you to the truth, I can't fault him/her for that. Get saved and then you too will bring God into every converation. In any case ,you can not hide from God.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Psalm 139:7-12

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Answer 10

no, i don't.

i would suggest politely letting him/her know that these conversations are awkward for you, make you uncomfortable, etc., & that you would prefer that he/she not bring up the subject of religion anymore, esp. if this is taking place in your house.