Okay, my friend had always been religous, but she recently came from a trip with her church group, or something and she told us that she might make a change. She told us that she might begin hanging out with only christian people, listen to only christian music, and many, many other stuff to that effect in which everything in her life is LITERALLY based on Christianity. She said something about the world ending and that she doesn't want to go to hell. The majority of her exsisting friends are either not very commited christians, not christians at all, or live far away. I don't know what to tell her. We tell her that christianity is not the only religon out there and she says, "Well, it's the only 'right' one." I am not christian, and I have nothing against God, but I might be losing my best friend. I know it's not my decision to make and we are supporitive of whatever she chooses to do, but we are worried she might be a little to extreme.
What should I do?
2007-08-09 13:28:18 · 14 answers · asked by laralaii 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I had a friend do this post-college. I told her that I was her friend and would always be there for her. I respect her choice, but it would be a shame to lose a friendship after all this time.
Then I eventually stopped visiting her, calling her, writing her because she excluded me from her life.
You can't make anyone choose differently. You can only be the friend you'd want them to be.
2007-08-09 13:32:39 · answer #1 · answered by Buttercup 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Your friend is doing what she believes is right for her.
You cannot force her to live her life as you want her to - this is something she decides to do herself.
I would still always remain open to a friendship with her, and if one day she wakes up and accepts she made a bad decision, then I'd be open to forgive her and reconcile with her.
I went through a similiar stage in my teens but it was actually very important for me. I didn't announce to anyone that I only wanted christian influence; but while I was impressionable I had to decide which influence I wanted to be impressed by - and I chose a christian one. Once I started to mature in my faith and as an individual I was able to start to resume contacts outside of church friends because I was secure in who I was as a person enough to say 'no' to anything I didn't agree with and not care what anyone else thought about that.
If you think about it, christians are not the only type of people who may segregate themselves from other influences. Most people who want to grow in a certain area of their lives will cut off other areas that will not help them in that growth.
Think of it like a body builder...if they want to grow healthy, lean muscle, they will spend a lot of time in the gym and cut away what they believe is unhealthy food, drink, drugs, or influences in order for them to achieve their goal. Once the goal is met - or once they are in a position where positive habits are developed to help them maintain their lifestyle, then they may reintroduce certain aspects back into their life knowing it can be kept in check.
Your friend is doing what she believes she needs to do in order to grow in her faith. Don't get down on her about that, respect her decision and let her find her path.
2007-08-09 20:51:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't say this often because I normally don't believe that religions are like this, but your friend has been brainwashed. When a person has been sucked that deep into something, there is something seriously wrong. All you can do is just talk to her and hope that it's only a phase and she might swing out of it. Good luck!
2007-08-09 20:34:22 · answer #3 · answered by Tom L 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible DOES NOT teach Christians to not be friends with non-Christians. In fact Paul says to do so we would 'have to go off the planet!'
Some Christians get caught up in this 'Last Days' sickness of fear and torment. Most get over it in a few months......
2007-08-09 21:59:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she got "bewitched", at a church no less.
I'm guessing she skipped the Take Heed 101 Class:
Many shall come...to DECEIVE...shall deceive many.
Churches are so full of "partiality" crap, it stinketh. Pew!
Firstly pure wisdom from above is not partial: James 3.
Firstly pure wisdom from above is also firstly peace-able.
"Reconciliation" is about "unity"; Not about alienation.
What she's proposing is cultish, divisional, alienating.
Try to get her to see there's no partiality WITH God.
(Geeze... even the "Herodians" knew that much).
There is only "respect of persons" AGAINST God.
If that fails, then treat her as if she's Bi-Polar;
Let her crash, and be there whenever she does.
Grace: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee".
The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.
2007-08-09 20:53:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, calm down.
I think that a lot of these insular groups are missing out, and it's these types of groups that many times make people grow disenchanted with Christianity.
Please don't let this color your opinion and whatever you do try to be nice to your friend.
Hope this helps.
-B
2007-08-09 20:39:34 · answer #6 · answered by The Brian 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she is obviously trying to change herself for what she thinks is the better but she has gotten some really bad advice.how is it that some religous people claim to be so loving, caring, accepting and understanding and then shut out everyone who doesnt agree with them 100%? that doesnt sound like the wisdom of god. sounds more like brain washing. all u can do is tell her u love her and your own viewpoint on the situation.
2007-08-09 20:49:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it's quite possible later in life she will look back and laugh
but I lost a friend in this way, telling others I was right, they were wrong, I believed others that told me to trust thier views over my common sense
good luck, just let them know you care and will always be there and never let religion be the glue who holds you togther, let truth, love and hope guide you
2007-08-09 20:34:46 · answer #8 · answered by voice_of_reason 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Continue to be her friend. Forgive her for her ignorance, arrogance, and easily manipulated mind. Be sure to stand up to her regarding your own beliefs, don't let her invalidate yours. And pray for her that she will know peace so that she can leave the cult she is involved in.
2007-08-09 20:34:07 · answer #9 · answered by NONAME 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They told her she needs to cut the "bad" influences out of her life, and you, apparently, are one of those. There's nothing you can do, unfortunately. You can only hope your friend comes to her senses someday.
2007-08-09 20:33:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋