How does one survive a narrow minded family?

Question

So I got this email the other day about boycotting the golden compass movie because its about killing god. I responded and told them they were acting like the religious fanatics that were boycotting Harry Potter (they all read and LOVE Harry Potter) My aunt acutally said that Pullman was a dangerous and cowardly man for seducing children into becoming atheists. I am in shock that someone I am related to can say something so irrational. I have to see these people tomorrow. How do I handle?

Answer 1

I try not to talk religion or politics with my family. Both always end up with me posing a question that I feel makes my point and my dad saying that I'm full of manure and that I'm wrong and going to his concept of hell, and then him getting upset because I'm so closed minded. So yeah, I just get the attention off of those issues unless I'm really bored and want to make the greyfaces do an amusing dance.

Answer 2

I got the same email from my Father-in-Law. I ignore it. I just ignore it all. Nothing is ever going to change his mind about things - I can only make things worse and frankly, that's not what I want for me or my family.

I will say one thing: Harry Potter wasn't anti-God. If anything, it taught about the fight between good and evil. Although my family will definitely watch the Golden Compass and buy the book, you have to realize that this IS a book by a devout Atheist - and he's a tad... zealous about it all.

He did say that his books are about killing God - it was in the Sydney Morning Herald in 2003.

Some people believe that exposure to any beliefs that aren't their own will water down their own beliefs. I don't buy that and feel for people who have such weak faith that it could be shaken by a mere book/movie.

Take care, take a deep breath and don't worry. And don't engage them in a fight that you will NEVER win...LOL.

Answer 3

Oh, Mable, I'm so sorry. I grew up with fanatic Roman Catholic grandparents. When I was 8, my grandmother told me that If I didn't attend Mass weekly, I'd go to h*ll. And did I really want to go to h*ll?

Unfortunately, what it came down to was I was never close to my grandparents (which is a shame). Basically, you have to avoid any religious type conversation all together. If someone brings up this type of stuff, say "excuse me" or nothing at all, and walk away. You can also try to switch the topic to the weather or something like that, but the fanatics usually will stick to the original topic. You can also lie: "yes, grandma, I attended Easter Mass and it was so lovely!"

If someone doesn't want to see a movie because it's against their beliefs or religion, fine. But why do folks have to tell everyone else what to do? One doesn't gain sympathy by shoving stuff down other people's throats.

Answer 4

You have a difference of opinion so I would just leave it at that!

If I were you I would look up more about the movie and Pullman. Harry Potter and the Golden Compass are two different movies. This guy is being sneaky and admitted it....

Answer 5

Show them the movie synopsis. They threw out the part about god, its now about the "magesterium", a corrupt church. Also tell them to read the books, nobody KILLS GOD. Nobody! Someone intends to but nobody does. I'm so tired of that crap, if they want to make an intellegent rebuttal to the book then go ahead but stop following each other like sheep.... grrrrr... just more of a political agenda to make Christians feel singled out and martyred. Its sort of a 1984 thing, they always have to have an enemy.
Okay, tirade over.
However, my husbands family is similar and generally we just all have an unspoken agreement to leave it at the door, or he and I have to leave so that our son doesn't become affected by the situation.

Answer 6

Just put it in the back of your mind, and don't let the topic come up. If it does, avoid it and say it's too complicated to argue about, or something.

I am lucky enough not to have fanatics in my family, but I have plenty of friends who do, or who are rather fanatical themselves. If you're level headed enough to recognize others' irrational opinions and behavior, then it's your responsibility to be level headed enough to avoid any sort of argument with them.

Usually such people are only angered when disturbed by conflicting ideas, especially those backed by fact or logic.

Answer 7

I just ignore it. Some people in my family think atheist or non religious people deserve Hell. But I can tell they have all been brainwashed by their parents and their parents brainwashed by theirs and so on. But anyone boycotting the Golden Compass is a damn moron. Narnia wasn't this controversial. Many nonreligous ppl enjoyed that including me.

Answer 8

Well, considering I've had thoughts of killing a relative or two with a turkey leg before, I'm not the best counsel. But try to keep your mouth as full of food as humanly possibly so you can't argue. It's how I survive!

Blessed be

Answer 9

What is it with narrow minded aunts? I have one too...and this so called "Christian" refused to bring my brothers to my baptism because I was being baptized into the LDS church.

Just ignore it. Don't bring it up. IF they ask why you are being short with them, then simply say that you are disappointed with the stance they took on the movie, it insulted you on a personal level, and you do not wish to discuss it.

And leave it there. That's what i would do....

Answer 10

Take the role of the adult, that is obviously up for grabs in your family. It's a great opportunity, and a very powerful thing. But you must ask yourself... what would an adult do?? You may never have had one as a role model. like most of us.
An adult doesn't abuse ones power. But respects honesty above all else.