What do your give an atheist boy for...well, for Christmas?

Question

Our daughter started to date a young boy in college this past fall, we have met him a few times and have met his parents, they live about 10 miles from our home. Well anyway, he told us that he was an atheist...he seems to want to tell us that nearly constantly. (We are Christian) he tells us we are stupid to believe in God and we do it out of our own ignorance, we really weren't that insulted, he's young. I called his father the other day and we spoke, he just laughed and said don't worry about his new found adventure, the year before he wore only black with chains with numerous body piercings etc and before that he protested capatlism. I say's he wants nothing for Christmas because of the "Christian Crimes" LOL... but
we hate for him not to recieve anything from us...they will be here together Christmas day. He asked our daughter to take down anything "religious" in our house, bibles, pictures of Christ etc...we will do that so he won't be uncomfortable.

Answer 1

Excuse Me???? You are taking things down so he won't be uncomfortable in YOUR home??? Not hardly.

He is a GUEST in your home and he has NO RIGHT whatever to dictate what you do or don't do in your home and he needs to be told that and you are very foolish to go along with his demands and let him rule what you do or don't do.

Don't compromise your belief because of him. By doing that, you are giving the devil reign over your home by letting this character in. Tell this kid if he wants to be an atheist that is his right but explain to him that he has NO right whatever to tell others what they can or cannot have in their home. If he isn't comfortable with it, he will have to deal with it because you don't compromise your belief and love for Christ for him or anyone else.

As far as a gift, buy him a blindfold to wear when he comes to visit you folks :)

It's time to sit your daughter down (without him) and have a talk with her and explain to her that you aren't trying to be disrespectful but he needs to learn to show respect to others even if he doesn't agree with them and not dictate to others what they can or cannot have or do in their own home. It's time he grew up. The world does not revolve around him and I find it sad that his father laughs at his attitude and allows him to do whatever he wants. No wonder the kid is so messed up and disrespectful to others.

Please don't sell your soul to the devil for this kid or anyone else. Who knows, by taking a stand for your belief and doing it in a loving way, you just may win him over to the Lord's side. God put him in your life for a reason ~ don't buckle under demands that he has no right to make of others.

I do not compromise my beliefs and change things around in my home when I am having guests over. If they don't like what they see, that is their right but I would never go into their home and demand they change things because I don't like it. Respect goes both ways. He needs to learn that.

Answer 2

I really do NOT want this to sound offensive, but you sound like some of the only decent Christians in the world. How can you put up with that? Take down all your pictures, and so forth? Why don't you just go the whole way and take down your Christmas tree? Surely, that's a symbol of Christmas, thus Christianity? =O

Anyway, congratulate yourself for not trying to 'convert' him, and then get him a book on etiquette.

Perhaps one that specialises in how to treat your girlfriend's parents. =)

Merry Christmas!

Answer 3

Whoa!
This fellow makes demands as to what can be in YOUR house?
If he will not be 'comfortable' with the things hanging on your walls, he simply does not show up.
Don't accomadate him to the extreme.
If he is an atheist, let him live by his supposed commitment.
That means no gifts.
This fellow must learn there are consequences to taking a stand, otherwise he is having his cake and eating it too.
Go by your head, not your heart.

Answer 4

If he doesn't like what you have in your home, then he doesn't have to visit it....sounds like he is a self-centered little snot with a chip on his shoulder. Give him what he wants for Christmas - nothing! I think you should also tell him that while you tolerate and respect his religious beliefs, you demand the same from him.

Answer 5

Get him an old fashion peace or love sign [ a real nice one ] from the 60,s
This also is God,
although all most of the hippies used the words in all the wrong ways..

Answer 6

Give him a copy of "The Blank Slate" by Steven Pinker. It's a fascinating book about the evolution of the brain and consciousness.

Answer 7

Methinks you extract the urine.Or attempt to.I sincerely doubt any youngster would try and impose his views upon his girlfriend's parents.
However if you are serious,give him a dry slap.

Answer 8

wow if you really are going to take down everything religious then thats like spoiling him...none of my business umm maybe some clothes? or a giftcard to somewhere? or better yet dont give that rebellious guy anything

Answer 9

I think it is very ignorant for anyone to push their religious beliefs (or lack thereof) on others or to tell someone else to take down all their religious items.

I'd say buy him a book on manners.

Answer 10

I wouldn't take anything down, he has no right to ask you to take down these things, if he doesn't like it, then he can leave.
What you have displayed in your House is Your business, not his, he goes through great lengths to tell you you are stupid for believing in God, Interesting, That tells me he is convicted of his sins and hates it, well..it's not going away.
I would change nothing in my house.