DEAR ABBY: About a year ago, my daughter befriended a
schoolmate. After numerous play-dates, our families have become
close. While my family is atheist, we know this family is devoutly
Christian.
Recently, after I mentioned in conversation that we “weren’t
religious,” they invited us to their church for service. I
diplomatically declined, but it felt awkward having told the mom our
non-beliefs.
Since then, this family invites us to church constantly, and the mom
routinely brings up Scripture while we’re talking. I feel like they
are trying to convert us. I’m hurt that the respect we have extended
to this family isn’t being reciprocated.
How do I let her know she’s being disrespectful to me and my
family’s beliefs without jeopardizing the friendship between our
families? — Atheist in the South
DEAR ATHEIST: I can’t guarantee that the woman won’t take
offense, but it’s less likely if you refrain from using the word
“disrespectful.” Try to remember that she thinks she’s offering you
the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
It might be gentler if you told her that in light of the fact that
you are an atheist, you find what she’s trying to do to be
“hurtful.” Continue to politely refuse her invitations to attend her
church.
If she’s in the habit of quoting Scripture in normal conversation,
you will have to grit your teeth and tolerate it. (Remember, we all
have freedom of expression.)
But I can’t guarantee that you will always remain as close as you
have been, not because she’s hurt that you’re not interested in
being converted, but because at some point you may find her behavior
so annoying that YOU will end the relationship. - Abby
Lk 12:51
patrick jane
Yeah, let's not upset the atheists by preaching Jesus
Hedshaker
...[L]et's not upset the Christians by preaching Muhammad
Ac 4:12