Everything Under the Moon

Couple things to think about

When someone finds something that is just absolutely amazing and life changing, for them, they are often compelled to share it with others. It is basically - "OMG, you have GOT to try this, it is delicious! No, seriously, just take one bite, it is AMAZING!" I had been guilty of this, myself, pushing martial arts on friends. I realized how rude it was and apologize.

If you are in the U.S. we ALL enjoy the protection of the 1st Amendment which prevents the gvt from establishing an "official" religion and also allows you (or her) to say (virtually) whatever you want to people. A crackhead could approach you and try to explain the wonderful benefits of drug use same as a Christian or Hari Krishna. They're free to pitch whatever ideology they want and you are free to respond however you want. I actually like it that way.

As for response, mine would be polite but firm and suggest that the polite aspect is subject to change. Something like:

"I am very happy for you! You've obviously found a path that works for you. It is NOT my path. I am not remotely interested in your religion and, while I am trying very hard to be as polite as possible, I am getting very tired of you trying to force your beliefs on me. I respect your beliefs, now you need to show me some respect by accepting I do not share them."

Or pepper spray her and yell "take that, ya jezoid!" I'm kidding don't really do that

Firebird - what's happened in the on going Holy War. Enquiring minds what to know. Seriously. All the good gossip is played out.

I've been away. ..thanks for all the great inputs,
Next time I see her I'll let you all know what goes down.
Bb, Firebird

Hi Firebird,

I've had the same issue with my Christian neighbor. She stopped when I told her I was Buddhist. I'm not, but it seems that Buddhism is viewed as something harmless and a bit confusing to Christians. Seems to work every time.

On the other hand my husband gets a big laugh out of telling door knocking Mormons that I'm a Witch. But unfortunately that usually makes Christians more determined to "save" you so I never tell them this myself.

I might try that invisibility spell myself next time. Great suggestion. Let us know what happens!

Have you ever watched the color drain out of a Jehovah's Witness? I ask them, "If only 144,000 can get in, why are you still recruiting?" They get that deer-in-the-headlights look, which is the perfect time to pull my necklaces from inside my shirt, one of which is a pentacle with wings. That usually ends the conversation.

The LDS ones are fun to toy with. Half of them don't know the Bible as well as they think.

I'm a pretty approachable person on pretty much any topic. But when someone gets rude and pushy, I tend to push back a little. Depends on the situation at the moment.

When this happens to me (being Witnessed by Christians) I like to turn the conversation towards the philosophy behind the Scriptures. How the Holy Spirit manifests and creates all things is one of my favorites. Christians have a terrible understanding of the basic theory of Nature. And if you're more interested in Goddess, ask her questions in regard to Mother Mary as coded words for Goddess. You never know what enlightening things she'll say.

If anything, it will make the conversation more interesting and less one-sided.

This is an excellent approach. We used to be stalked by a group of Jehovah's Witnesses, (and they think WE are weird). Interesting how on the Rez the more assertive Christian groups feel an almost medieval sense of mission to convert the red savage. At first I had a wonderful time answering the door in just a leather codpiece with AC/DC blasting from the stereo, going full Indian. My bride pointed out that this was not very sporting and in fact while amusing, it was passing up an opportunity to learn and possibly dispel misunderstanding.

As time went by, I actually engaged in dialogue with them and found that they were pretty ok folks, and as Corvidus states, leading the conversation in a sneaky way lets you compare belief systems. I politely refuse the bible study offers but accept the offered prayers, if they let me offer a prayer of my own.

Aggressive preaching can be a drag, but it is ok to state in a nice way that your beliefs are personal, but thank them for the concern.