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Right I have a christian friend who is like really serious about it, and I some times feel like she is constantly trying to convert me when I've told her that I'm not like her i'm not like a church go-er and it's just i've been bruoght up in a different way to her. I don't want to offend her but can any one suggest ways of making it clear that i don't believe half of what she's saying. (Thanks alot, i rate high!)
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Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
I'm a Christian and I've asked my nonChristian brother a few different times to come to church with me but he wont. Tell her that if she really respects you and if she truely respects Christ and his teachings, she will stop pestering you and just love you. Tell her that if she wants to pray for you that's fine but you're in God's hands now. You may not agree with what I'm saying but if she is a good Christian and you tell her this, she will most likely listen. Hope I could help.
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The Christian faith in part is built on acquiring converts (check you history). One of the beliefs is that everyone must "know Christ" in order to gain entrance to heaven. You may or may not believe in Christ or heaven. That is your business. But understand that her beliefs are as deep as yours and she is doing what she believes is a good thing. Discuss the issue with her in a rational, mature way including your own belifs and try to let her see that you are different but is doesn't have to split you apart. If you can't discuss religion rationally, stop the conversation and tell her that you value her as a friend and if it makes her feel beter, she can pray for you but that it would be better for your friendship to just leave religion out of the "safe topics" category. If she values your friendship, she will agree and you can move on to safer topics until you can approach the topic with more maturity. Often, people can learn from each other about their respective differences and it can deepen a friendship. There may come a time that you will seek out her advice about her faith in an attempt to reach your own conclusions on God, the cosmos, and afterlife. It is clear that you are not ready yet and she should respect that. There is nothing wrong with that.
I have learned that it is hard to have differences of faith with people whoe believe strogly but it can be done. (I grew up Jewish in a predomiately Protestant area and my husband is Catholic..it really can be done!)
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Why dont you tell her that you have been brought up differently and have different believes and find it hard to talk about all other faiths
roxie xxx
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Dont try to tell your friend off it could rip you apart, instead why dont you try to talk to her. instead of saying "no im not like that" why dont you talk about YOUR beliefs and talk to her heart to heart. why dont you say "i have my own beliefs and i dont exactly agree with everything you say" and tell her why. try to talk in a adult manner and try not to be rude and so forth. it could even bring you closer talking about something that means so much to the both of you.
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Explain to your friend that while you respect her beliefs, you don't agree with them. You'll need to openly tell her exactly what you feel about the situation - whether you have no interest in talking about Christianity, whether you'll talk about it if she won't try to convert you, etc. Be clear in your mind what you expect, and then communicate that with her.
You don't have to tell her you don't believe in what she says, but you CAN say that you DO believe other things. If she's a real friend, she'll be able to respect and appreciate that you have differences of belief/opinion.
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To add to what's been said so far, remind your friend that people have differing views on religion and spirituality - and your view is different that hers. Don't be afraid to "compliment" her on her strength of faith - that's a perfectly objective thing to do. Likewise, remind her that what you believe needs to develop on its own, and while her intentions are good, it isn't welcome at this time in your life, and while you appreciate her friendship, you really need her to lay off the religious overtones.<br>
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And the best way to say all that is as calmly as you possibly can. ;)
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Listen to Chaos's answer, but here something else for you. She will grow out of this phase. Every new or reaffirmed Christian goes through a stage where they worry terribly about the people they care about. Some are able to keep silent and just pray for their friends, but some can't. She's expressing her friendship for you and trying to relieve her fear for you at the same time. I know it's a pain when you have different beliefs from your friends and they don't seem to respect that. Fact is they do, but they are not able to separate thier beliefs from from thier concern. What you know and feel is how you live your live. How they believe is how they live thiers. Try to have patience. I understand it's hard, but think about this: I am agnostic which means I have doubts. My sister is a reaffirmed Christian. We live together. I'm still agnostic, and she has finally after a year quit trying to get me to go to church with her. It takes time - Luck and Love!
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Try telling her that you appreciate what she is trying to do, but you are really bothering me with you trying to convert me. Tell her there may be a day when you change your mind, but I don't feel the same way you do. Pray for me, but quit pestering me.
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