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Religion
16/f--I have this friend whos mormon. She's really nice & everything, but she's always trying to get me to go to church with her. But the thing is, I'm a proud Christian. I love learning about new religions, cultures, lifestyles, etc. But going to church with her is something I don't really want to do. Also, I've talked to my mom about it, and she doesn't want me to go either. Part of my not wanting to go, is that I've talked with a few people who have gone to church with her (also friends of ours) and they've said that they take down your name, address, number and sometimes take your picture. And thats not something I feel comfortable with. My church on the other hand, won't do that. They'll treat you like a guest and they tell you, you aren't obligated to do anything. But for some reason, everyone has said that the mormons try to talk you into some things. And I'm not disagreeing and bashing on the mormon religion, but its not something I want to be a part of and I've pretty much kept my feelings to myself rather than spreading them or whatever. But I don't know what to tell my friend when she invites me places anymore. Usually I'll say "I'm doing something" or 'I can't wake up that early'. And I feel bad. And now, my other best friend just became mormon...so I'm not sure what to do. And I don't know if my friend's mom would want her to come to church with me, since she's really overprotective (I was thinking mabe we would both experience other churches, but it might be a bad idea).
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Tell them that you're uncomfortable with it. They're your friends, they'll understand. Religion is something that's very personal, and they can't force you into anything. They probably just want to share something thats such a big part of their lives with you, but I'm sure if you told them how you feel about it, they would be okay they arent going to stop being you friend or anything just be like its a little weird to me and i dont htink im going to go shell understand.
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Tell them that you're uncomfortable with it. They're your friends, they'll understand. Religion is something that's very personal, and they can't force you into anything. They probably just want to share something thats such a big part of their lives with you, but I'm sure if you told them how you feel about it, they would be okay. Hope I helped!
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Just simply tell her that you are happy with your religion and really don't want to go to her church. It is normal to want to know about other religions and even to visit other churches. But, if something makes you feel strange you just don't do it. No matter what it is. The internet is a great place and I'm sure you can find out about all kinds of religions on there. Enough to satisfy all your curiosity. You do need to make it clear that you don't want to go to church with her though, otherwise she will continue to ask. :)
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im glad your open minded but i can see why you wouldnt exactly enjoy this...well ill give you a few options and you can pick...
1) make excuses until she gives up
2) go but dont allow them to convert you or take your picture...i think you can sue for that kind of stuff.
3) go but only if she goes to your church first (this should get her off your back
4) straight up tell her that you have no intention of becomming mormon because you are already christian (not cuz u hate the idea) and you dont want religion to get between you b/c christianity is important to you.
ill edit my answer if i think of any more, this will be on my mind for a while. <3
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First, I would like to say GOOD FOR YOU FOR BEING OPEN-MINDED. I can tell that you are because you say you like to learn about new religions and cultures. It's a great quality. I realize that you are in no way bashing the mormon religion, you just don't want to go to church because of what you have heard. There is a mormon church near my house that I went to once for a project, and the one I went to did exactly what you said: they take your name, address, etc. I still recieve mail from them trying to get me to join their church, and I went 4 years ago! I can't say for sure that all mormon churches are like this: I can only speak for the one I have been to. You shouldn't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. You should defintily be honest with your friend. Maybe you should do some research on the mormon religion online, like a search on google for "mormon relgion beliefs" or something. After you do this, tell your friend that you have read some things online about the religion and you don't feel comfortable going because of what you read (this will sound better and more credible than "Oh, my friends said this about your church"). Tell her that she's welcome to come to church with you, but you would really not feel comfortable going with her because of what you have read. Again, it's great that you are so strong in your faith and willing to experience other cultures and learn about other religions, but it doesn't mean you have to go to a mormon church with your friend. I hope I could help! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask me! Good luck!
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By just making weekly excuses, she will think that at some point you will come, and therefore continues to ask.
Tell her you appreciate the invitation, but you are not interested. You enjoy the church you attend. If she keeps persisting, politely ask her to stop asking. Hopefully she'll get the idea.
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Have you invited your friend to your church yet? A great way to compromise through this would be for you to invite her to your church (and for her to attend) first. This way, she'll have an idea of what your comfortable with.
Then, despite your reservations- go to her church with her! Remember- everything that your worried about is coming from someone elses mouth... not your own personal experience! If and when, they attempt to collect your personal information, you can politley refuse. Just tell the truth: "I'm sorry but I am not comfortable with giving out my personal information, but I thank you for a lovely time"
Good Luck!
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That church is really weird! they shouldnt be allowed to take names and addresses and pictures! Just tell her that your family doesnt want you to go or invite her to yours.
luv shelly
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