NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:06 PM
Original message |
How do you handle people who try and get you to go to church with them? |
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In this new (to me) small town it seems like if I talk to anyone for more than 10 minutes, they are asking me to come to church with them.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against people who go to church, but it isn't my cup of tea at all.
some of my new neighbors are getting pretty pushy about it and I'd hate to tell em what I really think like "I like your Christ, but haven't seen much of Christians that I'd like to be a part of" or Sorry, religion just gets in the way of my spirituality I've found" or "Do they let Taoist/Pagans in?"
:rofl:
How do you handle pushy Christians?
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undeterred
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:27 PM
Response to Original message |
1. As Nancy Reagan said: Just say no |
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You know whats funny is the cool Christians never invite people. I am a liberal Christian and when I was new in town I was also invited to church by many people, but it was always to fundamentalist or conservative churches. Been there, done that, so I just said no, not what I am looking for, thanks for asking.
It took me several years to find a church community - I visited a few by myself but didn't know any one. Finally I met a woman at a peace rally and found out she was a quaker and I invited myself to go with her!
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:32 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
4. and usually that answer suffices but these particular neighbors |
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are really starting to creep me out
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undeterred
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:36 PM
Response to Reply #4 |
8. maybe they get points for bringing new people |
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and they're trying to win a prize :evilgrin:
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:42 PM
Response to Reply #8 |
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my hubby went to a Baptist church that did that exact thing
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undeterred
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:47 PM
Response to Reply #11 |
14. You should ask them if there's a toaster or anything for joining |
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preferrably a really nice toaster.
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KitchenWitch
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:49 PM
Response to Reply #14 |
17. No, Toasters are for being a New Gay Recruit (TM) |
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I think a big screen TV would work though!
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TOhioLiberal
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:36 PM
Response to Reply #17 |
34. I'd hold out for the big screen TV... |
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...but that's just me...:)
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:50 PM
Response to Reply #14 |
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I'd not want to step on any toes yanno
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tblue37
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Mon Dec-25-06 11:06 PM
Response to Reply #8 |
36. Like a toaster oven? (eom) |
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Edited on Mon Dec-25-06 11:07 PM by tblue37
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skygazer
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:27 PM
Response to Original message |
2. My landlords are churchgoing christians |
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I wouldn't call them pushy but they've told my SO and I that we're welcome to attend services at their church.
I simply tell people, "Thank you but I don't attend church." If they ever push for more information (which is actually rare in my experience), I tell them that my spirituality is between me and god (not that I particularly believe in a god but that tends to shut 'em up).
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:31 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
3. I see you are in the Bay Area of California |
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that's a big diff from VERY rural New Mexico
If I told em I don't go to church, half of them would shrink back and watch for the horns to pop out of my forehead
:rofl:
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skygazer
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:34 PM
Response to Reply #3 |
6. Well, you've got a point there |
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(and I don't mean on the horns on your head) but I have used the same line in many areas - I've lived all over the place, including some pretty conservative, small-town places.
Those who shrink back and look for horns never seem to be the ones I want to be friends with anyway. :evilgrin:
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DainBramaged
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:33 PM
Response to Original message |
NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:48 PM
Response to Reply #5 |
skygazer
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:50 PM
Response to Reply #15 |
19. Have you tried, "NO, GOD DAMN IT!"? |
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Followed up by, "Jesus Christ on a sidecar!"
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:51 PM
Response to Reply #19 |
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it's getting to that point very soon unfortunately
:rofl:
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undeterred
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Mon Dec-25-06 08:22 PM
Response to Reply #15 |
22. Ask if they use real blood for communion |
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and say you won't accept anything less. :evilgrin:
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 09:03 PM
Response to Reply #22 |
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that would clinch it for sure LOL
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KitchenWitch
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:35 PM
Response to Original message |
7. Ask them if they would allow you to do the naked spiral dance |
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in the sanctuary.
:evilgrin:
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skygazer
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:37 PM
Response to Reply #7 |
KitchenWitch
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:37 PM
Response to Reply #9 |
10. I am evil and must be stopped! |
NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:44 PM
Response to Reply #7 |
12. great idea! I'll tell em I just had my 7 veils cleaned for that very |
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opportunity
:rofl:
the funny thing is the only people who DON'T invite me to church are the AAs I've met :evilgrin:
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KitchenWitch
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:45 PM
Response to Reply #12 |
13. Somehow that is not a surprise! |
caty
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Mon Dec-25-06 07:49 PM
Response to Original message |
16. You don't owe these people an explanation. |
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Just say, "no thank you" and move on to another subject. If they won't let you change the subject, tell them you have something to do and walk away.
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 09:05 PM
Response to Reply #16 |
24. that's pretty much how it's been going with these neighbors |
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too bad too, cuz I really like HIM it's her and her nosy self (she called me when I was in LA to tell me that there was a truck she didn't recognize in my driveway-- it was the pest control guy :banghead: )
and she didn't even know I was out of town :argh:
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dropkickpa
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Mon Dec-25-06 08:06 PM
Response to Original message |
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And that you would greatly appreciate if they would respect that decision. There are lot's of people in the world who don't take a flat no for an answer. Asking them to respect your decision would be the polite way of saying "Don't fuckin' ask me again!!". If they don't get it with the respect line, then I'd kick them and run away while yelling "HAHA, TAKE THAT CHURCHY!!".
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 09:06 PM
Response to Reply #21 |
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not the most discrete and diplomatic suggestion but I am really liking the "HAHA" part
:rofl:
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SPKrazy
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Mon Dec-25-06 09:52 PM
Response to Original message |
26. Ask About Ritual Sacrifices? |
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and if they are allowed because you've got some you'd like to do if that's okay
seriously, just politely say no thank you.
:evilfrown: O8)
:scared:
:pals:
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:11 PM
Response to Reply #26 |
30. "Oh and by the way, can I borrow your cat?" |
SPKrazy
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:22 PM
Response to Reply #30 |
32. Now That's An Attention Getter! |
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I bet they won't be asking you anymore!
;-) :evilgrin:
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Telly Savalas
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:03 PM
Response to Original message |
27. Ask them if the church lets you bring your own beer in |
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or if they make you buy it there.
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:11 PM
Response to Reply #27 |
31. i do sometimes say AA is my religion |
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the same idea I think :shrug:
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SPKrazy
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Mon Dec-25-06 11:08 PM
Response to Reply #31 |
37. Are You A Friend Of Bill? |
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Clinton or otherwise as in Wilson?
:pals:
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NMDemDist2
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Mon Dec-25-06 11:14 PM
Response to Reply #37 |
SPKrazy
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Mon Dec-25-06 11:22 PM
Response to Reply #38 |
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good to meet ya!
:pals: :yourock:
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spacelady
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:06 PM
Response to Original message |
28. What about when their kids ask YOUR kid to attend? And your kid is not really into it but |
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wouldn't mind going (but only because they want to be with their friend, not the church part)? They look at you cross-eyed if you say your family really isn't into that. So instead you say you'll stick wirh your own religion which invariably leads to the fact that you really don't attend church. & on & on until all the kids start calling your kid a demon in school because she won't discuss belief in Jesus, Blah, Blah. So, now when they ask I say "Nope, we're Busy."
We live in Alabama.
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SPKrazy
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:09 PM
Response to Reply #28 |
29. As A Fellow Southerner |
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who grew up as a non-Mormon in Utah
it really isn't a big deal until the kids get older
then you kind of have to let them make some of their own decisions.
I know it was really hard being non-Mormon when 95% were Mormon.
Now I live in the Baptist bible belt as you do.
Don't know the answer other than nope.
or we're sacrificing a cat so we can't make it!
;)
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spacelady
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:35 PM
Response to Reply #29 |
33. A non-Mormon in UTAH? Celestial Sacrilege, Batman! |
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Yes, I will allow religious exploration if & when our daughter expresses a serious inclination. Right now, it is like someone asked her to go to the movies. She has had the vacation Bible school experience & hasn't begged to go beyond that.
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SPKrazy
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Mon Dec-25-06 10:38 PM
Response to Reply #33 |
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You crack me up SL
yes it was!
My son is only 6 and I don't look forward to the day when he starts getting invites to other kids Churches
We tried to find the MOST liberal Church in town to take him to for the socialization and who knows.
I'm not particularly a Christian by definition, in fact I don't know what the hell I am. A Deist? A Pagan?
At any rate, cat sacrifices are a good way to avoid conflict- at least telling people about that.
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Az
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Mon Dec-25-06 11:31 PM
Response to Original message |
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Hardcore atheist. So is my fiance. But her mom is a soft Christian that likes doing the community thing on xmas eve with her church. Its sort of her family meets her extended family.
The church in questionis nondenominational and rather laid back so its mostly harmless. Plus I have developed an annual tradition of debating the existance of god with the minister's husband (ammicably).
Oh and this year there was a bit of humor involved when the baby Jesus went missing in the creche. None of the heathens in attendance were responsible.
Its really a question of how hard is the propoganda pushed for me. If it was a more hardcore church I would not have gone. But as its as laid back as it is the event is more about community and singing songs. There was no preachiness and in fact the minister covered the history of the songs instead of sermonizing about their religious significance. It was quite enterntaining.
If you have loved ones remember that their church is more to them than just a propoganda emitting center. It is a part of their community and their life. Balance your reaction to the invitation against the importance to them. If you expect to be hard pressed and attempts to convert then politely beg off. But if not and if its a mostly harmless experience then feel free to go and have some fun.
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Quantess
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Mon Dec-25-06 11:32 PM
Response to Original message |
41. True story: One night when Mormons knocked on the door |
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My boyfriend was stark naked in front of the door, and I'm sure his silhoutte could be seen through the textured glass window, by people outside in the darkness. He ran away and made me answer the door. I couldn't help but laugh when I told them "no thanks".
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idgiehkt
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:49 AM
Response to Reply #41 |
52. great rant: Aussie atheist flies to Salt Lake City to try to win souls for Darwin |
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after a stellar rant http://media.skoopy.com/misc/atheist_vs_mormons/you have to hit the play button
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BarenakedLady
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Mon Dec-25-06 11:33 PM
Response to Original message |
42. I said "No thanks Mom!" |
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Plus she was going to 11pm service last night. No thanks. She didn't even end up going. :)
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SPKrazy
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Tue Dec-26-06 12:49 AM
Response to Reply #42 |
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to get away!
you could have snuck out the back of the church and had a night on the town!
Well, Christmas eve is kind of quiet except in the church
but you got your meds!
that's a nightmare that story.
I thought for about 30 min that our bags didn't make it back to Arkansas and because of all the fear mongering I packed my meds in a suitcase so I don't have to explain anything to anyone. ROFL
Luckily the bags somehow made it to Arkansas before we did. I guess they got an earlier flight that wasn't delayed.
:rofl: :hide:
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BarenakedLady
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:07 AM
Response to Reply #44 |
45. That also happened to me! |
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I went to NH in October. My bags didn't make it. With my meds in it of course! Thankfully someone I was with visiting had some Zoloft I could use. The next day the bags showed up, delivered to the door.
Maybe I should permanently attach the bottles to my person with duct tape? :rofl:
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SPKrazy
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:12 AM
Response to Reply #45 |
46. Duct Tape, Yeah, That Would Be Cool! |
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Ya know the Feds say we should have a 2 month supply of meds in case of something like a pandemic, yet, HMO's won't give you more than 30 days usually unless you do it by mail, but with Zoloft and other meds, a lot of docs won't do 90 day scrips due to the risk of OD, etc. abuse, etc.
So what's the answer?
Duct tape for sure!
:rofl:
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GoddessOfGuinness
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Tue Dec-26-06 12:34 AM
Response to Original message |
43. They won't stop asking.... |
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because somebody told them that people who don't go to church end up in hell.
Best thing to do is keep saying no, and pray that they one day see the light.
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crim son
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:14 AM
Response to Original message |
47. I say what I said this morning: |
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"No thanks, you go. But say hi to Jesus for me." :)
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otherlander
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:16 AM
Response to Original message |
48. Throw them off your trail... |
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just say something really confusing that'll make them blink too much to talk. "I'm a dyslexic agnostic insomniac and I have to go contemplate whether or not there's a dog," or "I strictly follow the practices of Luckist Sheepism and the cornerstone of your church does not properly align with the Luck-channeling Step Patterns" should do.
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LaraMN
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:18 AM
Response to Original message |
49. Dress really whorish, so they're too embarassed to be seen with you. |
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Works well for other venues, as well.:bounce:
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Jamastiene
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:29 AM
Response to Original message |
50. Tell the straight out what you think and how you feel about |
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being asked to go to church so much, then watch your back. In small towns like that (I live in one) you have to watch your back. Get used to "You know you are going to Hell, don't you?" and "I can't let you not go to Heaven. You are coming to church with me." I've had every possible horrible thing happen to me for saying no, but all 1000 churches in my home town have finally gotten the message. They curse me to the lowest bowels of Hell now, but I ain't going to any of their stinking right wing hate mongering so-called Christian churches. I don't believe as they do and forcing myself to try any of them again would be akin to spiritual abuse again. It follows a pattern. If you were abused before and you broke away, you tend to fall for it again at different points in your life until you reach the day when you fight like hell to avoid them and their abuse. If they were true Christians, they might ask, but they wouldn't be so pushy about it like that. Give them what for. That's what I do now, then duck and grow more eyeballs on my back.
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Dastard Stepchild
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Tue Dec-26-06 01:34 AM
Response to Original message |
51. Just a firm and unwavering no thanks... |
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They seem to not be getting the hint that you are not interested. You'll probably have to be persistent for a while.
I've met some pushy people in my day and I've always just responded with a smile and a no thanks. It's polite and to the point. :)
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