Comment by Prazzie on May 22, 2010 at 8:22pm

My advice is to let your ex-friend talk to you about her god. Don't respond too much, nod, say "okay", just let her talk. She's probably been raised with the idea that her mission/purpose in life is to spread the word and convert the heathens. Let her get that off her chest, without trying to argue or introduce logic into it.

It probably makes your more moderate Christian friend uncomfortable to hear these types of discussions. Even though she is not outspoken about it, she probably agrees with the ex-friend's opinions and hearing you disagreeing with her beliefs must be upsetting.

My advice is to be very calm and relaxed about it, don't even discuss your own opinion (they both know you're an atheist, that's enough) and let them say whatever they want to. The idea here is that you want to set an example. Religious people are plagued with doubts and need confirmation that their beliefs are beneficial to them. If you get drawn into a yelling match, your atheism becomes just like a religion you're defending, in their view. If you're confident in your own views and don't feel the need to defend them loudly, this might give them incentive to try and find out more about atheism on their own.

Comment by KEVIN GRUBBS on May 22, 2010 at 8:40pm

I know where you are coming from and what I have learned is been said by )Prazzie. If you like her dont fuss of the small shit like god. Have pity for them because they have been brainwashed. I lost mhy ex to a good god fearing man LOL I should have played along and said praise the lord more often but I have no need for a god in my life. I Be undersatnding to the childish needs of a god because most is based out of fear. Just let it go!

Comment by Galen on May 22, 2010 at 10:22pm

My advice is the opposite of Prazzie's advice. Tell the ex-friend to go fuck herself and tell the best friend that's it's none of her damn business and to shut up.

This is why I have very few friends, but the ones I DO have are GREAT!

Comment by Jānis Ķimsis on May 23, 2010 at 4:13am

I think you should take a bit from both Prazzie's and Galen's advice. Be calm and relaxed about with your friend, and then get together with your ex-friend without your friend being present and rip apart her beliefs. If that doesn't help, tel her to go fuck off. No point in being nice to morons.

Comment by Cynical Soldier on May 23, 2010 at 10:40am

F*** 'em.

Comment by Christopher McGuire on May 24, 2010 at 6:37am

Here's what I'd do...
The next time the ex gets into a rant, just say loudly: "I deny the existence of the Holy Spirit."
Then explain that, in denying the holy spirit, there is no possible salvation (Mark 3:29, if you'd like to look it up) and therefore, converting to Christianity would be, in essence, damning yourself to hell. That outta shut her dumb ass up. Then, if she ever tries to preach at you again, just remind her of the previous conversation. If you put it into terms these people understand, it increases the likelihood of them listening to you.

Comment by Jānis Ķimsis on May 24, 2010 at 8:02am

Christopher, what do you think is the chance she has actually read the Bible? And if she believes that god is all-loving, she will just rationalize to herself that there is still salvation.
Natasha, do try Christophers advice, but if it doesn't work, being rude might be the only solution.

Comment by Natasha Kenny on May 24, 2010 at 2:12pm

Thanks Christopher.I'm gonna try that tomorrow if she starts again.Thanks Jānis,I agree about being rude might be the only solution.Have to wait and see.

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