So, I'm going to be spending some of my vacation time this summer with extended family members who are in a different place, spiritually and socially speaking, than am I. If history repeats itself, I will probably be on their short list of people to "convert" to the One True Way (tm) at some point during the visit. ;)
I have absolutely no desire to have a Jesus duel during our visit. These aren't individuals that I see very often in person, and If I wanted to have a religious debate I'd stay home and surf Christian message boards.
During previous visits I've skirted around their questions by changing the subject. Most of the time this works pretty well, but there are certain topics (i.e. "You need to find a home church!" ) that just. won't. go. away.
How do you deal with repetitive conversations like these? Is there a good way to say that topics X, Y and Z are off-limits?
(As an aside, I'm pretty good at saying "no" or "I don't want to talk about that" with family members that I see more often. It's the ones that I see once in a blue moon that I have more trouble setting boundaries with.)
Labels: boundaries, Church, Emerging Church, family
"I am so appreciative of your concern. Believe me, I am working very hard on coming to terms with a faith in Christ. Please keep me in your prayers. Say...how 'bout those Red Sox, huh? And this corn, is it Silver Queen? Really, I'd love it if you would show me how it is that your roses always look so lovely. Dad! Hey, Wait a minute, Dad! I've got something to tell you!" (as you rush out the door and into the arms of any, absolutely any, diversion...i'm not claiming my advice is good, just presenting options. :-)