Kindly Rejecting a Religion

Godfather

So quite recently i've been hanging out with this mormon I met in my Intro to Computer Maintenence Class. He's really been a big help, teaching me all sorts of various programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and so forth (all extremely important in the field I want to enter). However, some time last week I let it slip that I had to go to church during Wednesday night, but was contemplating whether or not to skip it due to the hectic schedule I had going on. Long story short, he kindly invites me to go to his church, on which I told him that I had just started going to this church and didn't want to move on just yet.

Now the guy is one of the nicest and friendlies guys i've ever met, but Mormonism is not for me; I'm a Christian, and even though Mormonism is technically a branch of Christianity, the difference between the two is like night and day. However, I feel that the longer I spend hanging out with this guy the more he's going to peddle this to me, and I really don't want to ruin a perfectly good friendship over a touchy subject like this.

How can I decline in a way that won't screw over my friendship with this guy?

unilateral

I really doubt he'll keep trying to get you to become a mormon. Every mormon I've known always asked me to go to church with them, but then didn't hound me about it after that.

Godfather

That's what i'm hoping for, but it never hurts to be prepared.

supabeast

Mormons are generally the kindest, friendliest, most easygoing people on Earth. Unless you call his mother a whore he isn't likely to get too offended, so if it comes up again just tell him that you're not interested in Mormonism.

Zek

He asked you once, you said no, and he was fine with it. What's the problem? I don't know why you're assuming that he's going to keep getting more and more pushy about it.

Mothercruncher

Dude, he asked you _once_

EggyToast

And if he brings it up again, say that you're just getting into going to *any* church, and that you're not sure if you're ready for such a "commitment." If he at all pushy or starts talking about religion stuff, just say "ah, I dono."

Some mormons are very nice and friendly. Others will attempt to convert you if you come across as at all receptive. Of those, though, they usually will do it among people they don't know, rather than friends, as they understand how awkward it can be

Note that he likely asked you because a lot of the very strict religions view not going to church as a sin. The fact that he didn't push the subject and call you a sinner, though, should be a good sign that he's seeing you as a friend, and not a "potential convert." I wouldn't worry about it.

Grimm

I've been friends with a mormon girl since high school and from my experiences, supabeast is right. Its part of their religion to try and spread their message and recruit new members. Just tell him your not interested and i bet you wont have a problem.


Not really advice here but just an example of my dealings with mormons and the subject of religion. If this guy is anything like my friend, it might be helpful, i don't know...

We've had long talks about religion many times. Never had any intention of joining up and i told her this. She just said she was happy to share her religion and she was fine with me not wanting to join her church. She actually kept worrying that she was bothering me with it even when i was asking her questions.

mspencer

As a Mormon who hasn't been to church in years (give or take) I can comment:

Yeah, just say 'no' and it won't be a big deal. You need no backup plan. Previous posters are correct.

Thanatos

Relatively large Mormon population in my town, one of my best friends is an ex-Mormon (he was a Mormon for the first several years after we met).

They really aren't very pushy about their religion at all. You have nothing to worry about.

AcidSerra

Ex-Mormon here. Mormons put alot of internal pressure on each other, but I haven't met very many who will really try and PUSH their friends into religion. The basic theory is wait em out, be a good example, and maybe they'll eventually want to join.

There are a few who do get pushy, but from what you've said so far, I doubt he's one of em.

JWFokker

supabeast wrote:

Mormons are generally the kindest, friendliest, most easygoing people on Earth.

Aside from Buddhists and maybe Taoists.

Godfather

Thanks guys, it really takes a load off of my mind.