09-21-2010, 06:49 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-21-2010, 06:50 PM by Questioner.)
I like Ahktu's approach. I would politely but firmly shift the topic to the life that everyone gathered to remember. I would be ready to say something like this:
I feel at peace when I think about grandfather's spirit now in a larger life. But rather than talking about my religious beliefs, which we can't prove for sure, let's talk about grandfather's life. Let's use today to honor what we remember of his earthly life. He was always beloved to me because of the way he...
If people do sincerely seem to want to talk about religion, I would put in a disclaimer or two, and set boundaries:
My beliefs are inspiring to me, but I realize other people find their own way to understand the mystery of life. I know we have a family where some people believe in God, some don't at all, some only occasionally think about religion. It matters more to me that people are kind and loving to each other, than whether or not they have a particular dogma or creed.
I'm willing to share my own beliefs, but not to debate them or to say what anyone should believe. If you're open to an exchange in that spirit I am fine with saying more. Some people feel a need to evaluate other people's faith, to decide if it measures up to some outside standards. When that happens I'd just as soon keep my own beliefs to myself, and talk about something else.
What do you want to do?
The right words will come up at the right time, as GW says. For me, this kind of thought is not a script, but a reinforcement of the type of energy I want to bring to the interaction. The intention will then lead me to the particular words or lack of words that are needed in the moment.
I feel at peace when I think about grandfather's spirit now in a larger life. But rather than talking about my religious beliefs, which we can't prove for sure, let's talk about grandfather's life. Let's use today to honor what we remember of his earthly life. He was always beloved to me because of the way he...
If people do sincerely seem to want to talk about religion, I would put in a disclaimer or two, and set boundaries:
My beliefs are inspiring to me, but I realize other people find their own way to understand the mystery of life. I know we have a family where some people believe in God, some don't at all, some only occasionally think about religion. It matters more to me that people are kind and loving to each other, than whether or not they have a particular dogma or creed.
I'm willing to share my own beliefs, but not to debate them or to say what anyone should believe. If you're open to an exchange in that spirit I am fine with saying more. Some people feel a need to evaluate other people's faith, to decide if it measures up to some outside standards. When that happens I'd just as soon keep my own beliefs to myself, and talk about something else.
What do you want to do?
The right words will come up at the right time, as GW says. For me, this kind of thought is not a script, but a reinforcement of the type of energy I want to bring to the interaction. The intention will then lead me to the particular words or lack of words that are needed in the moment.