Say what again

[WolfSpirit]

A friend of mine whose how I shall I say overly religious, I normally get along with just fine and I thought I could come out to her about my being fluid. I was wrong in this thinking, as she told me that I'm confused, it's because of all the trauma I've been through and this that and the other and she told me to bring it to Jesus. Despite my great effort in trying to get it through her head that my being fluid has nothing to do with what she claims I might as well be talking to wall 
Her solution to my "evilness" go talk to an christian counsler ugh and stay away from "evil videos, music, friend" Ugh 

[King Malachite]

Your friend kind of sounds like my sister.  When I came out to her as trans, she said I just feel this way because of all of my pasts hurts and the things that happened to me as a child (which I asked her to name out of curiosity, but she didn't), including my father not being there for me etc.  and she basically said similar religious things like I need to pray etc.

Your're right.  It is absolutely like talking to a wall and honestly, I don't know how to even combat that type of thinking other than saying "I disagree" and proving them wrong by living a happy life as the person you want to be. 

People using scapegoats on you is no fun.

[MaidofOrleans]

Tell her you're too old for imaginary friends.

[Dedwards]

Tell her you're too old for imaginary friends.

Seconded.
Don't let her try and push any sort of beliefs she may have onto you, or push you to doing what she does if she thinks you need 'cleansing'.  You're fine, you're sane without that sort of stuff in your life.

[DriftingCrow]

I wish your friend was more supportive WolfSpirit . It's too easy to call things we don't understand "evil", maybe she'll lighten up once she realizes you are still the same person she considered to be a friend, and heed the words Pope Francis just said: "who am I to judge?"

[Sarah Louise]

I don't think anyone is trying to push beliefs on anyone, lets try to keep this civil.

[Danielle Emmalee]

I don't think anyone is trying to push beliefs on anyone, lets try to keep this civil.

I'm sorry, I disagree.  I think there are people trying to push their beliefs onto others here.  I get that some Christians are the source of much discrimination.  It doesn't mean that its okay to discriminate against them or to belittle their beliefs by calling them "imaginary." 

To the OP:  I think the best thing to do, if you don't believe in whatever your friend believes in, is to thank her for her concern and politely say that you don't share her beliefs and that you are seeking help elsewhere and just wanted some support from a friend.  If you feel that she is pushing her beliefs on you, tell her that you feel very uncomfortable with her doing so.  If she doesn't respect that, I would say she doesn't have a lot of respect for you.

[DriftingCrow]

I'm sorry, I disagree.  I think there are people trying to push their beliefs onto others here.  I get that some Christians are the source of much discrimination.  It doesn't mean that its okay to discriminate against them or to belittle their beliefs by calling them "imaginary." 

Athiests have the right to express their views too. If they don't believe in God(s), no need to get upset when they state their view; if they don't see a Being existing it's only logical to conclude that its only in someones imagination who does believe. That doesn't mean they're discriminating against religious people, its just them being honest. Having them keep quiet is just a different form of oppression. They can state their view, I can state mine, you can state yours, and we still all get along. Of course we can always get picky about wording and take things personally, but sometimes it's just best to forgive and forget.

Edit to add: as a "religious person" (<--put it in quotes because I dislike the term, it makes people think of the Abrahamic religions, which I don't believe in) I didn't find it insulting or offensive at all.

[Danielle Emmalee]

Athiests have the right to express their views too. If they don't believe in God(s), no need to get upset when they state their view; if they don't see a Being existing it's only logical to conclude that its only in someones imagination who does believe. That doesn't mean they're discriminating against religious people, its just them being honest. Having them keep quiet is just a different form of oppression. They can state their view, I can state mine, you can state yours, and we still all get along. Of course we can always get picky about wording and take things personally, but sometimes it's just best to forgive and forget.

The problem comes when you state your view as fact.  Or when you make statements that are intended to belittle someone else's beliefs.  I firmly believe that saying "I'm too old for imaginary friends" is belittling and disrespectful.  It's made clear that we do not have the right to free speech at Susan's:

5. The posting of messages on the chat or forums which are of a threatening tone; intended solely to communicate sarcasm, contempt, or derision; are intended to belittle or ridicule a person or group; to disgust the viewer; contain obscene or pornographic materials; which are intended to titillate; or which depicts illegal acts; will not be permitted.

I have no problem with stating your own beliefs as long as they are not breaking the rules that the rest of us have to follow.  Exceptions should not be made just because a certain group is the source of discrimination themselves.

[V M]

Hi friends 

Time for a time out    Take a break, get a snack, find something constructive to do with yourselves

Also, here are a few more rules to keep in mind when posting 

2. Any attempts to stage protests, dispute the site policies, the TOS/rules, or actions of the staff; in the public areas of this site will not be tolerated and will result in your removal. If you have any issues contact Susan by email, or forum private message, and not bring these types of issues into the public spaces on this website. For the proper way to handle problems of this nature see item #20 below.

7. Leave moderation to the moderators! Susan and her staff are the only people who are authorized to deny anyone access to this web site including telling someone to leave, or to stop discussing a topic.  If someone wishes to discuss a subject that you are not interested in,  suggest a new subject; go to another of the many areas on this site; or ignore that person, topic, or discussion. If you feel a person's post violates the rules of this site use the report this post function.

20. The staff of this web site are here to provide peer support to our members and visitors and to provide a safe environment by enforcing the TOS and rules of this web site and chat server. If you disagree with their actions, or in regards to a specific situation you may contact Susan or any of the other administrators by email or forum private message, with the details of the situation. They will review your complaint and take any corrective action that may be required by the situation. All user complaints and issues are taken seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.

Topic temporarily locked

Thank you

V M