Started off my day by having to defend myself from a coworker trying to witness to me in the worst way possible.
Background info is that I have a sick child. We have been dealing with health issues for about 18 months now and have made a little progress. Needless to say a stressful time in my life and I have been open at work about this as I occasionally need to swap a shift or get out early for an appointment.
Today this person kindly asked how my child was doing. I updated about a new doc we are seeing and some new tests to be done. At which point they launch into “I have been thinking, and I know you said you aren’t a Christian, but I REALLY feel this situation is Jesus trying to bring to back to him! God gives us these tough times to teach us how much we need him. Because he loves us that much. If you just turn to Jesus and take your child to church they will be cured. I know it! But you MUST accept his love.” They then handed over a bible and began quoting scripture.
When people offer to pray, I’ll usually say thanks and move on. A full witness attempt? My basic response was: The loving god that created mankind to condemn 90% of it to hell. The San god who gave my child these issues. That god now demands I worship him or my child won’t have health? That’s not love that’s blackmail and I am not interested. I was raised fundamentalist, I know verses and the theology. No thanks.
At which point they talked about free will and everything bad being from satan and not god. At which point I asked if god was completely powerless to stop it? Is god that weak and incompetent? They kinda sputtered and talked about how god allows it to draw us closer and give us hope. Told them no thanks. I prefer not to prey upon the vulnerable with religion.
Fun times. Wish I had a more smooth response for this. Though I literally clearly said : not a Christian, not interested, we can end this conversation now…