Relative pushing Religion...HELP!

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone (new posters too!)

Ive been putting off writing this post for a long time as I am stuck...and its impacting on my mental health

I have no problem with religion as I had a solid Christian upbringing when I lived in Ontario Canada when I was little. For the last 4 years my sister keeps sending me texts/emails to accept Jesus Christ and I will be devoid of any further anxiety health issues if I do so

This is what I have been firmly told to do....

* If I accept Jesus Christ 'I wont require my medication anymore'

* I must get rid of anything in my home that is 'Evil'....music..movies...artwork that reflect any evil..

* I cant donate my copies of the Exorcist...The Omen...Friday 13th etc to charity as they have to be destroyed to prevent the devils presence

* My sister wont post on the forums because I gently mentioned that Religion is a very 'Personal matter' and not a 'fix all' for mental health

* Unfortunately I have had to block her from my cell as the preaching never stops

This isnt a religious thread topic...Its about the impact that my 54 year old sister has on my well being. Any advice is welcome from religious or non religious people of any faith would be great! Thankyou for taking the time to read my post

my kindest......Paul

[geoff]

Hello romantic_thi3f, a good comment if all of we had to do was accept our beliefs in Jesus Christ then we
wouldn't find any mental illness in churches, chapels, nuns, but I wonder how many people who go to church are suffering from a mental disorder.

As Tim said these books / movies you have mentioned do not make you a bad person, as well as ' someone I know felt they had to send a book to a friend otherwise they would go to hell is only a way of indoctrination with the possibility of infiltrating a type of fear if not carried out.

Paw Prints has remarked if they refuse to respect the boundaries you set then they leave you no option but to cut contact, although I know it's your sister and she probably disappoints you, which is understandable because future decisions will need to be made and if you're not on the same page of knowing what is the best choice to make, makes it become very awkward for you.

Can I ask a question, does a person who behaves like your sister believe they have more authority than someone who doesn't agree with them.

My best.

Geoff.

[blondguy]

Hi Tim and thankyou heaps for your support... you never rant by the way! I had a chuckle too Tim when the Buddha statue was pummeled..oh my! Madonna's Greatest Hits also was broken into little pieces as apparently that was evil too!. Thankyou for the reference ' living buddha living christ' Is Anglican similar to Church of England? ...I am COE ..Any help is always welcome Tim 🙂

Hi Summer Rose! Always a bonus to read your posts.....and thankyou for your help again! You have a kind heart. I appreciate your reference re ' The Book of Joy' with The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. Can I buy it online?

Hi Paw Prints! thankyou for helping me out..Especially when you mentioned ' if another person is harassing you for whatever reason.. then regardless of who they are... you need to put in boundaries to protect yourself' Your reassurance is greatly appreciated! Good on your sister (with your help) making that decision with your brother

Hi Geoff....thankyou for being so supportive on this frustrating issue. Your help is always appreciated. You asked an excellent question "does a person who behaves like your sister believe they have more authority than someone who doesn't agree with them"

My answer would be 'yes'...whether its my sister or anyone else there are some people that wont tolerate any other opinions unless it fits their own criteria....unfortunately

I am very concerned about her mental health yet that is a 'no go zone' so I am content knowing I have done everything I can to care for her well being....without preaching of course

so many amazing people...thankyou 🙂

my kind thoughts....Paul

[CMF]

Hi Paul,

So sorry to hear what you're experiencing and also to read elsewhere your dear Mum is not well.

I think you've done the right thing blocking your sister, for your own well-being. Does she have a partner or someone with whom you can discuss what's happening,that it's affecting you & to keep an eye on her MH?

Take care my friend.

CMF x

[blondguy]

Hi CMF

thankyou so much...and always great to see you too! (and have your TLC) She has had a partner that isnt around any much anymore as he grew weary about being told to accept Jesus Christ to find peace in his life..

you are amazing CMF...always have been

Hugz

Paul x

[geoff]

Hello Paul, I would absolutely agree with you, unless it fits their own criteria, and people in this situation have no fear of telling us to believe in as they do.

My ex had an auntie who had 100 % belief in religion and expected everyone to agree with her, so most had to agree with ever she wanted to do, no matter what.

That's not giving anybody the freedom they're after and don't agree.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Paul

Not sure if you can buy the book online. I’m old school, bought it at the shops. My adult kids say I’m a dinosaur!

Thanks for your kind words.

Kind thoughts to you

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Geoff,

Thank you for calling me out on that! That was a total miscommunication on my part - I was being sarcastic in my post, because we do find mental illnesses in churches and chapels. Nobody is immune from having a mental illness regardless of who you are, what you believe in or where you come from.

To me I was pointing it out because it's 'tunnel vision thinking', which is super important to recognise when there's conversations like these. If there even was a devil, I don't think he'd really care what movies I was watching!

Hope that makes sense. Hope you are doing well Geoff 🙂

rt

[smallwolf]

Paul,

you can get kindle versions of the the books mentioned here on kindle.

Anglican and COE are (virtually) the same thing.

if you do have any questions or want to vent or chat more.... you know I will respond with care.

Tim

[geoff]

Hello RT thanks I knew what you were meaning, no worries.

Geoff.