My Friend Keeps Trying to Convert Me

My friend Valerie stopped by today. She is a Jehovah's Witness. I don't mind that, I have friends from various religions or theological beliefs. I even used to read the bible with her. I may be agnostic but the bible is an interesting read, it has some good points. I think that there are good rules for conducting your life in the bible. But there is some wacky stuff in it too.

I do respect that people have different beliefs and interpretations of the bible. Fine, just don't try to shove your beliefs down my throat. I told Valerie months ago that I didn't want to hear any more about Jehovah's Witnesses. I do not agree with their beliefs on blood transfusions because when my son Scott was born both he and I needed transfusions. I do not agree with their practice of 'shunning' or disfellowshipping people, I think that is cruel psychological torture.

So anyway Valerie had the nerve to stop by with one of her other friends, who is also a Jehovah's Witness. I've met this woman before, she seemed cool. But after Valerie tried to give me a copy of The Watchtower, the JW magazine, and I politely declined, this woman asked me what my deal was. I told I still read the bible but I was just not interested in learning anymore about the Jehovah's Witness religion. She asked me why, and I told her my reasons. Then she starts going off about how it's in the bible and it's God's word and all, and I'm like fine but I'm not going to do it. She keeps pushing the issue so finally I say, I understand, thanks for stopping by, and show them the door.

I feel bad because Valerie is really nice and is a good person. I enjoyed hanging out with her. I'm going to call her later and ask her if she is allowed to socialize with me or will she be shunned for hanging out with me unless she spends the time trying to convert me. If so, that's too bad.