Is this pushing my religion on someone?

[Anonymous]

I'm not religious, but I love the idea of the saints. If she's spiritual, she's probably open to allowing the possibility of aid from the saints. At the very least it will be interesting to her to learn about the saint. I doubt she'll be offended.

My mom is Catholic (I was raised Catholic), and very into the saints. It irritates me when she approaches me with this attitude like "If you'd just pray about it...Don't be so stubborn." However, when she's said "I'll say a prayer for you," I'm fine. When she sprinkles holy water on my car before a road trip, I'm fine (is that weird she does that?)

[Anonymous]

I'm an atheist, and my take is that this is a lovely gesture.

[Anonymous]

Op I think it's fine and I'm not religious

[Anonymous]

I don't understand this "spiritual but not religious" claptrap.

[Anonymous]

When I had cancer I got religious tokens from all sorts of my friends' religions and thought it was great. You could sort of make light of it, which is what some people did for me--aka, "here's something else you can throw at the negativity."

If your tone is loving I think it could work.

[Anonymous]

I am a practicing Catholic and if someone were to present me with a gift from their faith tradition that was symbolic of their support for me, I would be honored. I think I would find it very helpful to learn more about something that was meaningful to a friend. I think the prayer book with a note saying that you thought she might enjoy the writings of Saint XX because (give your reasons) I think it's a very personal and touching way of supporting her.

[Anonymous]

Non-religious person here. I would be highly annoyed if some friend or relative of mine sent me religious materials to read. But this friend of yours has gone with you to your church, so she is open to religious experiences. Your gesture should be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I think it is fine, since she has been to mass with you. Be sure to provide a note about why you chose that book with her in mind.

I had someone give me religious texts once... I'd asked for help on a college paper since I was having trouble identifying the Christian imagery. The books were aimed at making sure I had the sources if I chose to read... I didn't think anything of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not religious, but I love the idea of the saints. If she's spiritual, she's probably open to allowing the possibility of aid from the saints. At the very least it will be interesting to her to learn about the saint. I doubt she'll be offended.

My mom is Catholic (I was raised Catholic), and very into the saints. It irritates me when she approaches me with this attitude like "If you'd just pray about it...Don't be so stubborn." However, when she's said "I'll say a prayer for you," I'm fine. When she sprinkles holy water on my car before a road trip, I'm fine (is that weird she does that?)

Cute, but, yes, weird. Never heard of this one and I am from a family that had a sick bed crucifix set with candles, oil, and holy water (always stocked up).

[Anonymous]

You would lose me as a friend.

[Anonymous]

I think what you propose is very kind. Your friend has reached out to you spiritually be going to Mass with you and by asking for your prayers; you are responding to her in her time of need. If I were in your friend's position, I would receive your gift with love and gratitude.

-- a Jew

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a close friend who is spiritual but not religious. She believes in God, etc. but it not part of an organized religion. I am catholic which she is aware of and my faith is very important to me. She has come to mass with me several times (out of curiousity I guess) and has enjoyed the music, etc.

This friend has been going through a very difficult time lately and I would like to reach out to her. She has confided in me a great deal, asked for prayer, etc. and I want to do something that will encourage her. I was planning to send her flowers and a prayer book which contains prayers from a patron saint very relevant to her situation. Someone else told me this seems to be me trying to convert her or take advantage of her struggles. What do you all think?

How is this "taking advantage of her struggles," PP? What an incredibly callous thing to say.

Your faith is important to you. It is part of you. She has already reached out to you. Why are you afraid to share this part of yourself with her?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You would lose me as a friend.

Then you were never a friend to begin with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand this "spiritual but not religious" claptrap.

+1. This drives me crazy, too. People who say this never really indicate in what way they're spiritual. It always sounds to me like they mean they like walks in the woods, burning incense or doing some sort of peace out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is fine, since she has been to mass with you. Be sure to provide a note about why you chose that book with her in mind.

I had someone give me religious texts once... I'd asked for help on a college paper since I was having trouble identifying the Christian imagery. The books were aimed at making sure I had the sources if I chose to read... I didn't think anything of it.

Agree with this...I'm not religious, but if I showed enough interest to go to mass a few times, I would understand why you gave me the book. Maybe in the note say something about how you hope it will help her since it helped you but you understand if it is not what she is seeking at this time.