Is this pushing my religion on someone?

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like too much. She has asked for your prayers; let her know that you are praying for her. She has asked to attend Mass with you; let her know that you'd be happy to take her again if that would be helpful. That's enough.

[Anonymous]

I am spiritual but not religious, and wouldn't mind receiving a prayer book. I had a religious education at one point in my life, so don't consider them anathema However, it probably wouldn't help as much as therapeutic recommendations for anxiety, dealing with grief or whatever is ailing your friend, if you see what I mean. I am a pragmatist at heart.

[Anonymous]

So the thinking is that people can ask us to beseech God for some specific thing for them but then they want to have nothing else to do with Him?

[Anonymous]

You're over-thinking this. Send her the book, if you feel it will help.

[Anonymous]

I don't think so. I had a catholic friend do this when I was experiencing infertility. I brought the metal she gave me to every appointment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think so. I had a catholic friend do this when I was experiencing infertility. I brought the metal she gave me to every appointment.

What is the religious significance of metal? That seems less overt than a prayer book but I don't know the significance of metal. Op are there other spiritual but not catholic specific books you think she might enjoy?

[Anonymous]

I'm an atheist and I'd say you're over-thinking this. You're contemplating a nice gesture for a friend who is having a difficult time.

We're I in your friend's position, I'd be thankful for the thought and wouldn't consider this "pushing your religion."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think so. I had a catholic friend do this when I was experiencing infertility. I brought the metal she gave me to every appointment.

What is the religious significance of metal? That seems less overt than a prayer book but I don't know the significance of metal. Op are there other spiritual but not catholic specific books you think she might enjoy?

Odds are that's a typo. PP probably meant "medal" - as in one of the saints.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the thinking is that people can ask us to beseech God for some specific thing for them but then they want to have nothing else to do with Him?

People do that all the time, irrespective to their commitment to a particular faith. Sometimes people become more religious when they are struck by some tragedy and start praying. If there situation improves, they credit God. Others just find god when they need him and forget him when things are going OK.

[Anonymous]

if she has asked to accompany you to mass and prays with some regularity, I doubt she would take offense or find this pushy. you can send it with a note indicating that you hope it brings her comfort but if it is not for her, you understand that too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're over-thinking this. Send her the book, if you feel it will help.

+1 It's kind of you to be concerned that you might offend her, but it sounds like she's aware and open to your faith. I think it's a very kind gesture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the thinking is that people can ask us to beseech God for some specific thing for them but then they want to have nothing else to do with Him?

It's not beseeching when you know someone is the praying type and asks how they can help. Spiritual people usually do believe in the power of prayer just not the dogma that surrounds organized religions.

If you don't want to pray for someone because they aren't interested in converting, then don't but don't get your panties in a bunch about it.

[Anonymous]

I very much doubt that she'd find it pushy given her previous receptivity to your faith. I do question whether she would find the prayer book useful. I'm not religious, but my mom is, and she has always sent medals (like the PP mentioned). Can you find a medal with the saint in question and give her that? For people who are not used to praying, a prayer book might be something they see as a nice gesture and then put on the shelf to gather dust, whereas a medal is something small that can go in a pocket or on a necklace.

Either way, you are a good friend and I applaud your kindness.

[Anonymous]

I think the prayer book might be too much but the rest is nice.