As of recent, I have become less and less involved and active in my religious community; especially my church. There's many reasons for it, but the main ones are:
- Negative stigma given when doing something the church disapproves.
- Less of a presence of younger individuals.
- My own philosophical conclusions that differ (often greatly).
I still maintain a few of the friendships with those still in this community; I haven't blocked them out from my life or anything.
This often gives me problems though. These members I attempt to maintain friendships with like to attempt to bring me back when I don't want to. I haven't flat out told them the conclusions I've formed, because I know it's going to cause them to argue and maybe even be ashamed of me. I don't want to start an argument and have to defend my own beliefs when I know nobody's opinion is going to change.
One particular situation that's been continuing for too long is my friend's mom nagging me to go to church. She'll say things like:
Yea, speaking of church Anilla, you should come this week.
or
So why weren't you at church last week Anilla?
I understand the probable reasoning for this; she worries about me and wants me to stay in the community and grow to be a good person. The way she goes about it though is far too aggressive for me though and I really don't like mustering an excuse each time.
How can I tell her to stop bothering me about not going to church while maintaining respect and not starting a religious debate?