Horns and Halos

Emily wrote:

I have a problem here. I've been friends with my friend "Sara" for 11 years and we've always been really close. Recently, however, she "found God" and is a different person. I was raised as a Christian and still go to church, but she seems to have taken it to the extreme. She alienated a few of our friends who are gay, she lectures me on partying and the fact that I live with my boyfriend, and has taken on a (no pun intended) holier than thou attitude with me and all of her friends. I love this girl like a sister, but it's killing me to see her push us all away.

What do we do?


Emily,

I think Sara is overlooking one thing. Every religion preaches tolerance, acceptance, and peace, but it's when people take these religions to extremes that the message is lost. Religion shouldn't cast judgment or make people outcasts for what they believe. That whole judgment thing, according to most religions, is up to the higher power to decide. My advice to you is to talk with Sara and let her know that you are hurt by what she is doing. Remind her that you share the same religious beliefs, but her taking it to the extreme isn't helping your friendship.

Different people have different beliefs, but if we were all to refuse to accept those differences, we'd all be alone. My advice to you is to keep doing your thing. You haven't done anything wrong, and if you can accept her for her differences, you may be setting the example for her to follow.