That's what I'd say. I'd mention that I'd noticed in the course of my life that religion had brought peace to a lot of people and that I hoped that would be the case for him and his mom. I would NOT get into a theological argument about how to interpret the relevant passages in Leviticus and Romans. Instead, I would say that you too were very attracted by Christianity, particularly by the notions that -- we're all sinners and in need of grace that is beyond ourselves to cope with sin and its baleful effects; -- that we're to love and forgive each other even though we're all sinners. (If he asks why you don't believe, you could say that you're trying but there are certain things you have difficulty accepting without being too specific.) This might not work for you -- I don't know you, your yf, or his mom -- but if I were in your place, I would then show him AND his mom the link below: (a performance of Bach's Matthew Passion by the Tolzer Knabenchor). Tell him it's the most powerful rendition of the story of Christ's passion that has ever been done by any artist in any medium. Tell them they can follow what's happening by going to this link: https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Texts/BWV244-Eng3.htm It's possible that all those beautiful boys singing the greatest music ever written will -- well -- lead to some further questions and discussion. SR [@nonymouse] [Guardster] [Proxify] [Anonymisierungsdienst] |