# My Adopted Cousin Wants to 'Convert' Me. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 6, 2018, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512 "2018-06-06T02:01:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/21 "2018-06-06T12:47:42Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > he called me on the phone. Don’t answer. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/22 "2018-06-06T12:51:01Z")
Do you recall him being a so-called “militant atheist” before this conversion, because it seems as if a lot of radical religionists make this claim(or the claim that they used to be Satanists. Or both) as if such an extreme conversion would be more impressive than just saying “I used to be a regular Catholic, but now I am even _more_ Catholic!” ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/23 "2018-06-06T12:54:36Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > What the heck is an adopted cousin? Yeah, what is that? > [@kayaker](#): > > Don’t answer. This is the correct answer. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/24 "2018-06-06T13:00:46Z")
You’re concerned about my immortal soul? I don’t have one, so you can stop being concerned. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/25 "2018-06-06T13:26:35Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > What the heck is an adopted cousin? I would assume a cousin who is adopted rather than a blood relative. So, if you have a cousin with an adopted brother or sister, that would be an adopted cousin. Not that I’m familiar with that level of granularity in describing familial relationships. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/26 "2018-06-06T13:30:17Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Do you recall him being a so-called “militant atheist” before this conversion, because it seems as if a lot of radical religionists make this claim(or the claim that they used to be Satanists. Or both) as if such an extreme conversion would be more impressive than just saying “I used to be a regular Catholic, but now I am even _more_ Catholic!” Speaking as an atheist who came to this position through much rational thought, its been my observation that most people who claim they were, “militant atheists”, probably just didn’t think about religion up until their conversion. The conversion is such a sudden and startling experience for them that in their mind, they look upon the apathy they felt toward religion before as atheism. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/27 "2018-06-06T13:32:43Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Or if you really don’t mind being a jerk about it; > > “Jesus is such a new religion. I prefer the Old Ones. There’s something strangely comforting in knowing that you’re beneath the notice of vast and timeless entities.” 🆒 I prefer gods who didn’t get crucified. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/28 "2018-06-06T13:44:15Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > So how do I deal with the man? you don’t. cease all contact with him. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/29 "2018-06-06T13:58:27Z")
I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Life has a way of catching up with people like that. Just start making decisions now about what your boundaries will be with this fellow. If he was homeless would you let him move in? If he were distraught would you miss an appointment to stay on the phone with him? Would you introduce him to your wife/kids? If he was hungry or desperate would you give him money? What’s the limit? Having these boundaries straight in your head before he starts pressing is key to keeping yourself out of his clutches. And he IS clutching at you. He’s been told that zealous conversion gives him a free pass for his past sins, and he’s conflating that with being deserving of trust. Getting forgiveness and regaining trust are separate processes. Trust him to do what he has always done. As for any real concern he may have about your soul, just assure him that you and God are fine, and cut him short when he raises the issue. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/30 "2018-06-06T14:58:00Z")
Yep, I am in the ‘kick him to the curb’ camp. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/31 "2018-06-06T15:46:46Z")
He called to give you this good news on Easter and you’re still dwelling on this bullshit? I hope he’s paying rent for the space he’s been taking up in your head. Tell him to fuck off with his bullshit and to never contact you again on the subject. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/32 "2018-06-06T15:55:36Z")
The best phone calls are the ones you don’t answer. > [@John\_Mace](#): > > I prefer gods who didn’t get crucified. Pardon Me! ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/33 "2018-06-06T17:28:42Z")
A vacant smile and a “Bless your heart” can go a long way. ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/34 "2018-06-06T19:35:56Z")
If this is someone you would prefer to keep contact with: First time, met with a “Thank you for your concern, but that is between me and God”, is a freebie. Second time, met with “As I said before, I don’t want to talk about it” Third time, met with _click_ ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/35 "2018-06-06T19:54:07Z")
> **[Amazon.com: Bristol Novelty AC835 Hare Krishna Costume | For Men | Orange, UK...](https://www.amazon.com/Bristol-Novelty-Orange-Krishna-Costume/dp/B008W6Y762)** > > Amazon.com: Bristol Novelty AC835 Hare Krishna Costume | For Men | Orange, UK Chest Size 42"-44" : Bristol Novelty: Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/36 "2018-06-06T19:54:56Z")
Sometimes, in this boat trip called life, you have to throw someone overboard to keep from sinking. This sounds like one of those times. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/37 "2018-06-06T20:36:45Z")
Personally, I’d tell him that I don’t take religious advice from heretics, and that his denial of the Pope’s authority is endangering his own soul. But that’s just me. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/38 "2018-06-06T21:54:03Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Stop running from Jesus. Easy for you to say. 🙂 I’ve got a criminal past. But I’ve got the Jesus real hard now. The Jesus would be super good for you, too. Trust me on this because I’ve got the Jesus and I’m a good, trustworthy Christian. Totes legit. You should trust me because I’m caring about your Jesus. I’m trustworthy. Can I borrow rent money. Or come live with you? I’m trustworthy. You know this because I’ve got the Jesus. So how about your wallet. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/39 "2018-06-06T21:59:24Z")
[Oh, I’m very catholic now.](https://www.amazon.com/Fun-World-Cardinal-Cassock-Costume/dp/B014M40A86/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1528322328&sr=8-11&keywords=cardinal+costume) 😃 ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2018, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512/40 "2018-06-06T22:06:52Z")
1. “My immortal Soul”? My new Kia is gonna last forever? Hey, cool! Wait 'til I tell my insurance agent! 2. What happens between me and God **stays** between me and God. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-adopted-cousin-wants-to-convert-me/815512.md?page=3)