Don’t answer.
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!”
Yeah, what is that?
This is the correct answer.
You’re concerned about my immortal soul? I don’t have one, so you can stop being concerned.
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.
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.
I prefer gods who didn’t get crucified.
you don’t. cease all contact with him.
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.
Yep, I am in the ‘kick him to the curb’ camp.
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.
The best phone calls are the ones you don’t answer.
Pardon Me!
A vacant smile and a “Bless your heart” can go a long way.
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
Sometimes, in this boat trip called life, you have to throw someone overboard to keep from sinking.
This sounds like one of those times.
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.
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.
-
“My immortal Soul”? My new Kia is gonna last forever? Hey, cool! Wait 'til I tell my insurance agent!
-
What happens between me and God stays between me and God.