I just don’t see it that way. Trump did a lot of awful things, but he didn’t make people support him. People chose to ignore the principles they either had or claimed to have. If I have to cut someone off, it’s because of them, not because of Trump.
That said, I wouldn’t cut anyone off in this situation. If they don’t really talk about Trump anymore, I would tend to presume they’ve grown to not support him, but don’t want to admit it. I tend to assume the best in people. Plus often, even if someone is a full on supporter, you can reduce contact without completely burning bridges. There’s always the chance they’ll come back, or even that you could help them see the way.
In your case, you also have other people around you’d like to see. It would be crappy to cut off all contact with them due to your aunt.
As for the end of the world stuff: I wouldn’t pay that much mind. That’s just the way people in certain religious traditions are expressing the same anxiety we all have. We all worried about the pandemic. And we all have that worry that maybe this war leads to WWIII and causes massive damage. For them, the idea that it’s part of a divine plan is comforting. Plus, well, if they think the last days are upon us, maybe they’ll revisit the excuses they make for stuff they know is wrong.
My advice isn’t really any different than that of others. Try to limit the conversation and time with them. Though maybe also mention how kindness is a better witness than pestering someone. If you converted only to get them to shut up, it obviously wouldn’t be a true conversion.
I’ve actually seen some success with that argument—especially since often the proselytizer would rather not get into the uncomfortable conversation, either, but feel guilty if they don’t.
It’s not about them having opinions that are more valid or giving them free roam. It’s about whether or not I choose to engage. It’s for my benefit not theirs.
No, really, you need to go beat your bare knuckles into a concrete wall for a full hour. We will think less of you if you do not (but still not offer to help with your medical bills for that).
Myyy peeeeople…!
(I haven’t been bitching with anyone in person in way too long).
Before getting together with my ‘Tightie Rightie’ mom over the holidays I said “I’d love to see you, IF we can both promise to stay away from politics or religion. There are lots of other things to talk about…”
And it worked! One of us would start straying across the line, and someone would pipe up “Now, now, you know the rules.”
(Although occasionally mom would then try to ‘apologize’ by saying “I’m sorry, but I just think you need to be aware…”)
“Now, mommm… Hey, what’s up with Aaron Rodgers?” “Wellll! I don’t think even he knows! Look what comes of dating actresses!”
I once had a JW in my office start to talk religion. I told her, “If you’ll stop telling me how stupid my beliefs are, I won’t tell you how idiotic your religion is”. She said, “I never said your beliefs were stupid.”, I said, “You obviously think they’re stupid because you’re trying to convert me.” Yahweh’s name was never mentioned further in the two years we worked together.
On a related note: When approached by LDS missionaries on the street, I tell them I want to discuss the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1858.
I had an aunt and uncle who used to live in Ogden. They said that the missionaries were always coming by to visit until they told them they were Catholic (they weren’t, I think they were maybe Presbyterian?).
Do the Mormon’s have a particular problem with Catholics?
I have lots of family members and friends who are Trumpists. And many of them are good people. It takes a bit of effort to not challenge them on their ridiculous conspiracy theories, but somehow I find the strength to do so. It’s just not worth it to me.