How can I discuss faith with my terminally ill, nonbelieving aunt without pressure?

[Anonymous]

She has terminal cancer and not even that is making her turn to faith. As much as she's been a devoted mother towards her kids, help others in need, she's a hardcore non-believer.

I already have an idea of what her last words are going to be and she's going to die a non-believer. What to do? Any way for us to try to make her see our spiritual world, to have some faith at least? She has none.

Updates

9 d

She's hardcore even in her last moments.

[Anonymous]

That's going to be rough. Because normally i'd say wait her out. But time ain't on her side.

One thing i've noted is most prevalent in all atheists i've met over the years. is their arrogance. Their almost pathological need to to feel that they have it all figured out. God is offensive to this because God let's you know up front that you cannot do this on your own. So she has to face this reality. And if she cannot suspend her pride long enough to hear what God has to say. I don't know what hope there is for her.

If it were me i would cling steadfast to God's love when i talk to her. Be undeterred in your conviction to this. And if need be be a little cold in the sense that life will go on without her. But her eternal life doesn't have to, but it is her choice. Make it clear that this isn't about who's RIGHT. You don't want this to be the last time you see her. But this isn't your choice, or God's. It's her's and her's alone. Tell her she has NOTHING to lose at this point and everything to gain. Tell her her accepting God as her lord and savior can be your's, her's, and God's little secret if she wishes. Because i'm certain that this would acceptable to God. Anything that gets her into the fold.

[AMS700CX4u2]

Start with Her belief and discuss options. Most people who are non believers hold God responsible for all the evil in the world. I try to compare it to a week at summer camp. Deity has little direct control over the happenings at camp but will be glad to have you home again.

[slatyb]

No, we don't hold God responsible for anything. How could we when we don't believe God is real?

[AMS700CX4u2]

@slatyb I think that the way the media has presented God to the public is partially responsible for our misunderstanding of His presence. The problem is ours. It is hard to describe something using terms you don't understand. Think intelligent energy able to transform itself Energy to matter and back. Sounds a little Star Trekkian. but it makes the story of Genesis work.

[emeraldsaphire]

I'd advise against trying to push religion on her deathbed. You can pray for her if you wish; if she wants to she can reach out or just read a Bible. They are online for free now. (I'm assuming this is a Christian thing.) And one thing for you. I love this quote

"If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them."

― Marcus Aurelius

If God is good, it won't matter if your mother becomes a believer or not.

[Vesuvius87]

You can start by getting over trying to convince her. There is nothing to be convinced about. We don't ever convert in our deathbed. If my time in this world comes to an end, I'll happily die as an atheist.

What you can do is offer her love and support, be kind to her. The last thing she need is religious sermons. If I were her, I would consider that super rude.

[tiredpanda]

She's facing something incredibly difficult, and what she needs most right now is love and support... not someone trying to change her beliefs. Whether she chooses to believe or not is entirely up to her.

[Anonymous]

Wtf get over Yourself and accept her as she is. You trying to force YOUR beliefs on her is the last thing she needs. Accept the fact that you don’t believe the same things and never will. if you were terminally ill would you appreciate it if your family tried to nag and convince you to stop believing in your religion?

[slatyb]

You cannot. Don't even start, it's incredibly obnoxious. Do this if you want to be thrown out of her room never to see her again. I don't want to hear that shit from anyone ever, and certainly not when I'm terminally ill.

[Iron_Man]

Just come right out and ssy it at this point it’s time to get after it, but make sure you discuss it with her

[SaoirseS]

Why is this so important to you?

[Still-alive]

wtf just let her die in peace...

[In_Trance]

You can't