My friend wants to take me to her Youth Group meeting on Wednesday. The problem is, well…I’m an atheist. I don’t have anything against religion and I like hymns, but I feel somewhat hypocritical going to a church meeting because I don’t believe in God. Last week, I had enough biology homework to politely decline the invitation, but I don’t know what to say. She really wants me to come, but I don’t think I’d be welcome, and I’d definitely be out of place. What should I say to her? I don’t want to hurt her feelings.’

-xzeldaxtwilightx‘

This is a very interesting problem, chica! Everyone has different opinions, values and beliefs (it’s what makes us all unique and interesting!), but sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to let them coincide without offending anyone. Does your friend know you are atheist? If she’s a true friend, I’m sure she’ll understand how you feel if you explain it to her. Tell her that you mean no disrespect and completely support her right to believe what she wants to believe, but you don’t share her beliefs and would feel really uncomfortable going.

I’m sure she just wants to share with you something that means a lot to her, so maybe you could find a compromise. Rather than going to Youth Group with her to study and worship (which I can understand you might feel hypocritical doing), perhaps you could instead go to cheer her on when she performs in a church play or choir or something.

It’s not necessarily disrespectful to go to a church if you don’t follow the faith (just think of it as being open minded and educating yourself about other beliefs), so don’t feel guilty about that. But be careful that she doesn’t try to “convert” you. Make sure she understands that just as you respect her religious beliefs, you’d appreciate it if she respected yours as well. We are all entitled to our own opinions, and no particular belief is better than the other.

<3 Jessie M.