[Alix]

zo_manik, it can be hard to reconcile all the different elements when families blend.

My take is a little different. I try to see why that particular person is doing what they are doing. For example, with your husband's parents, if they are deeply faithful they are likely worried about their son's immortal soul and are hoping to protect him by sending him material that might influence him and "save" him. Its about love, not intentionally trying to subvert beliefs that already exist. I don't know if that would help you or not, but thats how I try to see things.

At one point in my life I was quite irritated by what I felt was "pushing". I thought it the height of egotism for those believers to tell me what was right and what was wrong. I still believe that there are those who do it because they believe they are right and not because they are being loving. Those folks irritate me. Those who "push" because of love or idealism don't bug me at all.

I think we all come to our faith in time. I also believe we teach more by our manner and the way we live our lives than anything else.

Did you read the Narnia books? In the Last Battle, Aslan (God) tells his believers that those who followed either him or Tash (satan) faithfully were actually HIS followers. Sorry, I'm not being clear but basically, any faith is good faith was the message. As long as you are true in your beliefs that is.

Lovely thread, thanks for starting it.