Oh...

[twissie]

By bringing Christian with me to the family gathering in Telemark last weekend, I was able to avoid any uncomfortable or awkward discussions with my extremely religious uncle.

Or so I thought.

He's now sent me a package in the mail including a Christian comic book, and a booklet he's written himself titled "The Road to Paradise". He's also

Comments

[riath]

If it was me, I'd go the route of telling him that your firm really doesn't translate that sort of thing. I'd write out a few drafts of what you want to say and then tweak it till it's tactful and respectful.

But then I can't stand it when religious people constantly send stuff like that. I get that they have their faith but I do wish they'd keep it to themselves a little more.

[twissie]

I would not have let this go on for as long (or at all) had he not been a family member. We only see each other at big family get togethers, and he has a tendency to corner people and talk about religious things. "Yay".

I've chosen to never get into any arguments with him, because it would just make everything unpleasant for everyone involved. Not just me, but also for my parents, and the rest of his family. I guess I indulge him somewhat by sitting there quietly nodding along until he goes away. I might not have spoken up for what I believe in, but I've also never said anything to support his views. I just sit there quietly and diplomatically (and patiently and awkwardly) and hope he'll go away before something ugly slips out.

It also doesn't help that I know he's had nervous breakdowns in the past, and writing and sharing these booklets is a way for him to deal with the world. I get that. I can see that this is very important to him, and that's okay.

[quoting_mungo]

You seem to be fairly close to your parents; is this anything you can discuss with them? That's usually what I do when I'm at a loss for how to let down a relative gently: I ask Mom.

(I may have issues with my parents in general, but that kind of thing at least my mom has been fairly good at. Though she still doesn't get my compulsive need to be "fair" when it comes to gift-giving and inviting people to things - of course if I give a gift to one brother I have to give a gift to the other, even if I hate the other.)

[illusoire]

I agree with what nimeth_nimora said; it seems like the most polite way to refuse, and hopefully he shouldn't be offended if you suggest some other options to him.

[nursemette]

I agree with this, it's a sensible way to do it without letting him know that you're uncomfortable with it.
Just remember, you are /not/ responsible for his wellbeing, I see too many people who think they are. quoting_mungo has a really good idea going there, talk with somebody else who knows him and let them know what your thoughts are. It's going to be sad if you push your own wellbeing aside just to appease his need to share his own religion.

Besides, there are Christian alternatives to publishing and translating: http://www.startsiden.no/nettguide/kunst_og_kultur/kunst_og_kultur_-_bedrifter/litteratur_-_bedrifter/forlag/kristne_forlag/

[canadaphile]

If it's making you so confused and uncomfortable, I think the best thing would be to tell him that you are uncomfortable with what he's giving you. You appreciate the gesture, but the content is not within your interests.

=^..^=~

[koemiko]

1. Be direct, but polite.

2. Stand your ground.

3. If thinks don't pan out, don't beat yourself up over it.