Proper response

[freedomfromforum]

Were you being deliberately provocative in bringing up the black hole reference among theists? If so, I'd say you got the response that you likely expected, otherwise I'd say that you are free to talk about whatever you please in general conversation, just like theists. Your mother's friend became threatened by your reasoning, and a common response to this is to retreat an seek alliance (found in your mother). The 'appropriate' way to act is often determined by any number of contributing factors, though the best position to take with your mother is often one of respect. You may not owe her an apology, but you might owe her an explanation. Education is the best tool you can use to keep your daughter from following in her grandmother's footsteps, and keeping honest communication open between yourself, your mother, and your daughter, respectively, will help to inform your daughter which path is best to follow. The next time you find yourself outnumbered by theists you might want to take a page from this experience that you have shared. Good luck.