Don't back down. Simply indicate how they broached the subject. If they press that you are the instigator then expect to use the following retort as they will most likely be asking for unconditional respect for their beliefs, "I respect your freedom to believe anything you wish, but I'll judge the belief on its mertis; essentially how well it conforms to reality".
There is usually a point in these encounters where somebody will claim home field advantage and try to create some rule that states the Bible and the rest of the bullshit is actually true in his/her abode. Just remember to tell them the laws of physics, as far as we know, are the same everywhere in the universe.
I have serveral more examples, but you get the point. Please don't ever back down to close relations, you will set yourself up for long term agony. I think it best, as uncomfortable as it may be, to drive the discussion to a point where [you] feel your viewpoint is respected. If they don't, keep helping them to unerstand how ridiculous they are. Ignoring strangers and getting about other business is acheivable. If you 'drop the subject' to get along with close relations like this they will smell blood in the water and you wll be miserable.
There is usually a point in these encounters where somebody will claim home field advantage and try to create some rule that states the Bible and the rest of the bullshit is actually true in his/her abode. Just remember to tell them the laws of physics, as far as we know, are the same everywhere in the universe.
I have serveral more examples, but you get the point. Please don't ever back down to close relations, you will set yourself up for long term agony. I think it best, as uncomfortable as it may be, to drive the discussion to a point where [you] feel your viewpoint is respected. If they don't, keep helping them to unerstand how ridiculous they are. Ignoring strangers and getting about other business is acheivable. If you 'drop the subject' to get along with close relations like this they will smell blood in the water and you wll be miserable.
