Are there people you CANNOT discuss religion with?

[Mudhammam]

My brother became Mormon a little over 20 years ago. At first it was no big deal, but after my mother joined the cult about a decade ago things changed. The timing could be coincidence, but he then started religious based conversation just to ask "why is reason considered superior to revelation" when I started handing him his ass. Things progressively got worse in that conversations were consumed with religion. Eventually it got to the point where we've had two strained conversations in the last two years.

I don't like the current situation, but have concluded there is nothing much I can do about it. I won't let the bullshit go unchecked and my attempts to make the subject taboo somehow translate, in his mind, to my tacit approval of his beliefs. Before our estrangement, he quit letting me talk to my niece and nephews. I can only hope that they will reach out to me when they come of age. My niece graduates next year; her three brothers follow in three year intervals. We'll see.

I hate it for you. I know exactly what you're dealing with, but I hesitate to give advice that might only serve to aggravate the situation. You can choose friends, not family; however, there is something particularly sad when someone you grew up with is no longer there (so to speak). I have attempted to make accomodations (religion = taboo), but I refuse to compromise my integrity just to get along if the alternative is a constant barrage of god infused bullshit.

Thank you Cato. I needed to hear that. It's pretty much left me feeling shitty and grumpy all day today.