Changing the Conversation
Redirect the topic subtly to be polite. This is the most polite way to avoid the conversation about religion. If someone brings it up, follow up with something unrelated without being too obvious.Try to raise questions that lead the other person to talk about different things you appear interested in. For example, imagine Cousin Marty says something like “Kids these days just aren't going to church. It's all that rock and roll they're listening to. Right?” You could follow up with “Speaking of kids, I've been meaning to ask: how’s your daughter doing at college?”
Bridge to a safe topic before religion is brought up. If you know that you'll be talking to people who like to bring up religion, take charge and steer the conversation elsewhere. By being preemptive, you can stop the awkward conversation before it even begins. Be prepared with a few neutral conversation starters, like "So what did you all think of the last Game of Thrones episode?" or "Anyone have travel plans for the summer?" Whenever you're around the person who likes to talk about religion, just lead with one of these neutral topics.
Find someone to be a buffer. Bringing someone new into the conversation can lead to a natural shift in topic. If someone won't drop the topic of religion, having a buffer also means you won't be stuck alone in an awkward situation. You can make the shift suddenly, like “Hey, isn't that Pam over there? Let's catch up with her! Hey Pam! Over here!” Try to have a friend or ally be your buffer. They'll probably pick up on what's going on and try to help out.
Respond with total silence. Sometimes not saying anything at all is the best way to get a point across. If someone brings up religion in an uncomfortable way, look at them and say nothing. It takes a little nerve, but hold the silence for a few seconds and then shift to a neutral topic. This should signal clearly that it's not an appropriate time to discuss religion.
Ending the Conversation
Make up an excuse to leave. A little white lie is just fine if you're trying to get out of an awkward conversation about religion. Tell the person you've had fun talking to them, but you've actually got to go now. Make up an excuse where the person can't reasonably follow you. For instance, if you say you're going to refill your drink, they might try to follow you. Instead, say you've got to go call home and check on things.
Try the hard pivot technique. If someone makes an awkward or offensive remark about religion, you don't have to respond in any way at all. Simply turn and walk away. This might be considered rude, but it's reasonable if it's really not the place or time to talk religion.
Let stray remarks go rather than starting an argument. If someone makes a religious comment, even one that annoys you, no one says you have to respond. This is especially true if it seems like an awkward time to pick up the topic. If there’s not a question directed specifically at you, just let the comment go. Leave as soon as you can.
Setting Ground Rules
Declare a debate-free zone. If you can't escape the conversation, and the person won't let the topic go, be upfront about not wanting to talk. Politely but firmly remind them that religion is a personal and sensitive topic, and it may not be appropriate to discuss it in all situations. Suggest that for the sake of others around you, it's best not to debate religion right now.
Suggest talking about religion some other time. If the person is not being combative but wants to talk about religion, tell them another time and place would be better. If you are genuinely interested in talking to them about religion, you can actually set up another time to talk. If you just want them off your back, keep it non-specific. Something like “Why don't we talk about this at the next company picnic?” should do the trick.
Agree to disagree. With reasonable people, this old standby actually works. If someone brings up religion in an awkward situation, tell them you likely don't agree on spiritual matters and should probably talk about something else.
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