How do you break the "It's between me and God" shutdown tactic?

[ryecroft]

Well, I get it, she brought the topic up (was your brother her husband there?) and then you tried to - er - enlighten her to the Church’s teaching - and she came back with a “it’s between me and God…” - I seriously doubt she’s going to want to bring this topic up around you - but if it does happen to come up then it wounds like you really feel that you want to push your point home - if you get the chance - go for it - but then DROP IT. If it winds up that when you guys get together this becomes something they expect to hear from you, you may not be seeing them too much more. Have you been asked to ‘let it go’ or ‘drop it’ or anything else by either your brother or your SIL? If so, I wouldn’t push the point. I’m betting since she said it’s between her and God that she’s aware of what the Church teaches regarding this. Are you certain (I figure you are) that she isn’t taking the pill to deal with harsh periods or something worse? (I thought I’d ask but I figure if she brought up the topic of ABC she probably would have noted this)-
Anyway good luck - I just don’t want to see you alienate your brother and SIL. I wish there was a way you could do what Saint Francis said - ‘preach and when necessary use your mouth’ or something like that.
God Bless and Good Luck
Rye

 

[DJK100]

I don’t know why people keep talking about debating her. It is not about debating because she is not looking for a debate. I think the best thing the OP can do is ask to speak with her privately, explain to her what his concern is and why he is concerned, present church teaching, tell her he wishes to remain friends and that this will be the last time he brings up the topic unless she wished to engage in it more. Other than that the only other thing you can do is pray for her.

I wouldn’t however present it as a debate or judgement of her because that is not our place. If the conversation comes from a place of genuine concern then even if she is annoyed or tries to shut down the converstation in all likelyhood she will not be upset for long.