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GF’s Mom Shows Up With Strangers To Ambush Guy With “Faith Intervention”, Gets A Reality Check Fast
Extremely religious woman aggressively confronting young man in a heated discussion indoors with intense expression.

GF’s Mom Shows Up With Strangers To Ambush Guy With “Faith Intervention”, Gets A Reality Check Fast

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Isn’t religion a funny thing? Pretty much every single one has a book filled with sacred teachings involving one (or more) gods which may or may not be real, a strict set of rules to follow, and millions of devout followers who love to do one thing – make more followers.

One guy, who isn’t anti-religion but isn’t religious himself, shared how his girlfriend’s mom had been upping her efforts at “saving” him, for the sake of her daughter. When she turned up one day with two church friends in tow, though, things went sideways fast.    

 More info: Reddit

RELATED:

    There’s no shortage of people who think it’s OK to “save” those who don’t follow a religion, and to be honest, it can all get to be a little bit extra

    Young couple sitting on a couch having a friendly conversation, representing an unreligious boyfriend and his girlfriend.

    Image credits: Freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    One guy who isn’t religious, but isn’t anti religion either, lives with his Christian girlfriend, whose mother thinks his lack of faith is a problem to be solved 

    Text screenshot showing a man explaining his girlfriend’s religious mother tried a faith intervention, leading to her ban from their apartment.

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    The guy tried to be polite, going to an Easter church service, but ever since then his girlfriend’s mom has been like a dog with a bone when it comes to his spirituality

    Text excerpt about an extremely religious lady framing concern over daughter's boyfriend, highlighting religious conflict.

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    Things came to a head when, under the guise of dropping off some of his girlfriend’s stuff, her mother brought two strange women into their place for a “faith intervention”

    Text excerpt showing conflict involving an extremely religious lady trying to convert daughter's unreligious boyfriend.

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    Stunned, the guy kicked all three of the women out and has banned his girlfriend’s mom from coming over until she apologizes, but now he’s wondering if that makes him a jerk

    The original poster (OP) and his girlfriend “Sasha” have been together over three years, talking engagement, saving money, doing the whole “stable adult couple” thing. The only catch? Religion. He doesn’t practice, she grew up religious, and her mom has decided his lack of faith is a temporary glitch that needs fixing, preferably soon.

    It started out small: church pamphlets, loaded questions, articles about “unequally yoked couples.” OP tried being polite, even went to Easter service once, which her mom treated like a spiritual breakthrough. From there, things escalated into praying for his “stubbornness” and framing him as a danger to her daughter’s future happiness.

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    Then came the ambush. Her mom stopped by to drop off boxes, except she brought two church women along. There OP was in his gym shorts, packing tape in hand, when perfect strangers started asking him if he’d accepted Jesus. Sasha froze, but the living room had already turned into a pop-up revival nobody had asked for.

    Spoiler alert: OP kicked them out, saying his home was “not your ministry project”. His new rule? No visits without an apology and no more religious stuff. Sasha’s agreed her mom crossed a line but says banning her forces an impossible choice on her. So, OP’s turned to an online community to ask if setting a basic boundary makes him a villain.

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    OP’s in a tricky spot but, seriously, who wants their living room turned into a surprise battleground for their soul? Why do people like Sasha’s mom think it’s OK to push their religion on others? And what’s the best way to deal with them?

    Man and woman having a serious conversation on couch, illustrating conflict with religious and unreligious beliefs.

    Image credits: The Yuri Arcurs Collection / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    Here’s the thing: according to GotQuestions, Christians are actually commanded to proselytize – that’s the fancy word for seeking converts. And, when it comes to being a follower of Christ, what Jesus wants, Jesus gets.

    Not all Christians agree on how to share their faith, though. Catholic culture, for example, makes a distinction between evangelization (inviting someone to consider Christianity) and proselytism, or trying to force conversion – we’re looking at you, Sasha’s mom. 

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    So, if there’s no stopping them, what’s the best way to deal? Whether it’s a stranger in public, someone at your door, or a close friend or family member, the good news is that there are ways to let them know you’re not interested.

    The pros over at wikiHow offer some handy tips. Some of the best include changing the subject, not taking a defensive position or engaging, expressing joy that they’ve found something that works for them, and, if you’re dealing with a street preacher, just walk away. See ya, buddy.  

    Well, if Sasha’s mom can’t lay off the Bible bashing, it’s OP’s relationship that’s going to need saving, not his soul. Here’s hoping she’ll respect his boundaries and leave his lack of faith out of things in future.  

    What’s your take? Should OP have gone along with the missionary act, or is it time Sasha’s mom got a reality check? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

    In the comments, readers agreed that the guy was not the jerk in the situation and that his girlfriend’s silence during her mom’s ambush was a major red flag

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    Poll Question

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    Ivan Ayliffe

    Ivan Ayliffe

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    After twenty years in advertising, I've decided to try my hand at journalism. I'm lucky enough to be based in Cape Town, South Africa and use every opportunity I get to explore everything it has to offer, both indoors and out. When I'm not reading, writing, or listening to podcasts, I spend my time swimming in the ocean, running mountain trails, and skydiving. While I haven't travelled as much as I'd like, I did live in !ndia, which was an incredible experience. Oh, and I love live music. I hope you enjoy my stories!

    Read less »
    Ivan Ayliffe

    Ivan Ayliffe

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    After twenty years in advertising, I've decided to try my hand at journalism. I'm lucky enough to be based in Cape Town, South Africa and use every opportunity I get to explore everything it has to offer, both indoors and out. When I'm not reading, writing, or listening to podcasts, I spend my time swimming in the ocean, running mountain trails, and skydiving. While I haven't travelled as much as I'd like, I did live in !ndia, which was an incredible experience. Oh, and I love live music. I hope you enjoy my stories!

    What do you think ?
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the one commenter nailed it (ha ha, little religious joke there) - there's no greater hate than "Christian" love.

    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, I'm obviously going to hell because I laughed way too much at that.

    Load More Replies...
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP needs to decide if the relationship—-where his GF did NOTHING to back him up—-is important enough to risk being forced into her cult, and any children being forced into it too. I personally would not take that risk, for my future kids or myself, and would end this relationship. There are better people out there, lots of them, so I would cut ties with these cult members and continue my search for a reasonable, open minded, non-brainwashed person to spend the rest of my life with.

    Trillian
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, it's the mom forcing a choice. And yes, the daughter will have to choose.

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And she’s already been brainwashed not to speak up when her mother and the church ladies start their ambush proselytizing.

    Load More Replies...
    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was raised in church, but struggled with faith in college. Worked on figuring out what was right for me (which was not organized religion) and met someone who already felt that way. We eventually moved in together and announced engagement, with intention of having an outdoor wedding. Started getting calls from area churches wanting to make appointments to come by, one even just showed up at the house. Visited my mom one day, found her notes of which churches she had called and requested they reach out to me as we were "looking for a church home". I was stunned/speechless, but on the way home I called her and said "found your notes and this stops now". Even though I was still at that point struggling with what I truly did/didn't believe (hard to let go of all that history), the responsbility for shutting it down was MINE! My fiancee was very annoyed with the whole thing, but never had to ask me to put a stop to it. I always knew it was my responsbility to address. GF needs to choose.

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being neither a horse nor a dog, I am NOT open to being led.

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never led my horses, they were my partners and walked beside me.

    Load More Replies...
    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her mom very much humiliated herself. I recommend joining Church of Satan or the Flying spaghetti monster.

    marcelo D.
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sasha's mom might still be her mum, but if that's how she's gonna act, OP will probably not be her boyfriend

    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, so I came unstuck at the super soaker and it transpires that they were used during covid for social distancing. 😆😂 On the subject, he may as well save himself time and just leave now - she didn't defend him at the time, she gaslit him after. It's already over.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sasha, pack your shart and get out. Would be my answer. I don't tolerate harassment, especially religious harassment, and she didn't make a move to stop it. In fact, she even acts like he did something wrong. Nope. Get! Out! Now! Sasha!

    FluffButt Central
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was in a 2 year relationship with a Bible thumper. RUN!

    Mark Childers
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not religious, even though I was forced to go to church as a kid. I read the bible cover to cover, twice, because nothing in church made sense to me, and I needed to understand, just for the sake of curiosity. I don't like not understanding things, so I have to find out on my own. That was the it. Never went to church after I moved out of my mother's house, even though I never planned to anyway. These people are crazy and will make this guy's life miserable. Better to end things now. But I got a good laugh out of the "stood up, sat down" comment. I hated that so much!

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "open to being led" No, and you can p**s off. All the way.

    Robyn Hill
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The whole “lead her spiritually” thing gave me chills. So this is a church in which women are apparently subservient to men - yet the women are the ones doing all the conversion work? What the flying fruit bat? He needs to tell GF’s mom that he’s joined the Church of Satan and be done with it.

    Sparky Hughes
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m a Christian but do understand how inappropriate this mother is. Mom has a messiah complex. She thinks she can convert people like she is the messiah. All you can do is plant the seed. It’s between that person and God. My MIL is like this. She forced her kids to be involved with the Catholic Church. Didn’t listen and then finds out later the priest messed with my husband and BIL and r***d my SIL. Of course I want our kids to be involved Christians but I would never push it.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mom won. So did OP.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time to quit wasting your time on someone who is clearly enmeshed with her family. She's clearly too immature to be in an adult relationship.

    Otto Katz
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Account was banned by reddit, wonder what that's about?

    Thanos'Fingers
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was a short time where Reddit was blocking obviously fake accounts posting obviously fake stories. Then they got overrun and quit trying. This account probably fell in the still trying stage.

    Load More Replies...
    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guy, your girlfriend helped set that little visit up.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the one commenter nailed it (ha ha, little religious joke there) - there's no greater hate than "Christian" love.

    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, I'm obviously going to hell because I laughed way too much at that.

    Load More Replies...
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP needs to decide if the relationship—-where his GF did NOTHING to back him up—-is important enough to risk being forced into her cult, and any children being forced into it too. I personally would not take that risk, for my future kids or myself, and would end this relationship. There are better people out there, lots of them, so I would cut ties with these cult members and continue my search for a reasonable, open minded, non-brainwashed person to spend the rest of my life with.

    Trillian
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, it's the mom forcing a choice. And yes, the daughter will have to choose.

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And she’s already been brainwashed not to speak up when her mother and the church ladies start their ambush proselytizing.

    Load More Replies...
    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was raised in church, but struggled with faith in college. Worked on figuring out what was right for me (which was not organized religion) and met someone who already felt that way. We eventually moved in together and announced engagement, with intention of having an outdoor wedding. Started getting calls from area churches wanting to make appointments to come by, one even just showed up at the house. Visited my mom one day, found her notes of which churches she had called and requested they reach out to me as we were "looking for a church home". I was stunned/speechless, but on the way home I called her and said "found your notes and this stops now". Even though I was still at that point struggling with what I truly did/didn't believe (hard to let go of all that history), the responsbility for shutting it down was MINE! My fiancee was very annoyed with the whole thing, but never had to ask me to put a stop to it. I always knew it was my responsbility to address. GF needs to choose.

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being neither a horse nor a dog, I am NOT open to being led.

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never led my horses, they were my partners and walked beside me.

    Load More Replies...
    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her mom very much humiliated herself. I recommend joining Church of Satan or the Flying spaghetti monster.

    marcelo D.
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sasha's mom might still be her mum, but if that's how she's gonna act, OP will probably not be her boyfriend

    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, so I came unstuck at the super soaker and it transpires that they were used during covid for social distancing. 😆😂 On the subject, he may as well save himself time and just leave now - she didn't defend him at the time, she gaslit him after. It's already over.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sasha, pack your shart and get out. Would be my answer. I don't tolerate harassment, especially religious harassment, and she didn't make a move to stop it. In fact, she even acts like he did something wrong. Nope. Get! Out! Now! Sasha!

    FluffButt Central
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was in a 2 year relationship with a Bible thumper. RUN!

    Mark Childers
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not religious, even though I was forced to go to church as a kid. I read the bible cover to cover, twice, because nothing in church made sense to me, and I needed to understand, just for the sake of curiosity. I don't like not understanding things, so I have to find out on my own. That was the it. Never went to church after I moved out of my mother's house, even though I never planned to anyway. These people are crazy and will make this guy's life miserable. Better to end things now. But I got a good laugh out of the "stood up, sat down" comment. I hated that so much!

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "open to being led" No, and you can p**s off. All the way.

    Robyn Hill
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The whole “lead her spiritually” thing gave me chills. So this is a church in which women are apparently subservient to men - yet the women are the ones doing all the conversion work? What the flying fruit bat? He needs to tell GF’s mom that he’s joined the Church of Satan and be done with it.

    Sparky Hughes
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m a Christian but do understand how inappropriate this mother is. Mom has a messiah complex. She thinks she can convert people like she is the messiah. All you can do is plant the seed. It’s between that person and God. My MIL is like this. She forced her kids to be involved with the Catholic Church. Didn’t listen and then finds out later the priest messed with my husband and BIL and r***d my SIL. Of course I want our kids to be involved Christians but I would never push it.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mom won. So did OP.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time to quit wasting your time on someone who is clearly enmeshed with her family. She's clearly too immature to be in an adult relationship.

    Otto Katz
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Account was banned by reddit, wonder what that's about?

    Thanos'Fingers
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was a short time where Reddit was blocking obviously fake accounts posting obviously fake stories. Then they got overrun and quit trying. This account probably fell in the still trying stage.

    Load More Replies...
    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guy, your girlfriend helped set that little visit up.

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