How can one legitimately express concern about someone’s spirituality, or definition thereof?

by heyimlindsayp

Question by TheKitten: How can one legitimately express concern about someone’s spirituality, or definition thereof?
And at what point does it become a legitimate concern to step in when we have strong reason to believe someone is doing serious harm to themselves through adherence to occult practices and strange metaphysical systems?

I’m asking out of concern for a family member who has been expressing some very strange beliefs for quite some time and whom I have reason to suspect is being manipulated in a possibly sectarian environment, although not on a full-time basis. It seems to be getting worse and basically has the effect of alienating the person from pretty much everybody else. It becomes very hard to spend time with them, and I am far from the only one who feels that way. The person also has been shirking more and more from responsibility, which is deeply out of character.

I don’t believe the person has any mental illnesses in the psychiatric sense, although I don’t possess the expertise to make that sort of assessment.

Any advice on this kind of situation, specific or general, or simply theoretical, to help me understand, would be appreciated.

Best answer:

Answer by euphoric(k)
I’ve always found that type of stuff very intriguing, but always stayed away because I know it is dangerous and isn’t something to meddle in.

Try to get them to talk to you one on one. Tell them your concerns and don’t sound judgmental. Be as kind as possible, because you don’t want to push them away farther. Maybe try asking them about what they’re getting into so you can decide for yourself if it’s wrong.

If all else fails pray.

Good luck.

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