So, recently, I gained a new client - husband and wife - who are very religious. Referral from a fellow EA who works in the same building (they are not in his niche market). I've had two appointments with them so far and they seem very nice people. However, they have spent a not-insignificant time in each appointment discussing their faith. It's not the time I'm bothered about. The meetings were properly concluded in the time allotted. I am just wary that attempts to evangelize may increase. How does one handle that? I am used to people mentioning faith but the intensity in the context of a tax appointment is new to me.
All my grandparents were churchgoers, because that's what you did then if you knew what was good for you. My parents less so - they found the hypocrisy distasteful. I went to school in Scotland, where Religious Education is part of the curriculum from beginning to end; in the 1970's it was exclusively Judeo-Christian. However, I made a decision in my late teens to walk away from organized religion. All that has shaped my views that can be described as a little unorthodox, shocking the first time you hear them, yet mainstream if you take time to think about it.
I think they are genuine people and I do not want to offend them. However, if these discussions continue next year, the logical conclusion is that they will draw more out of me than just platitudes, which could easily make the situation very uncomfortable.
Ach, maybe I'm worrying over nothing, but any and all thoughtful observations would be welcome, if you have managed to read this far.