Someone trying to convert you? Here's how to deflect their attention politely

-- A.H., Bethesda, MD

Conversion seems to be on the minds of a lot of people these days. Southern Baptists, who've started a campaign to convert Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, also plan to send thousands of missionaries to Chicago next summer. When the Pope was in Asia this fall, he called for greater efforts to spread Catholicism in India, a country already packed with 4,500 foreign missionaries and 120,000 Indian missionaries. So, what to do when evangelists knock on your door and you're really not interested? Take the same "I-gave-at-the-office" approach that works with telephone solicitors. Be civil. When necessary, be adamant. Tell them your heart - and your soul -- are already taken. If they persist, tell them (still politely, but maybe more firmly than your previous tone) they're infringing on your right to your faith.

And try to remember: In some ways, the urge to convert others is admirable. It reflects a certainty about truth and a desire to share it.

I'm a Muslim and a friend from my office has invited me to her house for her annual Christmas party. What do I do once everyone else starts singing Christmas carols?

-- H.C., St. Louis, MO

Obviously, a lot of Christmas songs have nothing to do with religion. "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" has about as much to do with Christmas as hip-hop does with Beethoven. It's the more traditional songs that can cause problems. Many of these carols violate Muslim belief that Allah can have a physical form and that Jesus was one of many prophets. But by accepting your friend's invitation, you're implicitly agreeing to be respectful toward the songs and images of her faith-though that doesn't mean you have to sing or even hum. And remember: Your presence at the party will be a sign of your friendship toward your host. You may also think of this as way to show you own respect toward Jesus -- as a prophet, not a Son of God.