Not my job to talk them into/out of anything. I just don't worry about any of those things. It works for me

Friends evolove, if not themselves, those you choose as friends. Those you were forced by proximity to associate with in youth often become embarrassments in later life. Sure, you shared some eventful experiences, but were they really ‘friends?’

As I’ve progressed, so have ‘my friends,’ or at least those I chose to share my life with. It happens.. so be as patient as possible, they get better

Some people need to believe, it makes them feel better or safe. I let it go and don t converse about it.

i was thinking... if everybody (everybody) believed in god and there was something else that most people believed in - let's say the chupacabra... being hypothetical... would people who believe in god think those that believed in the chupacabra are idiots ('believe in' meaning 'believe that there really is such a thing)? purely hypothetical thinking.
i don't know where i was going with that but people will believe some stupid shit. i was at texas roadhouse several years back and there was a guy that thought the jackelope was a real animal.

If they are really smart, they would understand that there is no god, and their thinking is delusional and they share that delusion with others, reinforcing that delusion every time they pray. They manage their illogical belief with cognitive dissonance (hate that term, but it fits), so the more you challenge them, the more adamant they become.
I haven’t had to deal with friends like this; just colleagues. I don’t say a word. No point.