Well...

[ThisIsSuchAPity]

...my best friend's mom just died, and I have no idea what to say to him to offer solace, considering I'm and atheist and he is an evangelical Christian.

[googirl8907]

Just be there for him. Sometimes having someone to sit around with is what he needs.

[DRUMMERGIRL121]

Console him, and just be a friend. He needs a shoulder to lean on right now.

[PaulsRightNut]

I don't really see how religion has to do with anything. But just tell him if he wants someone to talk to or be with or whatever you'll be there for him. I mean what else can you say.

[iAMhollyood315]

regarldess of religion. however you are an athesist, you should still comfort him and tell him that things will be alright and that it will only get better. but if he is a christian, he will know that god has a plan for everyone and he can rest easier knowing she will be in a great place

[sdbrown]

I don't really see how religion has to do with anything. But just tell him if he wants someone to talk to or be with or whatever you'll be there for him. I mean what else can you say.
I think it's just hard to sound sincere saying "It's ok, they are going to a better place" when you don't believe in heaven. I know I feel weird saying it to console someone, it feels like I'm lying through my teeth.

I guess just remind him or that she had a great impact on the world while she was alive and was a good person and that's really all that matters.

[lightcollapse]

"I hope your mother enjoys her eternal unconciousness and permanent state of biological inactivity."

[EmoGangstaTMT]

That is rather unfortunate. But like it was stated earlier. If he needs to talk to someone and he wants to talk to you about this just be there for him and he'll be there for you. Good friends can still have different opinions and operate just fine in times of need.

[heyzombiehitler]

Christopher walkins!

[James_Brand]

You could say "Where's the love of your God now?" I'm sure that will make him feel better.

Seriously though, there is nothing you can say or do to make him feel better. All you can do is be there to help him through it. Be mindful of any self-destructive behavior. Don't force him to talk about his feelings, he'll open up when he's ready; but make sure to tell him when he's ready to talk you are there for him. Don't start to smother him with attention, spend roughly the same amount of time you did before.

It was hard when my best friends dad died. He'll never really get over it, but he will come to terms with it.

[thespearkid]

That's a tough one. Just hang out with him. If he starts talking about her going to heaven or anything like that, just listen or nod. Now's not the best time to try and convert him to Atheism. Wait a month or two. =)

[SLoT]

say you're sorry to hear about this news and then tell him if he needs anyone to talk to you're there for him. if he starts talking religious things just listen to him. thats all he needs. someone to listen if he needs to talk. play xbox, look at porn, drink etc... you know... jack him off maybe.

[pilot_light_out]

"I hope your mother enjoys her eternal unconciousness and permanent state of biological inactivity."

Dumb.

[PaulsRightNut]

I think it's just hard to sound sincere saying "It's ok, they are going to a better place" when you don't believe in heaven. I know I feel weird saying it to console someone, it feels like I'm lying through my teeth.

I guess just remind him or that she had a great impact on the world while she was alive and was a good person and that's really all that matters.

then why say it at all? I don't know, I just think its weird lying about it. I mean unless you know if the person is going to feel better hearing it from you.

[sdbrown]

then why say it at all? I don't know, I just think its weird lying about it. I mean unless you know if the person is going to feel better hearing it from you.
I don't. But that's allll I used to hear when my grandparents passed away a number of years ago and it's sort of the cliche thing to say now (not in a bad way) and it's a very common, easy way to cheer the person up- supporting the idea that the parent or friend is still there with you.

OP: do you have any good memories of the kid's mom? Like it might be cool to bring up how she was always nice to you when you came over and get him to talk about all the fun things they did together

[Bites the Dust]

there isn't anything you can really say. Don't make jokes about nice she was and what not because it's even more upsetting. Just sit there and if he doesn't talk then don't talk and give him a hug. Actions speak louder then words. You have no idea how painful it is to lose a parent.

[scmaley]

My dad's brother died last weekend. I didn't know him very well, but when they were growing up they were very close (my uncle became an alcoholic and I only saw him at Christmas). I went to the funeral and was just there for my dad and the rest of his brothers during those few days. I know it meant a lot to my dad to have my brother and me sitting in the audience when he was trying to get through giving the eulogy.
So, I would suggest just being there for him (like other people have suggested). Your actions will speak louder than words, anyway.