It's Like A Death

So a friend of mine has been more and more vocal lately about his rebellion against God.  This man was raised a Mennonite (tons of Mennos here, that's the mainstream Evangelical flavor of the community), went to Christian school, attended every church-sponsored activity that existed.  This man has been running further and further from God for years.  Now he has it in his head that if he wants to talk smack about God no one should be offended.  It is apparently ok to get mad but not offended.  I have no idea what that means or where the difference is supposed to lie.  This man used to be one of my best friends.  Lately, his belligerence and hatred of Christian things have driven a huge wedge between us.  He used to ask questions.  Now he makes statements.  And they aren't statements any Christian wants to hear.  Even our friends who aren't Christians are uncomfortable with many of the things he says.  Even they aren't willing to go so far in their rebellion as he is.  I suppose I need to dedicate myself to pray for him more diligently.  Talking only seems to make him worse.  My friend has left me, but his body is still walking around.