It is not uncommon to come across people who have such mistaken beliefs:
'Oh, I can't eat beef. I'm a Buddhist.'
'This amulet is blessed and given to me by a Buddhist monk. Can ward off evil.'
Upon hearing such statements, the first feeling that arises within me would be anger, because such are the statements that cause other people to have misconceptions about Buddhism, leading to the misconception that Buddhism is a superstitious religion.
Initially, what I would do is to politely challenge the person's beliefs, asking them why Buddhist can't eat beef, what about all other animals? Why would a Buddhist practising loving-kindness would be afraid of 'evil'?
I would then go onto lengthy explanations on the correct beliefs, like how vegetarianism is encouraged but not enforced, that all sentient beings are equal and we don't specifically target on cows.
I would agree that on my part, it is a sort of attachment. I don't like people spreading false image of Buddhism, especially when we are living in a society where people still think that Buddhism is about praying to Guan Yin images and such.
Lately, I've also stop attempting to correct such mistaken beliefs because such beliefs are already quite deep rooted, and there is so many people with such beliefs that I'm tired of challenging them again.
But then again, even if this is a kind of attachment, how can I not do anything about such mistaken views and allow it to spread?
What is the correct approach when one meets a person with such slanted beliefs?
IMO, When there is conditions to correct them, just correct them. For example in the case your friend said mistaken statements about Buddhism, just correct them...
There are a lot of ignorance of Buddhism. So you have to be patient.
During the so-called 'Seventh Month' in 2008 , my colleagues asked me if i wanted to join them to burn hellnotes & incense. I declined , saying it will be better to chant and dedicate to the working area spirits if there is any. One of them said , the ghost would need money to spend and etc. I lol , maybe they do need money to spend.
When we talk about what is life after death in religious context , i talked about 6 realms and about asura , a being who is half-god and half-monster , they looked suprised and lol. I also lol.
I attend buddhist lessons , my mother asked me why i become so superstitious. I told her but you are offering jose sticks and fruits to guan yin. lol
When one day , i manage to muster all my courage and explain that heavenly beings will die one day , i think whole world would stare me with big eyes.
It is prettty fun & interesting to hold such conversations in daily life.