How can I get my parents to realize I don't share their religion?

[Red Exodus]

^Topic

Basically, I'm sick of going to church to listen to stuff I don't believe in. It's like being brainwashed. I figured I'd ask here since people here tend to go through all sorts of predicaments throughout their lifetime.

I'd like to get through this without pissing them off, if that's even possible.

UPDATE: I told her last night and she understood completely.

 

[Life Ruiner]

How old are you? If you are over 16 they should let you decide what your beliefs are, and if you talk to them calmly I bet it would work out. Unless they are really into the Religious stuff? If they are, then ugh, your in a really tough position.

 

[Red Exodus]

They aren't that religious so I don't have to worry about getting a lecture about it but they'll probably say something about me being influenced by games and tv.

I'm 16 which is why I think I should be able to choose whether or not I have to conform to a religion I'm not comfortable with.

 

[Life Ruiner]

They aren't that religious so I don't have to worry about getting a lecture about it but they'll probably say something about me being influenced by games and tv.

I'm 16 which is why I think I should be able to choose whether or not I have to conform to a religion I'm not comfortable with.

If they aren't that religious they'll understand. Maybe get them at a time when there in a very calm mood, that way there less likely to get mad.

 

[Tonyman]

Well, lets see, my brother is an atheist or agnostic, im not sure, the thing is thatmy family is mainly of catholics, but only my mom goes to church every week, my other bro sometimes, my bro stopped going to church like 4 years ago, he actually never told my mom he didnt belive in her god, but just stopped gong and my mom assumed he didnt belive.

Now, im an atheist too, like my brother i think, i just told my mom like 2 years ago that i didnt want to go to chrusch anymore, without telling her what i belived in, at first she was a bit mad(like for a week xD) then she just let it go and now she almost always goes alone to church.

So maybe you dont need ot tell them exactly the whole thing, just that you do not want to go anymore, unless you really feel like you should or want tot tell them, then i'd say they'll let you decide, you're their son and you say they're not that much religious so i think there would be no problem on telling them, maybe not just going at them and say "im not from you religion" but more like talk to them about stuff about other religons, and after a bit telling them what your beliefs are, if you think carefully, not really many people are or blive what they say to do, yet some others really stick to their religion, so i guess they'll just comprenhend you.

I hope i was of help to your issue, but if i were you i'd wait for more opinions(as i think you will) to get better ideas or methods.

Peace.

 

[Red Exodus]

I've tried to tell her I don't want to go anymore, but she probably thought I was talking about that particular day. I'll try to tell her before this Sunday [maybe tomorrow morning or at night] so she'll know beforehand.

I might have to tell her why I don't want to go though. She'll probably think I want to stay home so I can play games or sleep in, which might happen but I do homework better when she's not home.

 

[Silent_Jester]

they should respect your beleifs, even though they don't agree with them. Just tell them that your different and thats the way you want it. If they do put up a fighting arguement then remind them that if their religion is right then the "higher being" made you the way you are.

 

[Tonyman]

Also, being your parents more likely means they love and care about you(even if this sounds weird comming form a stranger on the internet ), so they'll still see you as a son, not like if you dont belive in their religion you're not their son, maybe long ago this wasnt very accepted by the society, but nowadays its rather accepted to have different beliefs, so maybe whyat you're trying to say is if they wont see you the same ways as they do now, or dislike you or whatever, but any 'normal' parent should and will not change their opinion about their sons and daughters wether they share the same relgion or not.

Anyways, im 17, in case you were wondering when i decided not to attend church anymore, so about 2 years, and also i think my mom doesnt know im an atheist but more like a bad catholic

 

[SMASH BROS. ANNOUNCER]

^Topic

Basically, I'm sick of going to church to listen to stuff I don't believe in. It's like being brainwashed. I figured I'd ask here since people here tend to go through all sorts of predicaments throughout their lifetime.

I'd like to get through this without pissing them off, if that's even possible.

Tell them that your religious beliefs are none of their busNESS and everything should be just PEACHy!

 

[Wikipedia]

^What a very odd post^

 

[::FalcoFTW::]

Hopefully your parents aren't like this guys mother.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=P8Aq00yJSxo

>.< SCARY!!!

But in all seriousness though, just say the truth about how you feel. Don't say that you just don't want to go to church because it leaves that lingering unscertainty for your mother of your true feelings. Wether it was just because it was boring, I guess or because you really didn't believe in god, or didn't like the church, or w/e. Idk, by saying that you don't want to go to church seems like it's kinda avoiding the matter at hand...if you know what I mean....

 

[Hiemie]

Prepare to be disowned.

I hope they're accepting.

 

[notftomearth7]

Say, "Mom/Dad, I don't believe in God." and then brace for impact. Or just say "I'm an out-of-practice (insert religion here)"

 

[Tryptomine]

Say you don't want to go. That's all.

If they press you why, just tell them the truth straight up. Don't be rude or antagonizing at all, but assert your point of view and your right to it. And if they protest it, tough **** for them.

 

[Zink]

Say you don't want to go. That's all.

If they press you why, just tell them the truth straight up. Don't be rude or antagonizing at all, but assert your point of view and your right to it. And if they protest it, tough **** for them.

they should respect your beleifs, even though they don't agree with them. Just tell them that your different and thats the way you want it. If they do put up a fighting arguement then remind them that if their religion is right then the "higher being" made you the way you are.

keep in mind you have to respect their beliefs too... don't say GRRR NO CHURCH FOR ME PATHETIC SHEEP. you can pretty much do what you want but don't come over all superior and such, just explain the change.

 

[Red Exodus]

Hopefully your parents aren't like this guys mother.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=P8Aq00yJSxo

>.< SCARY!!!

But in all seriousness though, just say the truth about how you feel. Don't say that you just don't want to go to church because it leaves that lingering unscertainty for your mother of your true feelings. Wether it was just because it was boring, I guess or because you really didn't believe in god, or didn't like the church, or w/e. Idk, by saying that you don't want to go to church seems like it's kinda avoiding the matter at hand...if you know what I mean....

Woah, I lol'd when she said "No means NO Christmas!" and the dude said "Okay".

I hope my mom doesn't do that =/ I'll explain if she wants me too [which she probably will ].

Prepare to be disowned.

I hope they're accepting.

Best morale boost evAr!

Thanks for the help guys, I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Eight Sage]

Basically, I'm sick of going to church to listen to stuff I don't believe in. It's like being brainwashed.

You don't have to feel like that when going to church, it's your final decision to believe or not, you'll know that later.

And your normal life, friends, Tv, Internet, etc. are brainwashing you, and you don't even notice

 

[Crimson King]

I stopped going to church after High School (I went to a catholic school). All I did was not go for a while and they gave me a tough time. I started working on my dad who gets really interested in new ideas and theories and explained my take on Jesus and all that jazz to the point where he wasn't sure about it and he got off my back for a while. I just ignored my mom after a while and she took the hint.

I guess I got lucky.

 

[Eor]

You don't have to feel like that when going to church, it's your final decision to believe or not, you'll know that later.

That's total crap, you can't choose what you believe in. You cannot choose to all of a sudden loose or gain faith in God, just like how you cannot all of a sudden choose to like a new type of music.

 

[Sourz]

If they do put up a fighting arguement then remind them that if their religion is right then the "higher being" made you the way you are.

ugh... you dont know how stupid you sound.

 

[RDK]

I didn't end up telling my parents until I moved out. They're kind of uber-Christians, so it wouldn't have blown over well.

Basically, after I hit 15-16, I just went through the motions so I wouldn't get all my **** taken away. >_-

 

[Captain_ObviousV]

You should respect their ideas of religion and than maybe they'll respect yours. God (if you don' believe in Him or not) gave everyone freewill to think on their own. I am not the judge here, so I am not going to put you down or nothing.

Besides, religion is something man made up. There's a huge differnce between God and religion. Relgion is some made up system by mankind that is darken by corrpution, hatred, greed, ego trips, and many thngs. God is love, respect, caring, kind-hearted and so many things. Religion these days don't really reach about respect, you know. God does.

(Why I have a felling this is gonna erput into a flame war . . . oh well.)

 

[Red Exodus]

I hope it doesn't, I'm just trying to get away from being forced into something I don't believe in.

I have respect for most religions so for me it's not about whether it exists or not, it's about whether I believe it or not.

 

[pablovirus]

^Those are very mature thoughts. Just hope your parents think the same way, as there's no way to prove which "Belief" or "religion" is better.

 

[teeman92]

you better be careful what you wish for, the rapture is kinda close(rumor)

ok lets see, what if...uhm, if you died you would be at gates of heaven, you think God's gonna let you in? answer that, your parent are trying to help you, isnt the Valley event today? if so, go

 

[RDK]

you better be careful what you wish for, the rapture is kinda close(rumor)

ok lets see, what if...uhm, if you died you would be at gates of heaven, you think God's gonna let you in? answer that, your parent are trying to help you, isnt the Valley event today? if so, go

Ummm.....what?

 

[Red Exodus]

I could ask myself the same thing about every religion but the point is that I don't believe in it.

It's not like I woke up and said "I don't feel like believing in Christianity anymore", it happened over time. I've been to church many times, I've been to different churches here and overseas so I've given it a chance. I can't force myself to believe it because that, to me, is worse than not believing in it.

I don't think it's right to go to church because it's "the right thing to do", that's deceitful to yourself since you're basically going with the flow even though it's not in your heart to serve the God.

Whenever I go to church I feel kinda bad because there I am just nodding my head to everything even though I don't believe it. If I was a pastor I'd love for everyone in the congregation to come to my church because they want to and they believe in the word I'm spreading not because their parents or friends told them to do it for the sake of it.

 

[commonyoshi]

If you no longer want to go to church then just tell your parents. I remember when I told mine I was a Christian all they did was just look at me funny, chitchat a bit, and walk out of the room.

But jeez, I hate advising you not to go to church. How about you go to a new church or a youth group and just check it out before making a decision? Maybe a different pastor can put a new perspective on things. But ultimately, it's your choice. Good luck!

you better be careful what you wish for, the rapture is kinda close(rumor)

ok lets see, what if...uhm, if you died you would be at gates of heaven, you think God's gonna let you in? answer that, your parent are trying to help you, isnt the Valley event today? if so, go

-_- I dont think you're going to convince him to go to church with something he doesn't believe in in the first place. And I've never been fond of the whole "Believe in God and get into heaven!" approach.

 

[FireWater]

I would come up with a detailed explanation of why you do not accept your parent's religon. Don't try to make it out like its terrible, just say that you were brought up this way and would like to research other religions to see whats right for you.

There is no really easy way to try to do this, but I feel this way is the least confrontational.

 

[Eight Sage]

You cannot choose to all of a sudden loose or gain faith in God

Life experiences tells the contrary to that.

You didn't born knowing all, is something that you have to learn, and choose, because you can always choose in what to believe.

 

[the melon!!!!!]

Just respect there views until you're out of the house, and if that doesn't happen, too bad.

P.S. Are earplugs allowed in church?

 

[Tryptomine]

you better be careful what you wish for, the rapture is kinda close(rumor)

ok lets see, what if...uhm, if you died you would be at gates of heaven, you think God's gonna let you in? answer that, your parent are trying to help you, isnt the Valley event today? if so, go

Facepalm.jpg

Spoiler

Look! I'm being good! I'm restraining myself here!

 

[teeman92]

I could ask myself the same thing about every religion but the point is that I don't believe in it.

It's not like I woke up and said "I don't feel like believing in Christianity anymore", it happened over time. I've been to church many times, I've been to different churches here and overseas so I've given it a chance. I can't force myself to believe it because that, to me, is worse than not believing in it.

I don't think it's right to go to church because it's "the right thing to do", that's deceitful to yourself since you're basically going with the flow even though it's not in your heart to serve the God.

Whenever I go to church I feel kinda bad because there I am just nodding my head to everything even though I don't believe it. If I was a pastor I'd love for everyone in the congregation to come to my church because they want to and they believe in the word I'm spreading not because their parents or friends told them to do it for the sake of it.

well its your chioce if you choose not to belive in chirstainly, im not saying you MUST go to church,...its your decision...

 

[Eor]

Life experiences tells the contrary to that.

You didn't born knowing all, is something that you have to learn, and choose, because you can always choose in what to believe.

You did nothing but repeat what you said. You never choose what to believe in, you're convinced by it. Trust me, if I could I'd believe in God or any Deity because it's a comforting thought. But I don't, because I don't think they exist, and I can't change that fact no matter how much I want to. You're right, you're not born knowing everything, your parents tell you what to believe and since you're a child you go along, and every now and then you might have doubts but you get re-convinced by either a person or yourself and continue on, or you get convinced otherwise and leave.

I didn't go willingly into Agnosticism, I went kicking and screaming. It was a long process, and in all reality it was BBT that started it and ended up convincing me. It was around four years, from seventh grade to sophomore year, that I battled it and ended up succumbing to the realization that there are no gods. I looked for religions, thinking that maybe Christianity just wasn't the right one, but I found nothing, and there was no reason for me to think so. So no, I did not choose to believe that this is the only life I have, or is it my chose to believe that those who are worthless and terrible humans and get away with it end up happy in death with no hell to punish them. It is just a cold fact that I believe.

So until you change your religion is changed against your will, don't preach to me your "It's a choice!" propaganda displayed by religious leaders as a way to make their followers feel like that they had an active part in their choices, or that those who don't follow their Gods will burn in hell because they choose to worship evil instead. You do not know what you are talking about.

 

[RDK]

What got me about Christianity was that they claim that their God is all-loving, but yet he ****s those who don't believe in Christ to an eternity in Hell. Why should I be punished for the sins of Adam and Eve?

I also have to roll my eyes whenever I hear about the notion that an all-powerful and almighty being wants to have a personal relationship with a human. He's God, for God's sake--why would he want a personal relationship with an apparently "sinful" human being? If He is as all-powerful as you say He is, then He must have already experienced everything and everything. There would be no surprises for Him.

I just realized how much it would suck to be God.

 

[Eight Sage]

So until you change your religion is changed against your will, don't preach to me your "It's a choice!" propaganda displayed by religious leaders [...] You do not know what you are talking about.

My friend "It's your choice" means that you end doing what you want, nothing more, nothing from the mouth of a religion leader or someone who's trying to convince. Maybe your parents, family, school, etc. try to teach you something, but those words would end on what you will.

And no one knows what they're talking about when it cames to religion. My truth is Jesus, but others might think "the hell with this guy?". I respect their opinion, but that's only my case, and I choose to believe in him.

 

[Mini Mic]

Burn your local church down, that should get the message across.

 

[Sourz]

Burn your local church down, that should get the message across.

that's not funny. Red Exodus is being serious about this and all you want to do is spam the thread.

 

[Eor]

My friend "It's your choice" means that you end doing what you want, nothing more, nothing from the mouth of a religion leader or someone who's trying to convince. Maybe your parents, family, school, etc. try to teach you something, but those words would end on what you will.

And no one knows what they're talking about when it cames to religion. My truth is Jesus, but others might think "the hell with this guy?". I respect their opinion, but that's only my case, and I choose to believe in him.

Did you even read my post, or do you just not care? All you've done is repeat the same thing over and over. I'm ****ing proof that you're wrong, and you just don't care. I'm not going to go into a "who can post the same thing over and over" contest, if you're going to reply to me about this say something useful.

 

[cF=)]

that's not funny. Red Exodus is being serious about this and all you want to do is spam the thread.

SERIOUS BUSINESS.

get over it, it's a freakin' message board.