Has anyone had a similar experience?

Question

I recently have decided that I do not believe in the religion I have been brought up in. For a while it was difficult to accept, but now I feel very happy and liberated. I live life to my own standards rather than out of fear of a big CCTV in the sky watching me and my every thought. However, my mum still thinks I believe and she keeps lecturing me about the bible and stuff, and I don't want to tell her I don't because it would destroy her. Has anyone had a similar experience to this and how did you deal with it?

P.S. For you people who are religious I mean no disrespect. I am happy with what I do and don't believe in so please don't try to convert me! I would like to think that I am a nice, kind and forgiving person, despite not following an organised religion.

Answer 1

I, even as a christian, do not believe that you NEED to say I am a christian or any other religion to be close to God... actually I hate to admit that I am a christian because belonging to a group like that seems ungodly in and of itself, just because I do not want to put any group above God. But I do kind of know what you mean because I feel very differently than either of my parents about religion, however, the one thing I have going for myself (and my parents ARE ministers) is that they accept, because that is what God taught. They like it that I have come to my own understandings, they would never deny me on the free will that God gave. I do not usually suggest arguing with parents (even though sometimes it is ever so much fun)... but I might suggest that you let your mother know that you are God's creation and not your mothers, although thank her for providing you with life and love along the way. (I know that brings it in to the realm of believing again, but at least you will be challenging her on her terms). Also, if she brings up the bible in ways that are meant to say you should live like this and this, let her know that that is not your relationship with God, we are all different because God created us that way and you will not slap God in the face by living the way others do because God's plan for you is not the same as your mothers, and for the bible, make sure you let her know that while it is a wonderful teacher, you are not going to put an idol above God, that is idolatry and you have a relationship with God not a book. Again, I know that is still not getting you out there saying you are a non-believer, but while you consider what it is that you do believe this may help take the heat off of thinking and looking at religion differently than your mother. God created us each uniquely, your spirituality is not going to be the same as mine, or your mothers. God gave free will to be used, so yeah for you for using it and thinking instead of following blindly without knowing your relationship with the God you may know.

Answer 2

Parents are always upset when their children decide to take a path different than their own. They are safe and secure in their beliefs and want that same security for you. Your decision is going to cause some serious discuss and maybe even an argument or two. However, it's better for all concerned if you are honest with your mother and tell her how you feel. Perhaps, once she knows what you are thinking, she can explain things to you so you can better understand and, perhaps, accept her beliefs and maybe even take her religion for your own. But not being open and forthright with her will build a wall of dishonestly and distrust. Think about it...she talks to you about an issue where you don't agree...every time you say "yeah, okay.", "just to shut her up", you are in fact lying to her. She's your "Mom" and your relationship is meant to last a life time. Do you want that relationship based on lies? Be open and honest. Give her the chance to explain herself and ask questions of her. Tell her how you feel and what you do and do not believe. Explain yourself and be open to answering her questions. Religion is a matter of the heart, your heart, not anyone elses. You will only maintain and honour the religious belief that you keep deeply within your own heart. No one else can change that.

Answer 3

I've had a similar experience, only it's the inverse of yours...

I grew up in an agnostic/atheist upbringing (*combination of the two...)

my folks were/are cynical over my new found "beliefs" but they've been supportive the most they can be...

I'm Christian by the way...not preaching to you; just relaying my own experience.

I questioned alot of things?

- Where does Evil come from?
- IF there's no God, than how do you explain all the so called "co-incidents" that have happened?
- If there's no such thing as Evil, than what "defines Good"?

...you know: that sort of thing.
I was very sceptical, and cynical. I thought all Christians were fanatics/desperate, etc...

but then I had a revelation...I thought to myself "It can't hurt"...(If I actually did "explore" the whole Christianity thing...) so I did!

I asked God to help me understand the Bible (because it's impossible to, on our own...); and he did.

now, i continue to pray...ask God's help to live the way he wants me to, and I "believe" the Bible is complete Truth. (All from Experience!!)

(I was never a church goer BTW before all of this happened, so I found God on my own, without the help of some preacher dictating to me "what to believe!")

Have a Great Day!
God Bless.

Answer 4

I also went through this when I was younger. You seem to be a very gentle-natured, thoughtful and mature young woman. Perhaps, you could start by asking your mom not to lecture you so much on the Bible that you understand it (or what she's saying) and wish to explore your own thoughts and ideas on it and interpretations. Ask questions of her and the religion, and make your viewpoint, and discuss. Slowly, she may start to realize that you have your own ideas. I know it is hard not to hurt her and what she's tried to do for you, spiritually, but she may feel better knowing that you have a mind of your own, too. Try to tell her in a quiet, concise manner and let her know that you still love and appreciate her and respect her ways.

Answer 5

i completely understand what you are saying i chose not to follow a certain type of religion and trust me no one understands me or my choice. what brought me to this decision was that there are so many religions in the world how do you know which is the right one? i couldn't figure it out and no one could explain it to me so i decided that i would believe in what made sense to me. as far as your family goes you may need to sit down and just talk to them. tell them they dont have to accept your ideas just support you as a person. after all you are still the same person just with different views. dont let these people out there get to you that preach the fire and brimstone. if they had read the bible they should know that they shouldn't judge others good luck , Candice

Answer 6

I was raised Catholic and as a teenager I questioned the religion in relation to modern life and my stnadards and opinions of right and wrong. No divorce, no abortion, no sex before marriage, no contraception, no homosexuality, basically no choice or evolution. I believe in free choice, liberty and the above were all man made rules by an old fashioned church, so I abandoned. It was an extremely difficult choice to make, but I actually felt happier and liberated too. I also felt guilty that I was forsaking something that had played such a role in my upbringing, but I concluded that if I lived a good life, respecting other people, being nice, honest, caring etc...that this was more importnat than running to a hypocritical church every Sunday, listening to a man going on and on, bla bla bla, while I dreamed of being outside and free in my opinion. My parents are extreme catholics, I respect their way of living, but my decision was yet another disappointment to them. But to feel liberated and happy was always more important to me. My mother was more casual in accepting my decision, listened to me as I justified my choice, but my father completely freaked out. He ordered me that I had to go to mass, threated to kick me out of home even, ya I'm actually serious, but he eventually calmed down. In any case I gave him no choice. Every Christmas Day since then is the same thing when I go to their home to celebrate as a family, he insists that I go to mass. The first year I gave in like a fool, after that once because we were in France and I didn't want them to get lost as they don't speak French. Last Christmas, despite the passing of many years, it was the same order, but I said no to shame the family again. They tell my gran that I go to mass still, in fear that she would roll over and die in shame, but in fact she knows the truth as I told her and it doesn't bother her. In my opinion the world would be a better place without religion. So, just live your life, make your own decision, be happy which is the most important thing. You don't have to justify yourself to anyone.

Answer 7

It doesn't matter which religion you belong to,so long as you're a good person.All religions preach the same thing-love,mercy,kindness.It doesn't matter what route you take.We all have the same destination.Don't let your mom know all at once that you have converted.Just slip in comments about your new religion during your conversations.About how much it has in common with hers and so on.How so and so(who follows your religion) is such a nice person even though he/she is not a christian.If she loves you it won't matter to her even though she may be upset initially.

Answer 8

Don't worry about disrespecting the people who follow God, that is the least of your worries. If you want to do what you want to do, that is your business, but you are missing the boat, and hopefully you will come back. But being a nice, kind, and forgiving person won't get you into Heaven, only Jesus Christ can. I am not trying to convert you, simply being truthful and honest.

Answer 9

Similar experience yes...here is how it works

Be nice to others and try to do what makes you happy in life...

What else is there?

:-)

As for your mum, pick a time when she is receptive to a discussion on the subject, you are an adult right? Then your religious or not beliefs are your OWN business.

Be lucky!

Answer 10

He experienced astral projecting this is a sort of outer physique experience. My pals mom is going by it she pronounced it happens randomly sometimes, yet she freaks out because of the fact she's waiting to circulate everywhere and notice each little thing as that is. She sees herself and from what I study and heard is which you're in our international, yet with others probable from the different whelm and in case you get to a good distance out of your physique you won't be waiting to return. My mom's chum says she relatively does not like it and has no administration of it. I heard it potential that your deep interior your self at peace and all, yet no longer so particular. online theres a lot od coaching on it.