How do you talk about religion with your parents?

Question

My parents are Catholics (not the super strict doctrine abiding kind, but Catholics none the less). I was raised in a Catholic househould and attended Catholic schools from age 5 -17. Now as an adult, I have found a different, non-Christian faith that is a fuller expression of who I am and what I believe. My parents now constantly badger me about why I don't go to church anymore (my faith doesn't regulate attendance at anything, though it does offer a community of practitioners to learn and grow with, only if you want to attend), and I've been giving them the old "Because I don't want to" answer. I want to share with them what I've found and let them know this important part of my life, but I'd put $50 on it that they wouldn't be accepting. Any suggestions?

*And please* No crazy Christian answers that if I don't do blah blah blah I'm going to hell. In case you never realized, that isn't helpful to anyone :)

No, SERIOUSLY, no Christian blah blahs. I'm all for you expressing your faith, but don't try to tell me (or anyone else) what's best for us. Maybe Christianity is the only thing that works for you, but for lots of us, it isn't. Be open minded and non-judgemental, God would want it that way :)

Answer 1

A tough question. If your parents faith is deep, they will probably see it as there duty to "guide" you back to the "true" faith. However, with any luck their love for you will help them see that this is you your way of expressing your faith. Fortunately the different faiths are becoming more tolerant of each other, they now suggest they all worship the same God, just in different ways...try that idea with your parents.

Good luck.

Answer 2

My parents are catholics, I on the other hand are spiritual but not religious, the movie Dogma changed my life as well as high school and college history classes. Most religions are hypocritical, I am more of a karma kind of girl. I told my parents straight I respect their views but they are not mine and God understands and would love any which way as you should to. I also brought up evolution and the fallacies of the Catholic religion...you might want to leave them out if you know them.. I was 18 when I did this, and when the closed their mouths, the pushed for their way, but now have given up and understand to each his own or her own...........as for those crazy Christan going to hell hypocrites...look in a mirror, cause tattle-talen us to Jesus isn't going to get you brownie points.

Answer 3

In case you haven't realized UR GOING TO HELL!!!! NAAAA JUST KIDDING. Girl straightin up.!! Your parents have your best intentions in mind. you probably have no idea what the Catholic faith is really about. Give it a real chance you'll find it really is the only religion the rest don't express anything.....seriously your faith is important I am a eigthteen year old voluntary hardcore Catholic and lovin it

Answer 4

My faith is similar to yours, non-christian based belief in a higher power. It is personal, my own, and I have yet to find a "church" to commune with others who share my spiritual beliefs.

The key phrase you used in your question is "as an adult". Many "religious" people believe their way is the only way, and are not open-minded about being "spriritual" rather than religious. But as an adult, you now have the freedom of choice to be faithful any way you want to be faithful. (by faithful, I mean "full of faith")

My suggestion is to be honest with them, and when they see you are a good person with spirituality who is being true to yourself, they should accept your individuality. And if they don't, they are the closed-minded christians we all know and tolerate. Even christians should be allowed to believe the way they want.

Answer 5

I went through a very similar situation with my folks (particularly my late mother) when I was in my twenties. I know it can be like your talking to a brick wall. Best advice I can give you is not to bring it up around them unless they ask, and then keep your answers short and sweet. If they refuse to accept the fact that you are now grown up and able to decide these things for yourself, just let them know that, if they want you to come over and visit, they will at least agree to be respectful to your faith by not bringing up the issue.

Answer 6

Well ok first yeah i have the same problem as you but thankfully my family isnt catholic and they have no religion well first pray and find proves by reading the bible and faith lots of faith.

Answer 7

Try to bring up some conversations involving the religion that you follow without telling them that you are in that religion. If they act like they are supportive of the conversation, tell them that you have become a part of that religion.

Answer 8

You are right. They will probably not be accepting. That's the definition of religion. That you are the only right religion. If you an accept someone elses as truth, you are going against your own.

Answer 9

hey im a chatolic too... well at least thats how i was raised.. i went to the schools and all that... but we never practiced the faith...i started hanging out with one of my friends.. she christian.. i always thought same difference... and thats what my parents thought to but then they went opis day on me and cut me from all my friends.. i tlak to them about religon alot.... but i always get in trouble... religon isnt the same to me as it is to them... now i bother my parents.. with why wont you let me go to church.. you dont go... i should be able to do my own thing.. i dont know if this helped you at all. well i gave it a shot,... hope it wasnt boring.. if you wanna tlk about it im me my addy (address)is finnyfroc315lax for yahoo.

Answer 10

just aproach them with some literature of the knowlege you found..you are an adult now so explain why you feel as you do..keep an open dialogue..go from there..hope this helps..don't judge them if you don't want them to judge you..matter of fact start from there..say don't judge me, but..........