If you think I should how should I tell them . I'm a little nervous that my dad is going to be mad at me.
2006-07-01 17:56:14 · 15 answers · asked by lucyj 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes diffenantly.
They may get upset with you at first or act like many people on here do, but after a while you will become closer then ever.
Let me tell you a little bit about what happened to me. Years ago before I realized my true religion I became Wiccan. My parents were and still are some of the strongest Catholics in the World; I mean even thier preist comes over and tells my mother his Homily before he gives it in church to make sure it's good.
I was to scared to tell my parents, but I told some of my friends. Eventually it got back to my parents and we had a fight. We didn't really speak after that for a few months. But one day they realized even though I went against thier beliefs I was still the same person I always was. Since then we have kept growing closer and closer together; for that day they realized I was a good kid that could make my own decisions.
The truth is they were more upset at me, because they ended up having to stick up for me aka fighting with people back then. "No, my son is a strong Christian boy. He would never go against his teachings". If I would have told them the truth before they found out from somebody else we probably would not have fought.
What I should have done and what you should do now is go up to your parents and say we need to talk. Then when you are all sitting down you should straight out tell them, no need to sugar coat it. They will come back at you like, "but don't you know if you don't believe you are going to Hell". You reply, "I'm sorry, but that is your belief and not mine". They most likely will use some type of guilt treatment, like crying. You reply, "I'm sorry but this is my belief but lets end it at that." Then quikly change subjects to something happier. If the subject change didn't work then try to end the conversation gently.
No, I'm not saying you should be sorry that you don't believe, but it's a lot more gentle then anything else I can think of.
I hope this helps.
2006-07-01 18:29:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough question. Quite a few people are stuck pretending to believe things only because of their family and friends. Tribal coersion affects marraige, where you live, how many kids you will have and the type of work you do. At some point, we grow up and realize how little free will we have. That's when it is time to reorder our lives and live the way we feel most comfortable. Some people live their lives in constant depression and with thoughts of suicide, never realizing that they're under the spell of the tribe. So, the answer to your question is not should you tell your parents, but when and how you should tell them. Try to anticipate the reaction and consequences first. have you ever been known to think for yourself? Or, will this come as a total shock?
Whatever you do, do it gently until they get used to the idea that you can and will think for yourself.
2006-07-01 18:24:09 · answer #2 · answered by RON C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many atheists who remain "closet atheists" for fear of upsetting their families. Christians are VERY serious about their beliefs and take it as a personal insult if you tell them that you don't believe in God. They will think that they raised you wrong, or that you're possessed by Satan, or you're just going through a rebellious phase and will get over it. They may try to make you attend church even more, and be constantly after you about reading the Bible, praying, etc.
One thing you could say is that, if God exists, then he knows exactly what kind of proof you need in order to know he is real, and you haven't seen that proof yet. This at least will make them think you're open to the possibity of God existing, and they might not be so upset. Of course, they might be totally cool with the whole idea and you're worried for nothing. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to tell them and the worse they'll feel--they'll think you were lying to them all along, and that might hurt them more than your nonbelief.
2006-07-01 18:13:30 · answer #3 · answered by Antique Silver Buttons 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them. Remind them that they can pray for you, and that is all. They cannot force you to believe anything, and as God-followers, they should know that. Also, it seems important to have a iscussion with someone about why you no longer believe in God, and parents are a pretty good source for that.
I am Christian, and if my child stopped believing in God, I would want to know.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
Peace.
--Ginny
2006-07-01 18:00:02 · answer #4 · answered by ginevra1weasley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you still live with them, I wouldn't tell them. Unless they are making you go to church all the time.
If you are on your own, then you should be able to discuss the issue as adults. And, yes, your parents will be upset. Just remind them that, even though you haven't chosen religion, you have still choosen to conduct your life with honesty and integrity, which is why you are telling them. That should mollify them to a degree.
2006-07-01 18:05:21 · answer #5 · answered by lamoviemaven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How come you are telling the PLANET and not telling your own PARENTS who have struggled all their life to bring you up!!!
Your mother who has carried you all the nine months in her womb protecting you from all the devil and suffered the pain of delivery to bring you to this world. Then she had to ignore her soul and body needs to raise you up to the level you are now.
Your father who is spending all his life in his work to earn the money which fulfills your needs and provide you with whatever you ask for.
Shouldn't they be the first one to know about you decision?!
2006-07-01 21:26:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them and talk about it. Parents can be understanding as sometimes they have dealt with issues like this as well. If you are too uncomfortable you might bounce this off a minister that you are ok with.
2006-07-01 18:00:53 · answer #7 · answered by Elwood 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how could you not beleive in God? Don't you believe in a higher being that is above everyone?
about ur parents, i would say, don't tell them right away if you beleive you'll hurt them, just give urself sometime and think things through... and if you're still convinced in ur believe, you should tell them.
2006-07-01 18:05:38 · answer #8 · answered by Sam 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell. Sit them down. Be straight forward. Get it out in the open. Why hide?
2006-07-01 18:17:10 · answer #9 · answered by KAYLA_ K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should tell them that you are also going to the Hell. Don't be nervous on this.
2006-07-01 18:04:26 · answer #10 · answered by Muslim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋