My mother acts like atheist is a bad word..?

Question

how do I convince her it's not?
She's fine with me believing in anything I choose and using my own mind to make my decisions and not base my opinions on simply what others tell me.. but she thinks atheist is like a bad/negative word

Answer 1

It IS a bad word.....Listen to your mother on that one..... or don't, but it is inappropriate for you to try and teach her anyhting....Being an Atheist and all.......

Answer 2

You say she is fine with you believing in anything you choose and using your mind to make your decisions and not base your opinions on simply what others tell you...

Your mother sounds very open minded and maybe you should learn from her example of acceptance and respect her opinion of of the term "atheist"

Respect.

Answer 3

Free thinkers have always been threatening to those who bank of "faith'. If you look at the history of Galileo, you can see how severe this can get.

Note that there are no apologies given for all of the ignorance and oppression of the past of great thinkers: this should tell you something about religious prejudice.

The real question is why you want to convince her. She has every right to believe whatever she wants, not only about her own beliefs, but also about how she deems your beliefs might help or harm you.

Now, just because she feels such beliefs will harm you, does not mean this is true. But she has every right to stand by those beliefs.

An important part of growing up is being able to "agree to disagree" about something. Unless you can respect another's right to choose their own mind, you can never be happy within yourself.

Answer 4

Because the word is usually judged against chrisitian ideals and morality. In chrisitianity the word is a negative and a lot of people have a hard time shaking that. Some prefer the non-believer because it does not seem to carry as much stigma as the word atheist (although myself I still call myself an atheist.. they way I look at it the attitude is their problem not mine).

Answer 5

Your mother is well-indoctrinated and because of her own beliefs, she is worried about you should you determine that there is no deity.
See, most religions have learned the "carrot and stick" method for keeping believers in line. For instance, the Christians are taught that those who do not believe as they do, regardless of how fine and good their lives are spent, are doomed to eternal torment when they die. The Christian skydaddy is a psycho, evidently.
This is to explain that there is no way to convince your mother that "atheist" is NOT a "bad word" because to her way of thinking, it is pretty much the ultimate bad word,
So be tolerant, understanding, and keep your beliefs to yourself. You'll both be happier.

Answer 6

One thing parents stand firm on is their religious belief. You were raised a certain way and should die a certain way according to them. She can't control what you believe, but if she can persuade you the word is negative, then maybe you will feel negatively about becoming one.

Answer 7

She just doesn't want you to be looked down upon. Atheist does have a negative connotation sometimes, especially around certain "Christian" groups.

Answer 8

its too difficult to convince people about these things..your mom has not been able to convince you about her beliefs, has she?...so just don't get into an argument..its a waste of time and energy...

Answer 9

You can't force something onto her (unless you want to try). People are going to believe whatever they want and there is nothing you do about it.

Answer 10

you mother is clearly an idiot. try showing her the definition in the dictionary. if that doesnt work, stop trying. she won't change for you.