My grandfather wants me to start going to church. But that isn't the worse part. He wants me to be saved. I went to church with him a year ago and hated it.
I don't want to be "saved". Apparently I might be cut out of his will if i don't start going on a regular basis. Which would be fine with me. How can you be in someone's will if they don't know your name after 20 years.
So the problem is that no one in my family actually knows that i am an atheist.
How do I get out of going to church and getting signed up for baptism, with anyone finding out that I am an atheist?
And also i keep it quiet because it just makes my life easier.
2006-08-13 14:01:30 · 23 answers · asked by Lexi 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Tell your family that the idea makes you uncomfortable, and that you have decided, for this reason, to not go through with it. If they press you for a reason, just tell them it is a personal matter and that they have to respect your privacy. Good luck.
2006-08-13 14:08:53 · answer #1 · answered by peaceful_sorceress 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Partly you are right, you shouldn't get saved just because grandpa wants you to. God knows your heart, and no matter what words you may repeat after some preacher, if you are thinking "NOT" the whole time, God won't come in where not invited... You see what I mean?
Now, on the other hand, I can't see why anyone would be against being saved. Think of the alternative. Ok, so you are an atheist, and you don't believe you will roast in hell, but the thing is - what we believe (or don't believe) cannot change what is. (Our beliefs cannot change facts.) Its like this - say you are right, and we both die, and so what happens to me? Nothing, we both go back to dirt. I lived a decent life, (and hopefully a few people miss me...) Or we both die, and I am right, (which I have no doubt that I am,) what happens to you while I party with God? Your choice. He gave you the same opportunity He gave me. (You can close your eyes and say that the sun isn't up there shining, but for the people who are playing on the beaches, and using solar energy -- you aren't going to convince them otherwise, they are feeling the effects and the power of the sun...)
If I were you, and I was wondering, I would do a lot of archeology and science research, they really do prove the Bible. Also, ask God to let you feel His presence. Once you have experienced Him, you cannot go through life without Him. Hope to see you in heaven someday.
P.S. Don't listen to all the naysayers, ultimately you are responsible for your own soul. None of them -even if it were allowed- and it isn't- are going to come up to God, and say "I told him on Y.A. that You didn't exist, can I take his/her punishment?"
2006-08-13 14:20:53 · answer #2 · answered by savannah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand. Living with your family that is religious, you'd be painfully reminded day after day by them of your 'abandonment' of their religion and its principles. I just had a thought. If you sign up for volunteer work that is noble, like helping children or volunteering for a distress call center or something, and they have you working shifts during church times (or at least, that is what you tell your family while you go away and make sure you aren't seen by them) - then they cannot claim you are particularly unreligious, you are volunteering, and maybe you can argue from a good reasoning point why you cannot attend church (the kids need me!).
Other than that, besides just obstinately refusing without giving your reason, you could maybe claim to be into ANOTHER religion, maybe another branch of christianity, where they may surely be angry, but not think you godless, which may be worse. Hope I have helped some.
2006-08-13 14:11:10 · answer #3 · answered by TwilightWalker97 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just be perfectly honest with your family. I think it would be worse to go through the motions and put on a show. Plus, getting baptized has nothing to do with getting saved. The only way you can be saved (if you decide to at some point in your life) is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, as stated in John 3:16. Baptism is merely an outward display of renewing your faith or perhaps rededicating your faith; it has nothing to do with salvation. Good luck to you.
2006-08-13 14:12:05 · answer #4 · answered by Moxie Crimefighter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think that is an issue.
You seem ashamed of what you believe.
If keeping it quiet is the answer why have you posted a question?
The help out here may not be what you search for.
I think you may have some misgivings about how your family as well as yourself may feel.
Irregardless of your belief it is yours and you should be able to let people know.
Otherwise isn't it a waste of anxiety?
Good luck and God Bless. There I said it.
2006-08-13 14:08:44 · answer #5 · answered by beedaduck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think you shouldn`t go to church. You shouldn`t let people tell you what to believe no matter how much money is involved. I honestly think you should tell your family that you`re an atheist. I`m sure they love you and will still love you as an atheist. Its your life and you shouldn`t have to be ashamed of what you do or don`t believe in.
2006-08-13 16:11:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt fake it to get a little bit of money. Think about it, you may not be a believer right, but just bc you arent doesnt mean you dont have to be honest and true to oneself. You should be a good person anyway dont screw your own family is all Im saying just so you can get in on some cash.
2006-08-13 14:13:11 · answer #7 · answered by Crystal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all , no one is supposed to make you get baptized , it is by personal choice . Tell them you aren't ready yet and give yourself time to think on it . It isn't as bad as you think . If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came to earth in the flesh and died for us on the cross for all of man's sin's that's it . The rest is gravy , and you would be surprised how much better it will make you feel knowing you will go to Heaven when you die . Going to church will teach you many things , on how to live and how to act . God bless you
2006-08-13 14:11:40 · answer #8 · answered by robinhoodcb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you didn't say your age, but lets pretend your under 18 and you have no actual control over going to the church. Fake it till you make it, who is going to hurt? One hour a week? Besides it will give you more fuel to your fire for future religious reasons NOT to be whatever religion he is.....
2006-08-13 14:13:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I went throught something similar minous the will part. I just want to let you know, that being true to yourself is the best gift that you can give yourself not matter what. My family is catholic and I'm pagean. Some growled for a while but they got over it. If it can help, tell theme that every religion beleive in god, we just honor him in diffrent ways. If your family loves you they will learn to accept who you are and love you for it !!! hope this helps
2006-08-13 14:15:46 · answer #10 · answered by Gaya 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋