My parents are strict Christians, they are extremely over-protective, and they force their religion on me. I dislike the idea of religion, besides no one likes to be told they're a sinner and going to hell all the time. Since I'm legally an adult shouldn't my parents let me choose my own spiritual path instead of forcing their beliefs on me?
2006-09-23 14:56:41 · 16 answers · asked by Michael H 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
My personal choice of religion is a more philosophical one, I like taoism, but I'm not a huge fan of the idea of organized religion.
2006-09-23 15:13:16 · update #1
God gave us the most wonderful gift possible- a little thing called FREE WILL.
We are also told that it is worse to be luke-warm in faith than to have no faith at all (obviously paraphrasing)
it IS true that as long as you live in thier house, you have to abide by thier rules: that does not mean that they have to control your life afterwards. It's hard to get by without the support of family, but it is possible.
I am NOT advocating leaving home and severing all ties with your family. Perhaps by having your own place you might be able to gain a new perspective on life, and thier beliefs.
I also hope that you don't completely avoid faith because of thier harsh example. Religion is something you do, faith is something you feel... no one should try to be religious, but strive to be faithful, to themselves and thier own personal beliefs.
Regardless of what happens, stay true to yourself, and keep an open mind- remember to excercise that free will... have an open mind and heart and harm none... I refuse to believe the truly GOOD man, religious, faithful or not, will be denied a place in the afterlife.
2006-09-23 15:14:20 · answer #1 · answered by belle_vivre 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Until you are on your own you really have no choice but to follow their rules. Maybe you could start researching and reading about other Christian religions instead of using your energy fighting against the faith of your parents. There are other ways of looking at the bible that isn't so negative...you could always start seeking those passages out and showing them to your parents. Maybe a quiet, honest conversation telling them that you don't like all the "sinner going to hell" talk because it bothers you and you think that there is more to it than that...something more positive and you want to seek it out. That isn't turning your back on being a Christian...it's just looking for another view point. Good luck.
2006-09-23 22:09:17 · answer #2 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you are eighteen you do indeed have the freedom to choose on your own. But if you're living in their household or even under obligation towards them(like they're paying your way through college) you owe them the respect of keeping within their guidelines.
I'm sure you hear this all the time but, unlike most things that are repeated too much, this remains true; most parents want to protect their children because of their immense love for them. Your parents love you and want to have what is best for you and what they think is best is having a strict religion.
So, as long as they're not making you do human sacrifice or anything illegal, I think you should just follow their rules. Remember, your heart doesn't have to be necessarily in it but your outward appearance should follow what they want you to do.
2006-09-23 22:14:40 · answer #3 · answered by lingo590 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is responsible for their own spiritual path when they reach the age of accountability. Since you're 18 I'm sure you're there now. Most parents are so strict because the don't want their children to get hurt or suffer in anyway. Be glad they care. Your parents can't get you into heaven either. You don't necessarily have to be religious. That's all about traditions anyway. Just read your bible and talk to God. Have your own relationship with him. Good luck with choosing your path and God bless.
2006-09-23 22:19:47 · answer #4 · answered by lady 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buttons and southkore are right as long as you live in their house thing.
But please don't move out just because of that. Make sure you are ready because the last thing you need is to move out and have to come back with your tail between your legs and beg them for help. If you thought it was bad now, wait until you come back. You are going to get lectured like you never thought possible.
Get a job, save your money and get your own place. You've put up with it this long you can handle it a little longer.
Hope you can find a religion that makes you happy.
2006-09-23 22:10:06 · answer #5 · answered by lajefa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I think you should try and be yourself. If you try and be more like your parents and not like yourself no one will never know who you relay are. You will always be in this costume and no one will relay know who's behind it. Yes I think you should be able to decide for your self. Tel your parent's how you relay feel. Tell them to take it back some notches but still respect that you and your parent's have two different beliefs.
2006-09-23 22:14:37 · answer #6 · answered by Pretty in pink 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my parents did the SAME thing to me. they forced their religion on me, now i don't go anywhere. i still ived in their house when i quit going, so all this talk about "their house, their rules" that's a crock of crap! tell them straight up, your not fond of their religion, and your NOT gonna follow it, if they're gonna kick you out, then your parents are pathetic, i hate to say it that way, but look at the situation!!!
2006-09-23 22:16:23 · answer #7 · answered by david_e22 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that Jesus was 33 years old when he got baptized.
Also, as soon as you finish your secondary education move out on your own. As long as you live under their roof ; it's their rules.That's just the way it is.
2006-09-23 22:34:15 · answer #8 · answered by AVA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live at home you're under their rules and if they say you follow their beliefs that's what you do.
You best choice would be to go away to college or get a job, save your money & move.
2006-09-23 22:05:50 · answer #9 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No one should be forced religion,that is something you have to do yourself,if you want and when you want.
2006-09-23 22:02:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋