How do I tell my christian mother that I'm agnostic?

Question

Yeah, I once briefly mentioned how maybe reliegion could be bad, and she spazzed and started reading the bible to me. How do I possibly tell her I'm agnostic without her organising an exorcism?

yeah, I'm only thirteen.

Answer 1

Tell her shes a bad parent if she doesnt let you be yourself.

Answer 2

You something almost exactly like that happened with me and my Grandma! Here's what I have to say. You could tell her that you are agnostic and you're still not sure, she might let you do it on your own, she might bash in the face with the bible or she might be gentle and understanding.

When that happened to me I actually started despising Christianity, it almost seemed like everyone was doing something wrong. I talked to someone I knew about it and actually they explained to me what the Religion was really all about and they didn't try to force me into it, they just educated me. After that I became Christian.

Personally, I wouldn't tell her, I'd just avoid going on Christian outings and stuff and ignore her or just shut my mouth if she starts preaching (what she doesn't know won't kill her). I can understand the need to let her know though. But before you tell her you should probably talk to someone you trust about Christianity so you can maybe get a better view on what your Mom is getting so worried about.

She believes that she is going to be in Heaven and finding out that you are Agnostic could tear her apart, because she wants you to live forever in the wonderful place God has promised us. So of course, there is a chance she may try to get more involved.

Best advice, approach it carefully.

P.S. If all else fails, tell her that you are still discovering a lot of things, maybe you'll find God in future, who knows, but if you do you want it to be your journey.

Answer 3

There may not be a good way to tell her. Just be reasonable and try to be honest. Tell her what you really think, be sure to have your thoughts organized and have all the angles covered, she may attack you with heathen babble. Ask yourself how she might respond to certain scenarios, imagine what she might do or say in response to what you tell her. In the end do what will be the least amount of trouble. In your mother's mind you have gone astray, she'll think she needs to fix you which will make your life very hard. So after all maybe the best thing to do is pretend that you believe for you and your mother's sake. Good Luck.

Answer 4

I went through something similar with my stepson not too long ago. My husband and I got married in my parents' church (neither of us are church goers) and at the rehearsal, my stepson asked me how religious my parents were. When I asked why he wanted to know, he replied that he was an atheist and wasn't sure if he should even be in the church, let alone (sort of) participating in the ceremony.

I told him that he was welcome as long as he was respectful and tolerant of other people's beliefs, and I think that might help you with your situation. Believe (or don't) what you will. Understand, though, that religion is important to your mother and she *wants* it to be important to you. Accept what she says to you on the subject in that manner - that she loves you and wants what's best for you. Listen to what she reads to you - it doesn't hurt you, but it probably will hurt you and your mother if you just brush her off and ignore it.

I'm all about informed decisions when it comes to pretty much anything, and that does include religion and faith. Maybe you'll find something that clicks for you; maybe not. Either way, you're never too old to stop questioning, searching, discovering, etc.

Answer 5

You probably can't. There are some things better left unsaid and not discussed...politics and religion are usually the main two.

I'm going to guess you're still young and living at home. Unless you want to be tortured by your mother, just smile and nod until you're out on your own. Then try not to discuss it....it's just easier.

Answer 6

Don't ask me - I'm in a similar situation with my parents, only I'm Wiccan. I'm considering waiting until I'm financially independent, while at the same time slowly revealing my philosophies on religion and life. I always argue on the side of discretion as a matter of safety.

Answer 7

The wise old age of 13...

Give yourself some time before you label yourself. Why stab Mom in the heart and give her cause to worry at this point? Have an open mind and keep reading and learning; don't make eternity altering choices at such a young age.

Answer 8

Just tell her how you feel and tell her all she can do is pray for you. If you really are agnostic her prayers won't mean a thing to you, but at least she will be praying and asking God to reveal himself to you. Tell her to take the issue up with God and leave you alone about it.

Answer 9

Don't use that language; simply tell her that you struggle with the faith she is trying to pass on to you. Tell her you're not convinced of it and doubt God's existance. If she is worth her salt, she will not be alarmed, because she realizes that an honest search is the only true one a person can embark upon.

Answer 10

Let her down easy. Just let her know that you are still looking for answers. I myself am very knew to my faith, but as a christian, I believe that God did come to me. If she starts in on you, remind her of the prodigal son and how he had to go out on his own before coming to a conclusion about his life.

Answer 11

ggod question heres what you do.Wait for the beginning of thanksgiving dinner then when everyone is at the table in a loud and thunderous voice proclaim to them that "I am a Satanist and I am the highst body of human existance,boy before me you christian dogs!"Then they will know and be set back on their heels in disbelief