My mother forces me to go to church because I don't believe in her's. Does she have the right to do this?

Question

Mother forcing me into church, to convert me into a religion I don't believe. However the First Amendment allows me to express my beliefs, my Mother says until when I'm out of her custody (18 yrs+) I HAVE to be forced into a religious place that I don't believe in. I don't think she has the right to do this.

Answer 1

RESPECT your mother. It is only until you are 18. Try to keep peace in the family. Who is paying for everything right now? Just respect her, and who knows maybe she will ease up a bit, or something even better, you wont feel forced anymore.

Answer 2

She is right, you are a minor and she has the final say. I suggest you talk to her about it some more. The worst thing you can do is "rebel". That is get in trouble and act-up to get your way. This will only reinforce the belief that you need religion. Show her you are a good person, and can be trusted, even though you don't have the same religious beliefs as her. Trust me, this happens to many teens. Talk to her, tell her politely and constructively how you feel. Remember, she is your Mother and deserves respect, and she is doing what she feels is best for you in her opinion. Then after talking to her, if she doesn't change her mind, just go along and try to be yourself. You may even find other teens at church may feel the same way you do and you can make friend with a person with a common issue. But again, I cannot stress enough that being positive and proactive is the key, not getting in trouble. I speak from experience as an adult that went through a similar situation as a teen.

I am assuming she is only asking you to attend church or religious activities, not being abusive. If you feel she is mentally or physically abusing you then speak to another adult, like a teacher at school and get some advice or if you are being physically abused to make you convert (beatings, slaps, neglect of your basic human needs - like with holding food) then call the police. It sounds like she is just being overzealous, not abusive. You most likely just need to talk to her. But, it is important to remind you that you do not need to be abused. If this is the case get outside help - Now!

Answer 3

Yes, she has every right to do this. Until you are an adult, you are obligated to obey your parent, unless it involves something illegal, and being required to go to church is not.

Until you are out of her home, life is a dictatorship and mom's a cruel ruler. Once you are out of her home, you will have over 60 years to do what ever you want.

It has only been six years since you BEGAN developing conceptual thought process. You don't full maturity until age 30 for males, or age 24 for females. Do you know why they draft you at age 18? Because your brain is still just so much mush and it is easier to alter your thinking. Clearly, someone has done this to you for you want to turn your back on your mother's beliefs.

Answer 4

You might want to calmly explain to your mother that the more she imposes her will on you, the more resentment you will develop for her (whether or not you express it) and this will only drive the two of you further apart.

Probably she believes in her heart she needs to do this to save your soul and ensure you a spot in heaven. Many people are so trapped in their own delusion they can't see any other point of view except their own.

This is a tough situation. I feel your pain. Religious differences caused a similar rift between me and my parents, and it was never mended.

Answer 5

Even though it sucks to be forced to waste your time at church, she is your mother and she can tell you what to do. Why don't you spend your time wisely while you're there and try and find incongruities and discrepancies in what they preach! You could also be thankful that you have a mom who cares about you, it's more than what a lot of people have.

Answer 6

Would a little gratitude be too much since your mother obviously cares enough to try to steer you in the right direction?

If you don’t like her rules, move out and pay for your own groceries, rent and all the rest. If you’re living off her hard work, live by her rules and stop whining.

Answer 7

legally she is responsible for you,she could even say that she takes you for your safety or so she can keep an eye on you. you need to respect your mother and just go. you don't have to embrace the teachings but just attend and ride it out. you are living under her roof so her rules need to be adhered to. it sucks but unless you move out i don't think you have an option. she maybe shouldn't force you to go because it obviously isn't helping you 2 become closer with eachother and within the same religion,maybe she should try another method but either way she can take you.

Answer 8

Look at this from your mother's point of view rather than just your own. She wants you to believe as she does. She is your point and has a right to raise you in the manner that she thinks is the best for you. That being said, she has a RIGHT to do this, but it is not RIGHT for her to do this. Does that make sense? I have a right to do a lot of things, but they may not be moral.

Talk to your mother in a calm way. Do not get angry. Even map out on paper what you want to say. Get her to see your side of it. Talk to her about your own religious beliefs. Get her to see why you do not believe in her way of doing things. It may not get anywhere with what she does, but if you do it with maturity and dignity, she may see how you view things. However, you have to be willing to see how SHE views it too! Talk to her and make sure you BOTH get chance to air your views, but do it in a calm manner.

Remember, she is always going to be your mom. She's the ONLY one you have. Love her.

Amanda

Answer 9

Of course she has the right. Until you are a legal adult do what your mother says. When you are 18 you are free to leave. You can express your beliefs all you want, she's not stopping you. God knows what's in your heart no matter what.

Answer 10

She can't force you to believe even if she tried. God gave us all free will. And one the many faces of evil is trying to rule other people. Maybe that's one lesson your mother needs to learn. One reason she incarnated. It doesn't matter what your religion or belief is as long as you move forward in your journey threw spiritual development. Your mom must wants you to believe in what she believes because she believes she will go to heaven and she wants you to go also. Don't worry, there is NO eternal Hell.

http://www.near-death.com/experiences/cayce09.html
http://www.near-death.com/experiences/origen049.html
http://edgarcayce.org/ps2/soul_life_soul_spirit.html