Everyone at my church hates me for some reason. I live in the deep south and go to a baptist church. i am.....

Question

I am not very excepted there. because most of the churchgoers my age are preps. i'm more of a punk. and i am a vegan and so every one thinks I am new age. but I'm not..and every has weird assumptions about me. I also have died black hair and i wear dark eyeliner every where I go. and, I where different types of clothes. I am not into brand name like they are. I want to be accepted for who I am.
One time I tried to be one of them..but i suffered from deppression because I wasn't being myself.
Do you think I should just be myself and meet some friends outside of church? I only have one friend who is really like me.
It is hard because I am also Homeschooled..so I don't get to meet people often. Only through soccer.

Just so everyone know. I am not being a "reverse snob" they find out because everyone brings food to sunday school and they ask why I don't want it.

Answer 1

If that is who you are, you must adhere to your own individualistic principles. I know it is tough trying to be accepted for who you are as an individual. But, if you relent and try to fit in by doing and saying as the other lemmings do, you will betray yourself. Being "different" in your ideas and philosophy has never been readily accepted by the public as a whole. Be patient. As you grow older and your peer group matures, hopefully, then they will see that they should have been more understanding of you at this point and time. Stay strong. Those that choose to be different tend to be the true creative's!

Answer 2

Church is a man-made institution. It's a social club. Where in the Bible does it say "You must build fancy buildings, gather together in them and dress up to honor Me?"

It doesn't say that.

People go to church for several reasons;

1. They know they are cruddy and don't want to go to hell for the disgusting way they live their life.

2. Church is a network. It has been proven that income's rise due to the networking of it's members.

3. Members want to be seen in the right places to be labeled as "good people".

4. Some people do like to hear and learn about God and find it spiritually uplifting. Period.

For the most part, you're going to be dissapointed in life if you are waiting to be accepted by people. No, not just you. Everyone.

If you are looking for friends you have to be bold and talk to people. Start conversations, express interest, ask questions, appear pleasant and learn to become a good listener.

This takes the pressure off of you. You won't have to worry about saying the wrong thing if you are listening. People love to talk about themeslves and will think you are smart for asking them about themselves.

Make sure you keep eye contact; Don't stare too much, just don't look away like you're bored.

Reach out and take a chance.

Answer 3

I think you have a misconception about how they feel about you. They are probably just hesitant because you look so different.

Smile at everyone, speak to everyone, get involved in happenings at the church and be friendly . Why do they know you're a vegan? Do you announce things that make you different?. If they found out at potlucks, did they just notice what you put on your plate, or did you bring it to their attention?

There is such a thing as a "reverse snob",,that's not what you're doing, is it?

Relax and be yourself,,without bringing the differences to attention,,,Good Luck !

Answer 4

First of all baptist hate everyone so don't fret about it.Second just because you dress different, wear dark liner and have dyed hair doesn't make you a bad person and it is whats on the inside that counts. Third, if they (the church) judges you by your appearence then they aren't being very Xtian like now are they? Find yourself another church to go to, one that accepts you for you and not how you appear.

Answer 5

I totally feel you on this one. I carry the same style as you, although I'm not vegan. I also live in the bible belt (in Eastern Kentucky). It's hard to find a church that will except you for you. Unfortunately, that's why I ultimately quit attending. You can find spirituality at home just as easily as you can at a church...and NOT be judged for it.
There are many other ways to meet people. Get involved in your community, volunteer at a hospice center or a retirement community. Gosh, the list goes on.
I hope you find something you like that makes you happy. Take care.

Answer 6

Do not change who you are for anyone, ever!
The church sucks, obviously it's full of hypocritical, snobbish superficial retards who use religion as a way to excuse their behaviour.
Please, get away from that. You sound like a decent kid. You don't have a problem, they do, so stay away from them and meet people by joining classes like art or something (if your parents let you). Or join a gym. I know it sounds cliché but you can meet people in places like that.
Good luck.

Don't change! Be yourself!

Answer 7

Good for you for being courageous and true to yourself!
These people are a very sad excuse for "Christians". I hope you can find some other more accepting groups to be a part of. Those people are just plain ignorant.

Answer 8

Christians hating on other Christians? Shocker!!! I say screw the little Christian Coalition and find people who can think for themselves instead of people touting the words of some ancient book they've probably never read while simultaneously acting about as "un-Christian" as they can get.

Answer 9

There are christians out there just like you I know I havwe met them, you just have to go out and find them. A big part of christianity is fellowship, i know its hard to have fellowship with people who think that you worship satan because of the way you dress. Find people who are like you, beacuse chances are they are having the same issues you are.

Answer 10

Never change for others' opinions...it never works! Be yourself. If this supposed Christian group can't follow its own religion, you are not the problem. Make friends where you can, as who you are, life will sort it out in good time.