and now they threaten to drag me to mass multiple times a week! How do I explain that church isn't for me? I'm only 13 and I haven't been confirmed yet- please help!
2007-01-14 18:03:55 · 25 answers · asked by organasolo1977 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Also, if anybody could give me any sites to research and build my argument, that would be great!
2007-01-14 19:11:15 · update #1
You have to talk to them. Tell them why you think there might be no God. If they are doing their job as parents. They will listen to you.
2007-01-14 18:08:19 · answer #1 · answered by Zeek 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is too dialogue. Ask them what are the reasons for believing in God and see what they have to say. Tell them not to force anything down your throat but tell them if they really do believe in God to pray for you and to leave it at that. I truly am curious how a 13 year old can have athiestic beliefs. If I were you I wouldn't be in such a rush to dismiss God just yet. good luck and hope everything works out. BTW Catholicism is often confusing, could explain your disbeleif, give an evangelical church a shot one of these days.
2007-01-15 02:15:53 · answer #2 · answered by Andres 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At your age your parents pretty much have the last say about your religious practices. While they can not dictate what you think they can determine what you do.
Actually as long as you live with them and depend on them for support they pretty much can tell you what to do. What you choose to believe is inside you and out of the reach of others.
Advice to your parents which they will no doubt ignore and perhaps never see.
Trying to dictate believe in God to another human being will only drive them further away from God and make them hate what you want them to love.
Try just loving your child the way you hope God loves you and leave belief to God who is better at encouraging belief than you or I could ever be.
2007-01-15 02:57:23 · answer #3 · answered by Bullfrog21 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Church isn't going to change the way you feel. Only God can change your heart. Right now you are under the authority of your parents and if they want to take you to church it is their right. They are providing for your physical needs by giving you a roof over your head and food on the table. Is it so bad to do something for them? They are just concerned about your spiritual needs. They must love you a lot.
2007-01-15 02:16:43 · answer #4 · answered by B. B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What has made you believe that there is no God? Have you gotten mad at your parents because they force Christianity on you ? At the age of thirteen noone knows it all. I think that you should research the matter before giving up on God. Where did we all come from? Is it just chance? Why does the universe seem so perfect? Do we die and are no more? You do the research and please take your time because your eternal life depends on it.
2007-01-15 02:25:03 · answer #5 · answered by marindapurple 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forcing kids to go to church will surely turn you off. How about not telling them that you're an atheist so they wont feel the need to make you go. I know it's not right that you should have to do that but if that's the only way they'll back off maybe it's the only way. You could also tell them that the more they push you to believe the more you won't.
2007-01-15 02:11:49 · answer #6 · answered by gitsliveon24 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Compromise. Offer to talk with your church's pastor/minister/priest or whatever about your atheism. Hear him or her out, and consider seriously what s/he has to say. Also, remember that your parents are only worried about this because they love you, and though it may seem inconvenient now, their hearts are in the right place. Most important is in understanding why you have made this decision, so that you may clearly explain it to others. That is your best bet.
2007-01-15 02:23:12 · answer #7 · answered by Lao Pu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently you are very uncomfortable with your parents' faith. Who is the most uncomfortable in your house?
Do you dislike your parents so much that joining them for an hour or two a week to please them is such a hardship? Don't you realize that it's an hour of their time at work to earn every $20 you spend at the mall? How many hours did they have to work to pay for the computer and Internet service you're using right now to complain about them???
Go to mass once in awhile. Don't worry, they can't FORCE you to have a little faith!
2007-01-15 02:21:06 · answer #8 · answered by angrygramma 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You really have no choice while you are living in their household. You can explain all you like, but they will always feel as though they are doing the right thing dragging you to church (same as you feel it is wrong). You have plenty of years ahead of you to pursue your own interests if you still feel the same when you are 18.
2007-01-15 02:13:22 · answer #9 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Almost the same here, except people fail to change my ways every time. How about refusing altogether to not be religious. i commend you on your decision to be athiestic, your mind is obviously free from the brainwashing cult known as religion. Logical people like yourself should join me in a world revolution. Read my description where my username is.
2007-01-15 02:09:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that forcing religion on you goes against everything written in the bible. Make sure you research their religion and if you do not believe still, then it is your right. There is a Freedom Of Religion act that entitles you to this.
2007-01-15 02:08:21 · answer #11 · answered by melvinbenjamin 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋