I hate my church school?

Question

I am 16 years old, I go to a Catholic school. I am due to leave this June.
My parents are heavily religious, they make me go to church every week, they dont like my friends, they dont let me be on my own in case i "sin".
I get bullied at my school because I am not christian. I get mud thrown at me, I have abbuse from most students, and it just isnt fair.

I want my parents to understand I am not religious, i dont believe there is a god, i dont have any beliefs that they do.
I want them to know that i hate my school, I hate my life and everyone in it.

My dad tells me to shut up when i try and talk to him, he says that it isnt his problem.
My mu has spoken with the head teacher, nothing has changed. She still says i should go to church as it will make me behave,
but i dont need to believe in a man in the sky to behave, i have never drank alcohol, never smoked, never done drugs nothing like that. I do voluntary work, help neighbours out everything.

How can i make them listen

I am hopfully moving to college this year. My boyfriend told me i can move in with him when ever i like, i am actually considering it.

I am far from religious, dont believe in anything like that.

its just because i hate my school and my parents dont listen that i am starting to feel i dont matter

I have no problem at all with them believing, but i dont want them to force their beliefs on me.

Answer 1

Wonderful how parents force their superstitious nonsense on their kids, even after the kids are old enough to understand that it *is* superstitious nonsense...

Unfortunately, the law is on your parents' side, and they can "force" you to do things legally until you are a little older. So try to make the best of it, knowing that in just a couple of years you'll be able to follow your own path, and not have to be forced to do things you don't believe in. Just don't "play along" and pretend to believe to make things easier -- stick to your guns and what you believe. Hang in there.
Best of luck.

Answer 2

You don't believe in God because its the popular "in thing" (or trend) - in other words, your friends say there is no God and so you don't believe in God.

I have no compassion for the Roman Catholic Church - no regard for it whatsoever.., however - your parents have been in this planet allot longer than you have, and are by no means idiots. They believe there is a God (and rightly so) though their direction is a little misguided - you still should respect your parents, young lady.

They do not have to listen to you. You are not their parents. Todays generation of children know no respect! The kids are even taught in school that their parents are not to be taken seriously especially when it conflicts with the Atheist agenda.

Child - YOU KNOW - there is a God.., your words are just words, trying to fit in with others who say there is no God. In your heart, despite the arguments - you know there is a God and no matter what you do, no matter what you say, no matter how many people say otherwise.., the awareness of God is embedded, nay, FUSED, into your heart.

You can even give this answer a thumbs down (as well as others here) but the truth, remains, the truth. You are after all, just 16 years old -just a child. You feel you are big enough to make your own decisions (I have been there, done that) and you are far from it. Respect your parents and read the Bible.., you dont have to believe in the Roman Catholic religion.., but you need to aknowledge God in your learning and save yourself some heart ache.

Answer 3

Can i just say to 'victor ious' that she is not atheist because of peer pressure. Read her explanation; the peer pressure goes the other way.
Sitting down and just 'accepting God's love' is not an option; nothing should make someone feel more alone than thinking the only option for them is to believe an imaginary being loves them.

Could you possibly report the bullying to the headteacher personally to sort it out? Christianity surely teaches at least that they should be compassionate towards you. As for your parents i have no helpful advice to be honest. Surely if they know you are being bullied at this school they should see it is right to take you out? If not then their belief has blinded them as it has with so many people in society. I apologise for not being of much help.

Answer 4

Be and act mature. Your parents are more likely to listen to an articulate, composed young lady than someone who comes off as an unstable teen. I'm not saying that you seem unstable, just that you want to avoid that. Also, do your best to be open-minded. Show that you are willing to hear your parents' side of things -- patiently -- and they will be more likely to show an interest in your perspective.

If you find that the changes you want just aren't going to happen, this is another time to be mature. Handling unpleasant situations with dignity and patience will help earn your the respect of your peers and the adults around you. Be true to yourself and don't lie about who you are, but don't be incendiary either. Don't draw unncessary attention to yourself unless you think it will help you or others somehow. Situations like this do come up once in a while in everyone's lives, whether it's an unpleasant job situation or a marriage or something like that, and you can't always just walk away. Sever your ties as gracefully as possible and always take the high road.

Also, consider finding another adult or "big sister" figure in whom you can confide and who is very trustworthy, just so you don't feel so alone. That can make a world of difference.

Answer 5

Sounds like your crappy circumstances has turned you against the Lord. I do understand being forced to do something will make you hate it. Maybe if you explain to your parents that if they shove their beliefs on you you will rebel and end up turning against the Lord. I do think it is very sad that this situation has hardened your heart against God, He does love you. Don't give into the world. These people that are treating you badly are poor examples of Christ's love. He is love and sounds like those around you don't seem to care about that. Well I do hope things get better, and remember to make your own decisions, not even your boyfriend should influence your choice in weather or not you accept Christ. I love you and Christ loves you, hopefully one day you will see that! Good luck to you and if you want to talk email me.

Answer 6

First thing I would say to you is that this guy that wants you to move in with him is only after what you have for him.

There is a distinction between Faith and Religion, in religion it is hard for people to see and take responsability. Your parents aren't taking their responsability to you very seriously. If you have been having a bad time at school; part of their duties to you are to make sure you are safe and to enhanse your well-being as much as they possibly could. Not just to be seen to be the goody goody type. Demand it from them, and don't take it from your dad when he tells you to shut up. The Bible is clear (Children obey your parents; but in the next line it also says and parents don't embarrass your children (Don't provoke them to anger) Ask your dad about this? You'll see if he is faithfaul to God or Just religious

Answer 7

You will probably never get them to listen. I am a 37-year-old female, married to an atheist, raising three kids Unitarian style so they can decide for themselves what to believe. I've tried telling her, "Neither of us believe the same way you do, mom". But she still every now and again brings up that my kids "should believe in God" and go to church.

I've found the best thing to do is to simply not talk about it with her, and go about my own life otherwise....but at the same time, I still respect HER right to believe. You might just have to keep your mouth shut until you leave home, and then if they press the adult you, just say, "I just don't believe it, and that's that."

Answer 8

Your parents, like all Christians, would not expect your views to be true, they have been conditioned to fear and accept, you have not. In a few years you will have Independence, be patient. Meanwhile remain a freethinker, never bend the knee, ignore the jibes from Christians, have a great life.

Answer 9

Leave them immediately. Move out. If you have to wait 2 years when your 18 then wait. They don't own you and you should be able to leave. Most importantly do what you feel is right, not what they tell you is right. At the most you only have 2 more years of it. You might be able to leave sooner, don't remember what exactly that is called thought, it involve some legal things though.

Answer 10

Unfortunately you are going to have to put up with it until you are old enough to make your own decisions. Just understand that your parents really love you, and that there are bullies everywhere.

I would play the part of a Christian to get you through this period. I know it seems like forever, but it is only a few more years, and then its all up to you. Hang in there, and listen to your parents.