I'm 14 and agnostic and my parents want me to be catholic but it's a waste of time to go to church.
2007-03-17 15:29:55 · 17 answers · asked by Jack S 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
18
or longer if you want to remain living in their house
2007-03-17 15:34:30 · answer #1 · answered by kenny p 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
18. You don't get religious freedom until then.
Knowledge and understanding are never a waste of time, though.
Here's what you can learn from going to church:
-A greater understanding of opposing views. It'll strengthen your abilities to make strong points when arguing your own views.
-It can also help you better define your own views as that which we believe is as much defined by what we don't believe as what we do.
-It can help you understand others and become more tolerant to their views.
-It can teach you patience. In simply doing this because you have to and your parents make you you can learn that it doesn't have to be painful simply because you don't enjoy it. It will end and it won't harm you in any way. Some things you can't change and some you can. Some, even, you can change but the change isn't worth the fight. Patience is learning to accept what can't be changed and what isn't worth the effort to change. It frees you from being angry at these things and gives you more time and energy to spend on things that matter more to you.
-It can teach you discipline. It is something you have to do that you don't enjoy. Life is full of that. It can teach you to do what you have to do with responsibility and diligence.
- It can teach you respect. It can do this for a couple reasons: 1) because you can learn to see it as your parents faith and understand their right to it as well as their reasons for it and 2) because in taking the time and effort to do this for your parents, willingly, and bothering to understand why they do it you are showing respect. How can you understand and deserve respect if you can't express it yourself?
Of course, none of this can happen if you do not allow it. You can choose to make positive gains from this experience or you can choose to fight it. I can promise you that you will be happier in taking what you can from it rather than holding onto anger.
And I am agnostic.
2007-03-18 04:52:44 · answer #2 · answered by ophelliaz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont they have a teen ministry? Do they have you sit in a pew with the adults? I didnt like that when I was younger but its a family thing. They are the parents and you still live at home. Maybe you can join another catholic church with more activities so you can at least hang out with teens your age.
2007-03-17 22:37:54 · answer #3 · answered by Ms DeeAnn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry kiddo, they can make you go until you are 14. Here's what you can do in the meantime, listen to what they say. There will come a day when you will be asked why you believe what you believe. If you take the time to listen now, you may find that the answer is easier then. I'm not saying believe, I'm a pagan, you don't have to believe, but listen, it can be a real hoot.
2007-03-17 22:34:57 · answer #4 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are probably agnostic because of your parents forcing you to goto church. I am sorry about that. Read the below link about how Christians force people away...
2007-03-17 22:35:32 · answer #5 · answered by InspireTomorrow.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an agnostic, you can still understand the value of respecting your parents' authority. As a person that does not have the same beliefs as my parents, I have found that because I did take the time to respect their beliefs that we have a wonderful relationship today.
2007-03-17 22:34:03 · answer #6 · answered by Justyn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah,I know what you mean.I was in the same boat,my father always forced me to go to church,I didn't want to go until one day,the priest asked me to move up in front,I stood up and just walked out the door.That was the last time I went to church that way.Parents should understand that God wants us to feel him,not to be forced.One day you will want to go to church on your own,and the religion you feel comfortable.Talk to them,tell them you want to feel God but they don't let you,they might be a little mad,but they will get use to it.Good Luck!
2007-03-17 22:51:24 · answer #7 · answered by genie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may cease obeying your parents wishes the moment you do not live under their roof and are living under your own roof.
Until then, it is immoral to refuse their reasonable expectation that you attend the services they desire of you, unless doing so causes you to engage in immoral or illegal activity.
Participating in a recognized Christian service does not count as immoral or illegal, and as such, quietly obey your parents.
You may, of course, calmly approach them and explain that you do not wish to go, that you have reasons for not wishing it, and that your reasons are important to you, and ask they respect your decision, but if they instruct you to continue to go, do so without a fight.
2007-03-17 22:35:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To force a child to do anything takes away their choice with out explanation, is a parental travesty all to often forced upon our children today, and we wonder why our children rebel.
2007-03-17 22:39:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Age 18, or when you go out and get a job and start paying your own bills.
2007-03-17 22:34:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
18.
2007-03-17 22:35:27 · answer #11 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋