Parents forcing religion on me?

Question

I'm 17, and I don't think my parents should force catholocism on me. I have been to church once a week since i was a toddler, and now i have religion class for 1.5 hours a week, on top of already going to church. I think i'm old enough to decide what i want to follow. even if i stop being a catholic, i will still be a christian and follow god. i've talked to my mom and she tells me it's not an option. I don't want to create conflict. so what should i do?

Answer 1

You're not going to like this Hershey, but until you live on your own you have to follow the family rules. I was where you are at your age. Except we were Baptist and I had to go on Wed. night and TWICE on Sunday. I really hated it and I ended up leaving the church for more than 15 years because of my parents forcing me to go. The good news is that when I went out on my own I went to many different churches and listened to their philosophies until I found a church that I liked and that accepted that I was a product of a dysfunctional and rather robotic set of rigid religious standards. It took many years for me to shed a negative attitude toward church. I just beg you to hang in there and not turn your back on your parents or God. Both of them are doing the best they can for you. Peace my sister in distress and I will be thinking of you. Nana

Answer 2

You should "honor you Father and your Mother" as the commandment tells you. It won't kill you...if you've been doing it for 17 years, you can continue. 2.5 hours of church a week is nothing. Most people spend more time then that on the computer or in front of the TV.

Your parents know a lot more then you and have more experience then you. They cannot make you stay Catholic, but they can do everything in their power to give you the foundation you need. You will be thankful one day.

My kids are 21 and 24. My son went to church every week, and it was not an option, until he moved out. He no longer goes...and I pray for him.

My daughter still lives at home (21 year old) and is a devout Catholic. So...parents just do what they can.

Respect your parents wishes.

You might also try to find out more about your faith. Seek God and you will find him. Going to church is part of the relationship we have with Christ. You have been going...and receiving Eucharist. This is a grace and blessing from God. You shouldn't take it for granted.

Answer 3

Until you are 18, you are pretty much stuck. You are their kid and you live in their home. However, don't feel like you have to go through Confirmation. It would just be a lie. 1.5 hours isn't much, so it's not a big deal.

On the plus side, the advantage of going is that, if the class is any good, you get a lot of moral teachings that you can use in your future life. This is valuable teaching from any religion. If it's not a good class, learn crocheting and crochet during the classes (you can still listen, but at least you will feel you are doing something useful). It's quiet so it won't disturb the instructor.

My point is "pick your battles". There are far worse things (like Catholic College).

Answer 4

God has no grandchildren in spite of what some people believe. If you still believe in God-great. As long as you are under your parents roof they make the decisions. Remember which side your bread is buttered on. When you move out you will make your own choices from then on. Most people that stop being catholic stop going to church. Ditto for protestants. If a parent can instill in you much of the knowledge of God-He will be with you the rest of your life, to some degree.

God bless you and your caring parents

Answer 5

You have a difficult choice in front of you. If you choose to no longer be Catholic, but to find another denomination, you are still a Child of God. If you changed religious preference all together and became a Buddhist or a Hindu, you are still a Child of God. I think that your parents should love you, and respect you enough to understand that you do not want the same things that they want for you. I suggest talking to them, and presenting your argument. IF they don't want to listen, just wait until you don't live with them anymore. Then you can do whatever it is you wish to do. Perhaps your parents will come to the understanding one day, that there is nothing wrong with changing your perspective because no matter what we do or become, God loves us still.

Answer 6

I'm a Christian too. I don't think your parents should force you to do it, they just want the best for you. I don't think catholicism is bad, nor Christianity, but I really think that if you truly believe in God that's what counts. You can be Catholic, and still believe in God. Just follow him and you'll do great in everything and live a good life.

Answer 7

Have you ever read "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens?" It is an awesome book and it will help you with this problem. But since you don't have the book, I will help you.You need to ask your parents why they won't let you just be a Christian, then tell them your side. Then you all should try to come up with ideas that fit all of your needs.
If this doesn't work, then you should try mirroring. Like if the say, "I don't want you to be Christian," you say, "So you guys don't want me to be anything over than Catholic." Eventually you will get to the root of the problem. I hope I have helped! Tell me how it goes.

Answer 8

I'm a parent of a 4 year old. We are Catholic and raising her Catholic...I think you should honor your parents wishes at least as long as you live under there roof....you'll have ample time to grow spiritually once you get out on your own. They are doing the best they can and are guiding you down the only path they know. Honor them,....they will not be around forever. Life is too short....good luck with your decision and spiritual path.

By the way, I would say the same thing if you had told me you were being raised Jewish, or Islamic, whatever....I'm sure I will face the same questions from my daughter. I pray I answer them the best, loving way possible.

Peace, Love, and Blessings
Greenwood

Answer 9

Sit down and talk with both your parents. Having a mature conversation with them will aid in showing them that you are able to make a decision like this for yourself. Do some research and present them with your findings and reasons why you feel you need a different path. Speak with leaders of different churches and maybe see if one of them would mind meeting with your family and having the discussion with you. This will show your parents that you have guidance and are not straying from the path.

Answer 10

Well, you're in a bit of a pickle because of the "my roof my rules" thing.

Attending the class: That's really her call.

Attending services: That's her call too, but you have some leverage in that it's hypocritical to go to church when you're not into it.

Confession: Hmm, what does Catholicism have to say about mandatory confessions? I'd suggest the hypocrisy argument again.

Communion: Draw the line here. As I understand it, you shouldn't take the sacraments if you're not sure where you stand.

Your priest may have some good advice too.