If your beliefs are different from your family and friends...?

Question

Have you told them?

How did you bring it up?

How did they react?

(I am not talking about them being Roman Catholic and you became Non-denominational here either. I mean really different.)

I wanted to give Red Queen best answer.

When I read it I knew I wasn't ready to deal with the consequences of telling my family how I feel. She apparently decided to delete her answer.

If any of you talk to her please tell her I said thank you.

You may vote.

Answer 1

Yes
When I told them they were unsure at first because they knew very little about my new beliefs.
In the end, my mother ended up converting to my religion as well.

Answer 2

Well, even though I'm in my 40's, my mother (the Good Reverend's widow) prefers to believe that I am simply really, really interested in Viking history and Northern European folk customs, and keep company with others of like persuasion. As she's quite elderly AND a complete fundythumper, I prefer to let her, too.

She's never even asked about the Thor's Hammer I wear, lol.

My nephew, on the other hand, not only knows that I'm a Norse Heathen/Asatruar, he's followed me into this Folkway, and become heathen himself.

Most of my friends and co-workers know at least a little bit about what it is about me that's different. How MUCH, depends on how good a friend they are. Most of my truly close friends, of course, are also heathen. Even those who aren't, are generally open and accepting of my beliefs . . . heathenry's a lot more stable, prosperous, and socially conservative than a lot of other alternatives to the JCI borg.

Answer 3

One night, at dinner, I simply told my parents that I am an atheist. We were having a conversation about some kind of local church scandal. My mother really didn't mind, but my father just denied it for awhile. He accepts it now though. They are both non-denominational Christians. i am quick to tell all potential friends that I am an atheist, since I need to know upfront if what kind of people they are. Obviously, all of my friends accept it, or I would not be friends with them any longer. I take enough garbage from strangers; I don't need to debate the issue with people who claim to be my friends. Life is too short for that.

Answer 4

I am basically the only practicing christian in my family. They have their beliefs and I mine. We do not see eye to eye but I know the truth from my teachings and my faith. It does not mean wehave to argue about it because we don't. They listen to me but I offer no more than I think they can handle. My brother evn stepped inside of a church for the first time since his wedding when I was baptised two years ago. He had not been there in 35. Some things do change.

Answer 5

I'm Catholic and I have a bunch of Protestant friends. Does that count? Some of them I told (some of them who aren't really friends, more of aquaintances, got this sort of "look" on their faces when I told them.) Some of them sort of figured it out for themselves and some of them still don't know because the subject never came up. I wish more of them new enough about their faiths to have a religious discussion with me because I'd like to learn more about their beliefs. Maybe that's why I came here...

In Pace Christi,
A.F.

Answer 6

Yes my parents know as does my brother. My sister does too but doesn't count since she is Wiccan. lol

My oldest son outed me. He was mad at me and went to my dad. He said you do know both of your daughters are witches don't you?! My mom already knew. I'm not sure how my dad didn't. He panicked and then mom reminded him that his own mother was a witch of the Baptist faith. Then he calmed down and said oh yeah.

My brother drove us nuts for a while. Luckily his mind is more opened and understanding. He now sees that it's not a big deal.

Answer 7

I'm atheist, and I'm pretty public about it when it comes to friends and peers. As far as family, I just told my mom one day because I thought she should know. I think my dad does too, and my brothers, but that's it. They don't mind, they believe in god but they're not super religious so they respect my beliefs. I refuse to tell my grandparents because they will be convinced I'm corrupted by the devil or some bull crap.

Answer 8

My parents are christian. My father was raised Southern Baptist and my mother was raised Catholic. After they married, they started attending the Church of Christ (which they continue to attend to this day). When I was about 13 I sat my father (the ordained minister and college professor of biblical interpretation) down and told him that I could not find personal truth in the bible and I wanted to learn about other religions. He said it was like a slap in the face after all he'd taught me in my life. However, he allowed me the freedom to explore and learn. My mother, however, has been less than supportive. Every time the subject of religion comes up she tells me I worship a made up faith (keep in mind I've abandoned all religion in favor of spiritual beliefs) and that the only reason i'm not christian is because she is.....she's weird like that. Now that I'm an adult, my father and I have long discussions on our different beliefs, and how they fit together. Its really interesting to have the freedom to do that with him now.

Answer 9

Yes and I have told them. My mom was freaked out but still loves and talks to me, shes a christian as are most of my friends. No one cared because they know me. They all just love me for who I am. I'm a happy go lucky atheist. :-)

Answer 10

Buddhist/atheist: I've only told my mother and step-dad. Mom's Catholic again and Dad's an atheist. I don't think my mother cares nor understands what I believe, and my dad isn't overly concerned. I couldn't tell my grandfather though or he'd lose his mind.

_()_

Answer 11

hi,there i feel your pain been in this situation. the friend i had in the world they do not speak to me because i don't believe in destruction of the temple the Lord provided us with so i won't conform to their beliefs. my family took it really hard you would have taught i was going to die they came against me in many different ways it was unreal to me (hope I'm not scaring you), but it was well worth it. i just told them. I'm not embarrassed of the God i love so. i learned that everyone is not going to agree with me but Jesus loves me and he loves you very much and Jesus is not going to allow you such pain you will not bounce back. trust Jesus to see you through. God bless you! you are a created by the perfect hands of God.