How do I tell my parent about my religion?

Question

I was raised Catholic, but when I studied Greek Mythology I found a connection and realized the only reason God exists is through imagination. (I don't mean to offend anyone, really) I have a valid reason to not believe in God, it's just that I don't think my parents would agree.

Especially because of the religion I have taken up, Satanism. She found some inveresed penagrams drawn on something a while back and I was in a lot of trouble for 'worshiping the devil' I want to explain to her that Satanists don't go around and kill kittens or eat little children like everyone believes.

She thinks anyone that worships the Devil is bad, but in reality it only makes since. He became a bad figure because he tried to please himself and overtake God, now I don't know anyone that doesn't like to be satasfied. That's all it's about, we don't believe there is a god and a devil. Heaven or hell.

How do I say this to her?? Thanks in advance.

Oh and I'm 13 so I'm not allowed to have a free mind and opinion. Atleast in society.

Answer 1

Well, its looks like you're into LaVeyan Satanism, which actually isnt worshipping the "devil." LaVeyan is self-worshipping. but thats besides the fact.

Well, when I told my parents I was a Satanist (I am a spiritual satanist) they kinda got mad. But really there's not much you can do. They have to realize that you have a mind of your own and they cant do a thing to stop you from doing what makes you happy. If you tell her, and explain to her that its not about animal/human sacrifice or hate or murder, she might accept it alittle better than waht she thinks its about because of christian lies, and if she decides to be stubborn and not understand it better, then oh well, she'll just have to realize that you are your own person and there's nothing she can do to stop you, if it makes you happy then clearly you are going to do it. And in my opinion, you are doing a good thing, not just because I am a Satanist and I think you should be a Satanist, but you are showing her that you are growing up, and becoming your own person.

Answer 2

1. Just go and explain it to them. Personally, I think you'll have less trouble telling atheist parents that you've embraced Christianity than you would have telling Christian parents that you've decided to become an atheist! 2. Hold your horses. Explain to your parents that you want to fast occasionally. Then just do it for one day and see how it goes. Extend your fast by a day or two each time. If you leap in and try to fast for 20 days with no preparation, you've got a good chance of ending up in hospital. 3. I'm not a Christian, but I wish you luck in finding friends who are. 4. I'll stop by if I get a chance.

Answer 3

I understand that you're an atheist, not a devil worshiper, right?
In that case you're following LaVeyan Satanism. I suggest you to refer to your beliefs as "Laveyan belief" or "Laveyanism", instead of using the name Satan. If you do, your catholic parents will go monkeypoo.
Also, stop drawing pentagrams for a while. You're 13, you're still dependent on your parents totally. Wait a couple of years - once you have a job, so you can financially support yourself, you can tell them straight just exactly what you believe in and if they don't like it, you can move out and they can go kiss their rear ends.

Answer 4

You need to make something more clear. If you think God is imagination and Satan tried to overtake God (who in your mind is imagination) don't you also think Satan is imagination. And if you do think Satan is real and tried to overtake an imaginary God then he didn't really do anything.
What I see is that you are really confused. You may only be 13 but you are capable of making the most important decision of your life, where you will spend eternity. Weather you believe in Heaven or Hell is not the question. When you are judged by God, "I don't believe in hell" won't be a sufficient answer. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. God loves you and will forgive you if you ask.

Answer 5

I would say don't discuss it with them. Religion can create a lot of friction in families and amongst friends. That's why most people don't go around talking about religion openly. If you want to have a good (as in conflict free) relationship with your parents, believe what you believe but don't go spouting it. Catholic parents, especially, take it very personal when their children don't have the same beliefs, partly because when they marry they make a promise to the church to raise their children Catholic. When they're children don't turn out Catholic, it's kind of like they've failed.

Answer 6

*sigh*

Thirteen, eh? Hon, please don't take this the wrong way, but at your age, your mind is just *exploding* with new ideas, new hormones, and the need to psychologically separate yourself from your parents and create your own adult identity.

It doesn't mean your beliefs aren't real to you, or significant. You may end up a committed Satanist for life . . . or you may find something that suits you better tomorrow, or next year. It doesn't mean it's not valid for you NOW and I'm certainly not discounting your opinions. Just be aware that it may be part of a larger process---adolescence---or that it may be an overreaction to things about Catholicism, or your parents, that you don't like.

With that in mind, let me just say three things:

1. You are not required to tell everyone everything about yourself. Not even your parents.
2. Your parents are not required to agree with or accept your beliefs for them to be valid to YOU. Don't ask them to grow beyond who *they* are or change what they believe.
3. In the end, few things are more important than family. You don't have to do, or be, everything they expect or want of you for that to be true.

Good luck to you on your path, sweetie. Just remember it's *your* path . . . as a young, fledgling adult, you have many exciting years ahead of you. Don't make the next few of them harder than they have to be. :-)

Answer 7

Sit both your parents down on a couch and sit between them. Hold hands with each of them, look into their eyes and say this

"I know you are a very religious and I respect that, but I have my own beliefs which are different then yours and I hope you can understand that as well. You are the best parents and you mean the world to me, but please dont push your beliefs on me because it will only make me resent your beliefs and push me further from the faith. Before acting suprised and before you go crazy and call up the local priest for an emergency meeting to discuss how to save my soul, please take the time to read up on Satanism and you will find it is nothing like you thought."

Answer 8

Hey you, you have no idea the amount of serious life change that will take place if you tell your folks about your new religion.KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED as there is no place for you to escape their wrath and punishment. Keep your sacred symbols and evidence out of the house. Parents snoop. Take 'Boars Heart's' advice. Explore, read other ideas and check out some Pagan ideas too. Be happy.

Answer 9

I flat told my parents that the church was no longer for me and that I was done and doing my own thing. THere was of course the shouting and yelling and telling me that I didn;t know what I was doing and all that but all in all my parents figured out that I was serious after I walked out on several services and told off the minister. All in all - you have got stand your ground and not back down to what they want.

Answer 10

Kjelstad's right...practice self control now, and Satanism in college....

For all we know you've got parents who'll kill you and call it an exorcism if you speak....we've gotta take that into consideration, hun. If I was your mom, it'd be different.

Edit: To those following me, Most Satanists don't believe Satan is real, either.