Going to Church?

Question

I despise going to church. My mom is a devout Catholic, and she has all of a sudden started demanding that I go to church. I am not Catholic, neither is my sister or father. My mom lets my dad do whatever he wants (they won't fight about it--married 29 years). For the past year or so, she has also allowed my sister and I to stay home from church. However, since my sister moved out (off to college on Wednesday), my mom suddenly began to insist that I go to church. I hate it. I am not Catholic. I see that the church is riddled with corruption and believe that many of the core doctrines are contradictory. I have repeatedly voiced my anger with her over this, and I refuse to attend mass. She will not listen to me in this matter, and just continues to insist that I go to church. She is DEMANDING that I go, and I am not going to be forced to do something against my will that I hate so dearly. WHAT can I possibly do to help her understand this WITHOUT me attending?

SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY.

buena--that won't work. Him and my mom will not go against each other. Besides, he works 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, so he is either working or sleeping the entire time I am awake.

revsuzzane: I am an atheist, therefore finding a new church will not exactly work.

Answer 1

Well, to tell her that you are an atheist will only start a fight. I would get as much information as you can on those areas you've touched on (corruption, contradiction of doctrine) and try a new approach other than an argument. Ask her to bring a priest along for the reply! Once you can discuss this like a man, in a non-argumentative tone and prove your point, the priest will tell your Mom to let "you" make your own choice as to whether you attend church or not. Now understand this.... If you are old enough to be a man about this, then you are old enough to get a job and be on your own and not under the rule of the household of your parents. As it stands, if you live with your parents, they make the rules and you must abide by them or get out. Remember, if you think you can do this to them, you will be a hypocrite to think that your child can't do this to you! And it may not be a subject about church but a live in same sex partner that they want in their room. Hey! If you feel that you are old enough to make your own decisions, then you should expect the same from your future kids. Not as easy to see it that way huh?

Answer 2

Your mom is seeing her influence in the family wane with the "loss" of your sister. She's trying to control you.
The problem is that you are stuck with your parents' rules as long as you are living under their roof. Get your dad to intervene on your behalf. You can always threaten to "act up" in church if she insists on dragging you in there. If she's embarrased enough, she will hopefully leave you alone.

I have a better idea: find yourself a Unitarian Church, Science of Mind Church, or something of that stripe. That can be your church... and they are very nice. The approach is good and based on Universal Law.
If your mom's whole deal is about "going to church" then at least pick your own.

Answer 3

i'm sad for you that you feel this way. but, this is your feelings and people have to respect this. religion is something that comes from the heart and soul and all the forcing in the world will not change someone who does not want to. to blame the Church as reason for not going because of so called corruption is really a cop out. we go to Church to spend time with God. this is His home. but, if you don't believe, you'll never understand. that's a shame, because, i think we all really need Him in our life. He does help us through life. but, you do have a choice and it seems you already have made up your mind.

Answer 4

Make a plea to your father. Since he doesn't go, maybe he could help you out.

Answer 5

If your mom says you have to go, you have to go. When you turn 18 you can do what you want.