Do parents have the right to control their teenager's religion?

Question

I'm 14, Atheist, and I have yet to tell my strict Catholic family [so they call themselves - my parents haven't been to a chruch in years] that I don't believe in god.
I'm afraid that if I tell them, they'll start making me go to chruch. And that truly is the last thing I want.
My grandparents spend majority of their time helping out their chruch, and I'm afraid of losing their respect if my parents tell them.

Any advice? Do my parents really have the right to make me go to Chruch?

thank you for those who support me.
seeing as though i've asked a question similar to this before and all i got was a crapshoot of disrespect.

Answer 1

Get confirmed, I hope you at least know what that is. Then in the eyes of the Catholic church you are an adult and free to make your own religious decisions. Then tell you parents that now you are confirmed and free to make your own religious decisions and that you choose not to be a practicing Catholic.
But, who are we to think that we are the smartest and greatest beings in the vast universe that is. It is very egotistical.

Answer 2

As salaamu 'alaikym, my friend.

Insha'Allah, in Islam, there is no right to try to force any one to believe.

Unfortuantly, you are between a rock and a hard place.
First, you followed the example your own parents set for you (i.e., that religion does not matter, it is simply something you say but don't practice... the american ideal!)

Somewhere along the line, your parents forgot that their children learn more for what they see their parents doing then from what their parents say.

You might find that your grandparents , as practicing Christians, are more open then you imagine. However, you now thtem better than I.

As your parents don't force you currently to attend mass and CCD, etc., the question is moot (i.e., it doesn't matter.) However, you are about the age to make you confirmation. That is the time that what is about to hit the fan will do so and the effect of the same will undoubtedly be that it will not be spread evenly.

You might want to actually speak to your parish priest (for your sake I hope he is not an old Irishman) and see if you can resolve this before it becomes an issue. He should actaully support your choice, but...

My other thought is that I hope you will investigate the various reigions and practices of the same from around the world with an open heart and mind. You might find one that really speaks to you and with which you agree. If not, at least you will have learned a lot that will benefit you in your dealings with other people, cultures and beliefs.

Insha'Allah, (not meaning to offend but only truly wishing you well) I will keep you in my prayers.

Ma'a salaam.

Answer 3

hey
do the math, if you go once on sundays that is 12 x 4, or thirty six hours to endure the church if they start going and no hours if they don't.

I would suggest that you say nothing, just be a good kid of 14 and do what they say to do.

I'm a christian, and i'm not sure I would be if someone had tried to force christianity down my throat as I'm a bit of a free thinker.

while you live under their roof and eat what they provide, you owe them a level of respect.

if you are not being dragged to the catholic church, it is honestly a dead issue. I don't know you understand what I'm writing but I hope so.

I attended a catholic church for a while and dumped a girl friend after 6 months of discussing what i found wrong with the hail mary, full of grace, and other issues that don't line up with the bible. (she was a keeper, but i'm tired of fighting), did I tell you she was a keeper

honor your parents, and hold your peace

also, before you write Jesus off, at least read the gospels and see what he says.

I wish you the best, but you must make your own way, and not invite trouble for yourself.

I have many years on you, much more life experience and much more insite. so don't make your life ugly, just don't openly be disrespectful or rebellious

at some point this my well be a non-issue to live with

Answer 4

Religion is the greatest tool of government exploitation. I am a christian that is spiritual, and not religious.
The church establishment and state government are two sides of the same coin (Solomon's pillars of Boaz & Jachin)
Solomon created both. King Solomon was the first beast in Revelation. Find a king James version bible (not new king James) and read (1 Kings10:14) and then read (Revelation 13:18). And King Solomon also built an altar to Molech. Research "Molech and The Bohemian Grove" connection on a web search. And you should get some major revelation.

Answer 5

Your parents do have a right to make you go to church. They have control of your religious upbringing until you're 18. That's the legality of it.

So i have a few questions for you. What will be gained by telling them you're an atheist? Anything? If nothing is to be gained, and you're afraid of their recation, don't tell them. It's just looking for trouble.

If something is to be gained, is it worth the consequences you're worried about? If the answer is yes, then tell them and deal with the consequences. If the answer is no, you need to seriously consider how likely it is that they'll send you to church, which you don't want to do.

If you do tell your parents, ask them to keep this a private matter. Say you'd prefer to not upset other family members (like your grandparents) with this fact, which appears to be the truth. (Don't lie. It only makes things worse in the end.)

Answer 6

If you don't tell your parents your true feelings, you are being dishonest with them which is the same as disrespecting them.

Calmly sit them down and tell them how you feel. But be prepared: Parents have the God-given right to require that their children living under their roof attend religious services with them.Deuteronomy 6:6,7: Ephesians 6:4)

The ways they try to get children to go with them to services varies. Some parents may prohibit the unattending child from accompanying the family on an activity that is done once services are over. Others use physical punishment or groundings. If their children are not minors, the parents may require that they move out since they no longer want to live under this rule.

As for your grandparents, I am glad to hear that you don't want to hurt them. But you must be honest with them also.

Also, speaking to your parents about this may help clear away any problems you are having about believing in God. If something your parents have done is the problem, it may move them to change their ways. If it is found that the religion they practice is the problem, they may be moved to, with your help, look for one you all can like.

Answer 7

Hey I was in your shoes about 6 years ago. I would say that you should stand up for you beliefs, but at the same time you have to live there. If I were you I would just wait it out. Once you are able to move out and your parents have less control over you, then tell them. For now, just play along. I mean they are not forcing you to go to church yet and it doesnt sound like religion is a big part of your household so its not like you are constantly feeling uncomfortable. Good luck though.

Answer 8

no because each person has the freedom of choice to choose how they will obtain eternity. i converted to islam after my parents had a fit about it saying i should never leave christianity it is the truth and i was raised with it what are you thinking and so on. but i knew i wanted to feel right in what i was following and feel it made me happy in my heart. first as an athiest i must congradulate you that you are not taking on the religion just because your parents say so and because your parents do a certain religion. like the days of the calf. would you worship it just because your mom and dad do even if you dont believe it? so i hope you have the best of luck and remember it is your soul and dont do something that you feel is not right. best wishes a muslim american sister.

Answer 9

Don't say a thing until you are old enough to move out, what they don't know won't hurt them. I understand where you are coming from and just want you to know that there are thousands in your same position right now, if not more. Just remember to keep thinking freely and understand that only you can make up your mind, no matter what anyone else tells you. If you lose the respect or love of your family, perhaps they should really question their own lives and their judgement of someone who should have their unconditional love.

Answer 10

As long as you live under your parents roof and accept support from them , you are pretty much under their control.
But I can't see just how anyone could -force- you to believe if you do not .
There is no such person who is a "strict Catholic " if they do not attend Mass of participate in the Sacraments.
I would hope that your family could love you through any situation.
Would it hurt to go to Mass and find out what it is that you are not believing in ?

Answer 11

In a way yes they have the right to make you go to church, You can be any religion you want or not belive in anything, your choice. If you tell your parents then they will proberly make you go to church. If they do that don't fight why start a huge fight over sumthing like religion. Tell them you'll go to church but you belive what you want to belive, and this is not going to change that fact. are you an atheist? don't belive in god at all? Catholics are very strict on a lot of things. it just is not for you?