Atheists: do any of you have problems with Christian parents? How do I deal with this?

Question

I stopped being a Christian while ago and at first my mom was really nagging me about it. Well she's backed off for awhile but now she's at it again she leaves books on my bed and tries to get me to go to church she even wanted me to see a Christian counselor!

It's hard because I'm only 15 and I know I'm supposed to listen to my parents or whatever I mean it just seems like she doesn't respect what I think because I'm young. I know a lot of you on here used to be Christians, how did you handle a situation like this???

Answer 1

I wasn't a Christian, but went through some of the same stuff you're going through now.

I think you should talk to your Mom and let her know that you've made this choice based on your own rational decision. Also, tell her that she has told you all she can about religion, and that you feel that you are now old enough to make your own religious decisions.

Best of luck. This type of thing can sometimes be a serious problem in a family, and I hope your family is able to deal with it well.

Edit: One last thing. I think you should try to do this without creating too much conflict. You should tell your mom that you appreciate what she is doing for you, but that you simply disagree with her beliefs. It's probably not a good idea to try to get her to agree with you or admit that she might be wrong. The important thing is to let her know that you've made this decision on your own, and that if you do decide to become a Christian again that will be your decision as well, not hers.

Answer 2

Sometimes its just something you have to deal with. Work hard and plan ahead so you can move out when you are 18.

I had a similar situation. When my husband at the time and I moved back into the area, we lived with my mother in law for a couple months so we could find a place and save some money. She actually went behind my back and got my children christened. I only found out about it because she accidentally left a picture out on the table. It must have happened while I was in the hospital getting my gal bladder removed because those kids never left my sight.

Answer 3

Always respect your Mom, no matter if you differ in opinion of her or not. She for whatever reason chooses to believe in fairy tales because they make her feel more secure. She is scared for you because she believes that if you dont believe these same stories that you will burn forever in Hell. I have well i had 2 Christian parents one has passed away. I understand the kind of things she is probably saying to you as i was told them myself. It serves no purpose to argue with your Mom about this as she will not see things the same way that you do. As she has "Faith" which means that no proof will change her mind. I would suggest telling her that you are sorry that it bothers her, but that you are growing up and making your own decisions now. I would also suggest honoring her wishes. It is never a bad thing to know and learn about the beliefs of others. Read the Books that she puts on your Bed. It is up to you whether to believe them or not. Christian Counselors are usually used to reindoctrinate People. Be wary of them. Ask your Mother if she would prefer you to be honest about your belief, or if she would prefer that you lie to her and act like a believer. Let her know that by forcing this thing on you it only drives you away. Basically let her know that you are mature by your actions.

Answer 4

i'm an atheist besides. i desperate when I even have childrens i does not inforce my belive in the direction of them. i might enable them to % any faith they choose. Your mom and dad are performing very immature and disrespectfull. in the experience that your sufficiently previous you are able to pass out yet you do no longer choose to lose them so it is better to sit down with your mom and dad and function an prolonged chat approximately this problem. they could be by way of your part each and each of how no longer critizing your have self belief. Atheists have the subject on being judged by way of christians even though it kind of feels it is oppisite at your loved ones. In all basically talk with them. If it does not artwork basically different than it.

Answer 5

Well I am not an atheist but I think I might understand a little bit of where you are coming from. My husband is a fundamentalist Christian who gets on my case for not believing in things like hell and the rapture. I think they may not understand where you are coming from. I don't know if they are capable of reasoning with you but you might try reading the books and then underlining the parts that make you question. If they are rational they will try to come to an understanding with you. Otherwise I guess you have this to look forward to: At least you don't have to live with them forever. Do try to love them regardless and I bet they probably do really love you too.

Answer 6

I'm not an atheist but I did convert from Christianity so maybe I can help at least a little.

I was raised Southern Baptist and that's what my mother is. My step-father's Catholic. Last year I decided to tell my mom that I was a LaVeyan Satanist. I'm 18. She freaked for a long time and was trying to convert me for a very long time. Mainly due to her misconceptions. She's still not completely over it and still prays every night that her god will prove himself to me but our relationship for the most part has improved. My step-dad's still got issues with it saying that I'm too sweet to be Satanist. I just ignore him. :)

Your mom probably just thinks that you're young and are rebelling. Just stay strong in your beliefs and prove it to her that you are serious. Just keep in mind that you may change your mind later.

Answer 7

I know how you feel. I haven't lived in my mom's house for years and she still mails me crap and preaches at every chance she gets. I fear that the more you pull away from the stuff she is trying to shove at you, the harder she will shove. I really feel for you.
I don't advocate doing what I did, because I wasn't true to myself. I simply lied about how I felt until I moved out on my own. It got the job done, but I am sure there are better ways to go about it.

Answer 8

I didn't completely deconvert at your age, but I did start refusing to go to church when I was about 14. My parents pestered me about it too, but I put my foot down and said NO. Tell them that by trying to force you into believing, they are just alienating you further. Tell them you need to think everything out by yourself and come to your own decision. Tell them that trying to make you go to church or pray doesn't make you a believer, it only makes you a liar.
I've attempted to tell my parents I was "agnostic" but they didn't believe me. If you want, you can just refuse to discuss religion with them and avoid opening a can of worms.

Answer 9

No one EVER used to be a Christian. Either you are a true Christian who has asked for and received forgiveness from Jesus Christ, or you are not. If you were ever saved, you are still saved. God doesn't "take it back". Jesus said no one could pluck you from His hand once you were His child (saved). But, that doesn't mean you can't stray away.

So, the dilemna here is this: If you were really a child of God, you are still one who is experiencing doubts and eventually you will return to fellowship with Him. After a person is saved, he will have to give an account to God for every wrong thing he does. Saved people will still go to heaven, but you will be totally ashamed of the wrong things you did after the point that you accepted Christ and received forgiveness.

If you were never really saved in the first place, I can only hope that your parents continue to encourage you to choose Christ.

Answer 10

I, personally am an athiest, but I came to that decision on my own. For many reasons.
You should come to a religious decision on your own. If it's forced than it's not real to you.