Now before you go attacking me, know that I am an atheist too!
I'm only 15 and my mom thinks that by not believeing in God, I'm just going through a phase or something and I don't think that is very respectful of her. What do you think?
2007-09-13 07:55:27 · 33 answers · asked by Smee 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
parents ALWAYS think their children are going through a phase, don't worry she'll grow out of that soon
2007-09-13 07:59:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
~~~ TG ,,,, I became an atheist at 16, many years ago,,, and I followed up on it later by Studying from The Master Thinkers of History. Especially what they had to say about Theism(gods) and Religion. Because I educated myself and armed myself with Knowledge, I have never lost a debate with A Believer,,, even the occasional clergyman. I can do it without becoming Emotional. ,,, BUT,,, this does NOT necessarily mean that your mother is Wrong. You are at an age when you are going through Several different "Phases" in several different areas of Developement,,, this is just The Growth Process. The key is to try and maintain your Balance as best you can. First you must begin to Understand the Concept of an Open Mind. With this Open Mind you must process a Ton of Info from all areas of Influence,,, and from this Ton you must come up with Your Own Answers. It is a Rite of Passage that we ALL must undertake at some level and at some time. AND we are ALLOWED to change our minds along the way as our Intellect Matures. This is what is known as Wisdom. How you use the following "things" in the Gift of Life called the Heart, Mind and Freewill, will determine the Growth and Character of your Spirit(soul). I suggest you start at The Beginning by adopting the following philosophy as your Foundation and build upon it. It is called living The Golden Rule. ~ Namaste` and Fondest Aloha,,,
2007-09-13 08:38:18 · answer #2 · answered by Sensei TeAloha 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atheism may be a phase, but it is a more advanced phase than religious belief
According to developmental psychology there are about 7 phases in philosophical and religious thought.
1. not interested
2. religious
3. Atheist
4. Agnostic
5, 6 and 7 are progressively deeper personal experiences of the divine.
So you can see that atheism is not the final answer, but it is a positive development from "belief" - The later stages may seem religious to some, but they are not interested in belief they are into direct experience which is a completely different matter.
2007-09-13 08:16:07 · answer #3 · answered by Eyebright 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the person. A person could become religious as a phase. What's important here isn't how long you're an atheist, but why you're an atheist. If atheism makes sense to you in a way other religous/spiritual views don't, stick with it. If there are still holes in your understanding of the world keep searching until they're filled. This kind of decision isn't something your mom can define for you (or guilt you into giving up). Good luck!
2007-09-13 08:03:08 · answer #4 · answered by answers 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it's just a phase. Most of us go through it. My atheist phase lasted 12 years. Don't worry, you will outgrow it and get right with God. All of us Christians will be praying for you.
2007-09-13 08:16:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, yes, that is rather disrespectful. I think that in some people, atheism is a "phase", but at some point the children, the ones who are merely rebelling by claiming to disbelieve, are separated from the atheists like me, who truly don't believe. You seem to be a true disbeliever. Welcome to the crowd, there's cookies and punch on the table in the back.
2007-09-14 18:36:20 · answer #6 · answered by v35322 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're 15. I think what your Mom is saying is that you are still young, your lifestyle decisions will change dramatically one way or the other and maybe even back again in the next 10 years. You may stay an atheist but your ideas of atheism will change. You maybe turn towards being an agnostic, you may even head towards christianity, or islam, or wiccan, or any one of many religions. Being 15 I doubt seriously if your current beliefs will remain steadfast for the remainder of your life.
2007-09-13 08:08:49 · answer #7 · answered by ndmagicman 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think she is overwhelmed by her fear for you. She obviously chooses to believe stories written by men thousands of years ago instead of Science. You do not. In her stories people like us go to a Hell. Anything CAN be a phase if its something passing in your Life even Christianity. Of course she does not respect your opinion yet. You are 15 and living under her Roof and to her you are still a little Girl. You will be hard pressed to find many Adults who value the opinion of a young person. Good luck with your Journey through life. May you always ask questions and think for yourself, never decide what your beliefs are based on others thoughts.
2007-09-13 08:06:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you maintain intellectual integrity, and employ critical thinking, it will not be a phase. Otherwise? Perhaps.
I've been an atheist for about forty-five years. If it's a phase, it sure is a long one.
2007-09-13 08:07:17 · answer #9 · answered by YY4Me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been an atheist for 40 years (since birth). Maybe it is a phase for you, but know that for many people, it is simply what they are.
2007-09-13 08:07:47 · answer #10 · answered by moondriven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be a phase as your mom says... but I think you are simply thinking about life on your own. IT IS GOOD TO THINK... so you are doing fine.
If you want some reasons to doubt popular religious notions here is a nice free online resource that may get you thinking even more... It's a story of a couple youngsters around your age who think about these things too.
2007-09-13 08:05:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋