I'm really a pagan. But I think I should let her know slowly. Do you think I should say I'm a agnostic first and then wait a few years then tell her I'm a pagan? I can't keep pretending to be a Christian. I'm good at it but I'm about to burst when I get asked questions about what jesus does and etc etc and have to do bible verses. I just want to shout "I DON'T BELIEVE IN THIS!" Please help me!
2007-09-16 13:47:16 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I do have some advice. I've been there.
First, go slowly. Whenever you have "those" conversations with her, say "I love you" a lot. If she gets loud, tell her in a calm voice that you can continue the conversation when she's calm.
Remind her that you know what she believes. Tell her that you know that she will be hurt that you don't think exactly like she does about Jesus. But say, "our relationship is so important to me mom. I respect you and you know that believing what you do about Jesus isn't the same thing as respecting you. I need to be honest with you about what I believe. You raised me to be honest, even when it's painful." And then tell her you love her again.
I would tell her that you don't consider yourself a christian. I agree that it's wise to introduce the "pagan" thing at a later date. If you can, find a book that gently introduces paganism to her. That way she can have a lot of questions answered without having emotions get in the way.
2007-09-16 13:53:56 · answer #1 · answered by Laptop Jesus 3.9 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I was raised Christian, then went the way of atheism. Told my mom that, then went the way of agnostic. Told her that too. Went the way of Paganism, and am still not out of the broom closet. The atheism battle was a nightmare, it took me almost a full year of confirmation classes before I finally got it through her head that it was pointless to force me to go because it wasn't going to make me believe and that I'd be a hypocrite if I continued. Religion to me is a very private thing and I don't really feel like I have the need to tell her. I don't really talk about it. My soon to be husband knows, and a few very close friends, but that is it. I just don't feel the need to preach about it, you know? I pick and choose my battles. My mother is Catholic and I'd rather just leave it alone.
2007-09-16 20:59:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just tell your mom about how you feel, your beliefs and why you believe the way you do. She will probably ask you that anyway. If this is what you truly believe that you should not be afraid to let her know. Mom's love their kids alot and she will probably love and accept you no matter what you believe. Even though I disagree with your beliefs, as I am a Christian, I am still proud of you that you are willing to stand up for your beliefs. Just be yourself.
2007-09-16 20:55:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are pagan than saying you are agnostic is a lie. Don't lie to her. Either hold your tongue or tell her the truth. One possible compromise is to tell her you're not Christian, but that may prompt questions of "well, what do you believe?" which will then lead back to your paganism.
2007-09-16 20:55:52 · answer #4 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her you are an atheist, we are the most hated of all.
After that being a mere pagan won't seem so bad to her.
More seriously, good luck with the paganism =/= satanism explanation.
2007-09-16 20:54:10 · answer #5 · answered by Simon T 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think instead of out right saying that, maybe you should break it to her gently.(of course this depends on your relationship with her). But my advise would be to tell here that you believe in Christianity, but that you would like to research other religions. She may see you as going away from Christianity as something she did wrong. Basically you want her to think she raised you to think for yourself, which she obviously did. :-)
2007-09-16 20:56:11 · answer #6 · answered by lilbit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is a respectable approach.
i would go with that.
waite untill you are at least 18 to drop the PAGAN bomb though...
i say it like that because that is how most people see it.
my parents knew that i was not Christian because of the books that i was reading. (about several other religions and shamanism and such)
2007-09-16 20:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
u're better than I am cause i dont have the guts to tell my mom or my family anything about what i believe n what i dont. I will say that whenever u decide to tell your mother just ask for the strength to tell her and be able to handle whatever her reaction may be.
2007-09-16 20:55:15 · answer #8 · answered by Candle Queen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she's a Christian, she'll love you unconditionally and it won't matter. Just tell her in a calm conversation. Nothing will (or should) change except she'll pray for you even more than she already does.
2007-09-16 20:53:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. It will be harder, but I think honesty shows more respect. You might want to have all your ducks in a row about why you think and feel the way you do.
Why drag on something unpleasant?
2007-09-16 22:38:19 · answer #10 · answered by SigGirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋