But i am not catholic, i'm an athiest and no offense to christians bt i don't believe a single thing that they talk about there. So my question is is there a way i can convince my parents otherwise?
i've tried talking to my mom and no matter wat i say she always says no at the end, and with my dad he says to negotiate with my mom, bt she's not being reasonable
2007-12-23 15:26:34 · 34 answers · asked by rachel_in_wonderland 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
btw my mom does not believe in god but is going to church because she is trying to believe in it again and my dad does not believe in god and does not go to church
2007-12-23 15:40:46 · update #1
Also i didn't know that my parents did not believe in god until a little bit after i told them i didn't
2007-12-23 15:41:34 · update #2
I am turnin 14 this month
2007-12-23 15:45:32 · update #3
You can't. Just go. It won't kill you and when you're 18 you can do as you please.
2007-12-23 15:29:00 · answer #1 · answered by notyou311 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
As an atheist myself, I know it's tricky trying to convince your folks about it.
The best thing you could do would be to sit down with your mum, and explain to her that you don't have the faith, but that you respect her beliefs and know that her faith is really important to her and try to explain to her that you won't ever try to convince her that there isn't a god. If you can explain how you came to your decision, then she might understand better. If you want, you could say that you'll talk to the priest about your doubts.
Finally, tell her that you are willing to go with her if she really wants, because you understand how it's important to her, but ask if you can only do two out of four Sundays, and if she agrees to that, make sure you do some chores or something. If she doesn't agree to it, then offer to do some chores instead of church.
Negotiation is all about compromise, and you've got to be prepared to let her think she's won.
If she still says no, then you'll just have to ride it out. I know it's difficult, but it's only a few hours a week, and remember that even though we don't believe in god, there are still some valuable lessons in the bible. All knowledge is useful.
Just show her that you're mature enough to make your own decisions. If you can do that, she'll understand that this isn't some teenage rebellion, or a way to get a lie in on Sundays, but a choice you've made, like her own choice to believe.
Whatever you do, though, don't preach to her, because she won't listen, and it'll only make her less willing to let you not go.
Good luck.
2007-12-23 15:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer depends on how old you are. By the time you are18, you need to make your own decisions. Most kids go off to college or the military at this age, so that kind of makes it easy to stop going to church if that's what you want to do.
If you're not yet 18, I'm going to challenge you to find out more about the faith of your parents. Chances are that they aren't sure why they go to church either. And "I'm supposed to" doesn't count. It may be that you have some really important questions that your particular denomination is not ready to handle. There are lots of denominations with many "takes" on the philosophical issues that all people must face -- what's the meaning of life? How can I be a good person? What happens after I die? Some denominations are more advanced than others.
Do what you think is right, but don't be one of the nincompoops who deals with these questions by ignoring them!
2007-12-23 15:42:30 · answer #3 · answered by Jeanster 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Strange as it may sound, talk to your priest or clergyman. In the Catholic Church the age of consent is 8. That's why you take your first communion at that time. Your priest or pastor may be able to clarify the rules of your church, that is, your parents may not be able to force you to go. Or he may be able to help convince them that you don't belong there.
You don't say how old you are, but many people break away from their parents religion in their early teens. Some go back later, some don't. So it may just be a matter of helping them get used to the fact that you are growing up.
Best of luck.
2007-12-23 15:43:16 · answer #4 · answered by Mother Amethyst 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was your age, I had a similar problem. You don't have to believe in God, but it sounds like your parents would like for you to, or at least give you the opportunity to know about God.
Just go along with them until you're out of the house. After you're an adult and out on your own, they can't tell you what to believe (or not).
Best of Luck, and Happy Holidays.
2007-12-23 16:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, As a christian man, I am telling you that I respect your question ,and think you have every right to be atheist if you want to. I was not always a Christian and I too had many questions ( I later answered them through Christianity, But that's another story ) I am not a man who believes in letting your guard down, or laying down for someone Else's ideas. If you don't believe that you belong in church, then I can appreciate that. I would fight for what I believe in , So why shouldn't everyone? Just remember that if later in life you decide that you were wrong about this, you have no one to blame but yourself (if you change your mind) and if you don't then that's fine too. Fight for what you believe in , no mater what it is
2007-12-23 15:43:01 · answer #6 · answered by huntingfishingjuan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your parents just want you to be exposed to their beliefs, so that when you are on your own, you will be able to make a informed decision about your religious beliefs. So for now, go for them, keep an open mind and when the time comes you can decide then what it is you believe in.
2007-12-23 15:37:05 · answer #7 · answered by ComicWriter 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you might be stuck since you've already tried talking. Perhaps you should ask her what she thinks will be gained by your continued attendance? And if she says "maybe you'll come to learn this is the truth" tell her that no, everytime you hear a sermon you're more convinced it's not the truth.
2007-12-23 15:35:30 · answer #8 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sorry I agree with your mom. It is up to her to show you the right way. It is up to you to either believe it or reject it.
As for not going to church? When you get 18 and move out of the home you don't ever have to attend church another day in your life.
Stop giving your mom a hard time. You can do that once a week for her.
Read your addition. Your mom believes in something. She is not going to church "Just Because". Something is bringing her back to the church.
2007-12-23 15:43:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, since you are living under their roof, they have a right to take you to church. If you just bear with it until you're on your own it will be more pleasant. Also, they might not be so pushy if they think you're going along with it, and let you off the hook from time to time.
Going to church is as much a social thing as it is a spiritual thing.
One thing to remember: theologically, they can NOT force you to receive communion. You should not do this anyway, as it is an implicit profession of faith, and you would be denying your own beliefs to do so. If they press you on this talk to the priest and he will set the record straight.
2007-12-23 15:33:06 · answer #10 · answered by Robin Runesinger 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
well, at least you believe...
i think you should just hold your breath and follow thru w/it until u get a job, got to college,etc.. but try to listen and if it doesn't work, never stop believing, even if your parents tell u otherwise. Find your purpose, may it be catholic or athiest.
2007-12-23 15:31:44 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋