I have to go to church?

Question

I really don't want to go to church but my moms making me. i don't believe in god, I'm atheist so its going to be really boring. Any tips on how to like pass time or something? I can't bring video games cause that will draw attention.

Oh and don't give me crap like "jesus loves you!, listen at church!" cause i'm just going to ignore it,, thanks

Answer 1

-listen to your ipod or something.
-day dream
-chew gum
-count how many people are in the room.
-just listen to the priest and laugh in your head at what he's saying
i hate going to church, too. i think it's a waste of time.

Answer 2

FWIW, Stone in the Stream gave you excellent advice.

Luckily, since it's a Christmas service, it will be mostly singing Christmas carols, and that will make the time pass a lot faster. They might also do a candlelight thing.

Also, though they will read from the Book of Luke and so forth, when it's time for the sermon, the pastor usually gets a little more real-world and talks about things which are not Biblical but can have practical uses in your life.

Yes, he'll couch things in religious terms, but if you listen, you will find he's relating what's in the Bible to practical life. Usually, it's worth listening to, and you might get some insight from it.

Whatever you do, don't be a jerk and act up, like some people are suggesting. Enjoy the beauty and the wisdom that is there. At the very least, act mature.

Answer 3

You have a basic human right of freedom of religion. This will be over-ridden by the constitution of the country you are in. If in the USA, this right is enshrined for you. You have the right not to participate in religious indoctrination if that is your true belief. Forcing someone to go to church, to me, is emotionally violent and a form of attempted brain washing.

Do not tell your mum about constitutions, etc. Try explaining without shouting that you have formed an opinion, and that you are a nonbeliever. Say why. I can at least explain why I am an atheist.

Most important - explain why, don't shout or be overly aggressive.

Finally, an hour out of your life is not the end-of-life-as-we-know-it. For family harmony it might be better to go so the whole family is happy and not upset by a fairly needless quarrel.

Answer 4

Open the hymnal, after reading the title out loud say UNDER THE SHEETS (Amazing Grace...under the sheets). Mom, the congregation, the deacons will really get a laugh out of that!
When that fat lady stands up in front of you and her dress is stuck in her butt, reach over and pull it out. If she smacks you, she really wanted it left in, so next time, push it in for her. She'll really appreciate it.
Compliment the preacher on his wife. Say something nice about her, like "For a woman as big and fat as your wife, she don't sweat much." He'll really appreciate it.
When the plate comes around with money in it, take a few bills (not the coins). Remember, charity begins at home, and they want the needy to get some.
When the congregation is singing songs, and there's a pause, you need to say loudly HOO HA! HOO HA! I hear preaches say that on the radio a lot.
Have fun! Jesus loves you, and everyone else just laughs at you.

Answer 5

I wish I could talk to you, face to face---because Jesus does love you and that's no crap! I'm wondering how old you are--you sound so young to have turned your back on God. But, I would just tell you that if your mom's making you go to church, you'll just have to sit there, and try NOT to listen to what the preacher, priest, minister, rabbi, is saying. It'll be kinda rough, cause if you take a book to read, that will draw attention, too. Maybe you should borrow your mom's Bible and kinda read thru it while you're sittin' there. It's pretty interesting & there's all kinds of blood & gore, especially in the OT. I mean, even if you don't believe, it's still a good read.
God bless you little man.

Answer 6

Read a book

Count stuff. How many times the preacher says "love" or "can you say amen" or whatever catchphrase he uses.

Listen to your iPod or mp3 player or whatever (keep it down, during a prayer it can be heard thru the headphone piece)

Bring a notebook and write your disagreements with the sermon.

Write that letter to your friend you lost contact with awhile back.

See? There are many things you can do. If you don't snore, you could even sleep lol

Answer 7

tell her you are an atheist and tell her you have the right not to go because of your own beliefs. If you have a reverence for the Earth, you could consider referring to yourself as a pantheist, which might be easier for your mom to swallow, but look it up and make sure you think it is right for you.

I don't know how old you are, but if you are old enough to know your mind, you are old enough to communicate this to her. Further, I would also go to a respected atheist adult family member to help you and to support you when you tell her.

Then, if you can do so without breaking your family apart, I would refuse to go.

Good luck, let me know what happens!
Lady Morgana )0(
Pantheist

Answer 8

You owe it to your Mother to go. She is doing what she thinks best for you. An hour a week won't kill you. I often wished I had a Mother when I was growing up. Besides, it is my opinion that one must know about what one disbelieves if one is to be honest in disbelief. I still study religion and I am in my sixties.

Answer 9

I used to just count things... If they have bibles and pencils sitting on the back of the pew in front of you, you can draw pictures in the bibles... Other than that, just daydream.

Answer 10

tell your mom Jesus is the heart, and all she is doing is destroying your faith by forcing you to go. My mom never forced me to go to church. She should always be humble, and just ask you to go, never force.

Answer 11

The Bible is full of historical information...if you like history see what you can find...come back to R&S and ask some questions...it will please your Mother and you will have found a way to spend the time creatively.