Why did my Dad get so upset?

Question

My family is officially Lutheran Christian but we never go to church (except for Christmas Eve) and we aren't very religious at all. I got interested in Buddhism about two months ago and I've read four books about it and mulitple websites, and when I told my Dad I wanted to be Buddhist he freaked out! He's more of an athiest than anything, yet he was really angry just because I wanted to be Buddhist. When I told my mom, the religious one, she said it was OK. What the heck?

Answer 1

You've probably made a wise choice for yourself. At least Bhuddism is a very worthwile faith to explore whether you eventually adopt it or not (I suggest that you also investigate others; most have something very useful to offer that will help you expand your own philosophy). However, just because your family doesn't go to church and doesn't talk about it, this doesn't mean they don't have deep spiritual feelings and deeply held beliefs. Your dad is over-reacting because he probably knows nothing about Bhuddism and he probably has a deep attachment to Lutheran Christianity, whether for theological reasons, or perhaps just for family historical reasons. No matter what the case, just back off from shoving it in his face and quietly go about your studies. In my opinion, religion is a very personal thing and often one is better not to bring it up in conversation unless you're with like-minded or at least open-minded people. It's not worth creating family stress and controversy over.

Answer 2

Apparently your Dad believes you're enormously smart. That's a praise. Unfortunately, his expectancies could also be just a little out of whack. If you understand you probably did your absolute pleasant, be happy with your self. Tell him you are harm via the matters he mentioned. Tell him you desire him to be happy with you and you are sorry if you happen to disillusioned him however you probably did your pleasant. You cannot do any longer than that. Ask him to support you research for university so he can see first hand what you are learning. You would possibly each be amazed to uncover a few of what you are learning is over his head. Often mother and father are just a little too a ways eliminated from what their children are learning in institution and do not become aware of how difficult it probably. If you each paintings on it in combination, he's going to have a extra functional snapshot and he could also be equipped to support you have an understanding of a few of it just a little bigger. Ask him to check out to be just a little extra confident and inspiring so you'll think that he nonetheless loves you. Tell him you desire to be equipped to satisfy his expectancies and recruit him in serving to you do this. By getting him worried you'll be able to holiday down the wall that is there and he can see how rough you are running.

Answer 3

to answer properly, necessary to know the conversation between you and your dad after you said you wanted to be a Buddhist. Or we can only guess:

guess 1: It seems your Dad wants you believe in nothing at all as his way.

guess 2: It could be father feeing of domination or responsibility.

guess 3: you Dad could be as much religious your Mon but not comfortable with going church

guess 4: it could be that if he pushed you to go to church, you might feel against it so he gave you freedom but still expecting you would keep your traditional faith.

hopefully, one of the guesses is what also in your mind.

Answer 4

Parents can be remarkably irrational. My mom is still very angry with me because I don't believe. However, we NEVER went to church as kids, and I don't even really know what it is she does believe. When I told her I did not consider myself christian, she said to me "Well, don't you believe in the 10 commandments?" I responded that I believed in some of them, but certainly not all. And anyway, the 10 commandments are Jewish, not christian. Wow! was she angry.

Good luck with your dad. Perhaps once he learns how incredibly kind and peaceful Buddhism is, he will come around a little.

Answer 5

Maybe the reason for him getting angry is either
A)He's an Aethiest and for that reason does not want you believing in anything

B) There's still that Lutheran part in him that rejects any other religion.

Odd that your mom should accept it though.
Well, there comes a time when you must part ways from your parents. If being Buddhist floats your boat, then do it.

Answer 6

I'm new at this Internet thing, and I've only been on this site for a few days.
I'm so shocked at all the need out there.
This burdens me so.
You need to stay with a Christian Denomination.
Jesus said "I am the way ,the truth and the life .No one gets to the Father except threw Me.
I'm sorry that your parents aren't real Christians, but if you become faithful to Christ , maybe YOU can be the one to bring your whole family to the Lord.
I WILL be praying for YOU!!!

Answer 7

He is probably is a racist and doesn't like Asian people. He associates Buddhism with Asians or at least foreigners and doesn't want you to be different. Buddhism is great and you can still be a Buddhist and a Christian, a Buddhist is just one who looks within for truth.

Answer 8

Everybody is different, Maine. But typically, trends surface and hold true. Men are much more tradition, duty bound, heritage bound. Your Dad sees your interest in another religion as a denouncing of tradition, family identity, duty etc...

Of course, he could be a megalomaniac and just thinks that anyone who disagrees with his whatever is incredibly stupid. You decide, you know him better than I.

Answer 9

Believe or not most of what parents do is "for our own good" quote-unquote, so as twisted as it sounds your dad is probably not trying to offend or say that he hates your guts. For instance my parents tell me that I am going to hell everyday, but I know that because of their beliefs they are trying to save me because they care about me... I believe that your dad may be trying to over-compensate for not having a huge influence in your religious life to date and he might also be frightened that your religion will change you. Continue believing and keep telling him that no matter what he thinks of you, you will always love him and that you know that he cares. and...lol... to quote the cop called to my house when I came out about my religion, "Well, at least she's not out there chopping the head off of a goat!" ;) Much love, and don't give up!

Answer 10

Your dad is probably thinkin, "what would ppl say" and your mom wants whats good for you, she just wants you to be in peace. Eventhough Buddhism is great and gives you a good peace of mind, it was found by a man just like you and me.Why dont you look into another religion of God, Islam. Just read the basics, and read a little bit of The Holy Quran. And I bet a million dollars you will find peace.

God Bless US All