I grew up going to church in a Catholic family but came to realize my Atheist beliefs about 3 months ago. I want to tell my parents but I'm not sure how. It seems a lot of the minecraft forums are atheist and this seems like a good place to go for help. Any advice will be appreciated.
Just say, "Mom, Dad, I... my beliefs have changed. I don't belive in god any more"
MOM: " Baby, how could ya betray us worshippers? You will be punished by death
You: " There is freedom of religeon. Can't punish me for that." ( That is, if you are in the USA
Told mine a long time ago and they didn't really care. But then again my parents don't take religion too seriously either, although I was raised (BRAINWASHED) as a christian.
That's a relief. Mine don't take religion that seriously, but they still drag me to church in I'm awake in time (I just pretend to be asleep.)
Make a shrine to the Flying Spaghetti Monster in a place where your parent's are likely to see it. When they question you about it, tell them about you new found religious beliefs.
This thread again? Ok I'm going to condense what usually ends up being multiple pages:
1) How old are you? Age does matter. The younger you are the more of a challenge this will be. Parents typically don't respect the opinions of their children and the younger the child is the more true this is. If you don't believe me consider the reverse of the situation; you're an adult and a child is telling you that your beliefs are false. Wouldn't you be insulted?
2) Sometimes the best way to do this is to not do it at all. Again, consider the situation from your parents perspective. They probably have no clue you've even considered atheism. If you just say "I'm an atheist." they'll probably think you haven't actually thought the matter over at all and will either think this is a phase you're going through or that someone else is influencing you negatively. Perhaps you should take it slow and maybe check out a philosophy book or two from the library. I recommend something about Zen Buddhist meditation or something. Something that isn't particularly radical but different than your parent's beliefs. Then they'll notice that you have wider interests and won't be so shocked when you mention you're atheist. Show your parents you can think before you claim to have thought.
3) Kind of goes with #2 but make sure you know what it is you do and don't believe. Depending on how religious your folks are (and I assume they're zealots if you've come here for advice) you're going to be attacked for not believing as they do. Make sure you can back up your argument intelligently. The last thing you want to do is back down or sound like you aren't sure of yourself. Lacking confidence in yourself is a gigantic weakness in an argument like this. Don't let them exploit it.
Make a shrine to the Flying Spaghetti Monster in a place where your parent's are likely to see it. When they question you about it, tell them about you new found religious beliefs.
It all depends on your parents. As in, just how religious are they? If they're super religious, then ready yourself. Their reaction may range from giving you a lecture about how you're wrong and they're right to ( in most extreme cases ) being kicked out of your home, or worse.
I was raised Catholic, and my family is very religious, but not extremely, so it was easy for me to tell them I'm Atheist. They still give me a lecture from time to time, but I don't stick around to listen. The worst I get is mean looks, but that's rare, they are very accepting and understanding for the most part.
It isn't a science, though. Just tell them. Either wait for the next time they bring up the subject, or just tell them. Sit down with them and explain to them that while you respect their beliefs, you don't want anything to do with it because you're Atheist, and you don't believe in a god. I'm assuming the problem is they drag you along with them to church and all that, so yeah, tell them before the next time they drag you along with them.
My apologies, but what exactly is atheism if it isn't not believing in God?
I'm guessing what he meant is that Atheism isn't for rebellious people who choose to be Atheist because they were " pissed off at god ". It's the lack of belief in any god.
I'm guessing what he meant is that Atheism isn't for rebellious people who choose to be Atheist because they were " pissed off at god ". It's the lack of belief in any god.
Oh, yes. Well, of course I'm not ignorant enough to think atheists are what they are because they are 'pissed at God'. My first post was merely for humorous purposes, Blaster.
I can't take you seriously after seeing your avatar. But if I were you I would just explain my view on existance to them and hopefully they will respect your belief.
Well I have no idea what your parents are like so I don't know.
I told my parents that I didn't believe in god shortly after I told them I was gay, didn't seem to bother them
How old were you when you told them you were gay and told them you don't believe in God?
MOM: " Baby, how could ya betray us worshippers? You will be punished by death
You: " There is freedom of religeon. Can't punish me for that." ( That is, if you are in the USA
It's the best I can get, since I'm the only atheist in my school that isn't from an atheist family.
That's a relief. Mine don't take religion that seriously, but they still drag me to church in I'm awake in time (I just pretend to be asleep.)
1) How old are you? Age does matter. The younger you are the more of a challenge this will be. Parents typically don't respect the opinions of their children and the younger the child is the more true this is. If you don't believe me consider the reverse of the situation; you're an adult and a child is telling you that your beliefs are false. Wouldn't you be insulted?
2) Sometimes the best way to do this is to not do it at all. Again, consider the situation from your parents perspective. They probably have no clue you've even considered atheism. If you just say "I'm an atheist." they'll probably think you haven't actually thought the matter over at all and will either think this is a phase you're going through or that someone else is influencing you negatively. Perhaps you should take it slow and maybe check out a philosophy book or two from the library. I recommend something about Zen Buddhist meditation or something. Something that isn't particularly radical but different than your parent's beliefs. Then they'll notice that you have wider interests and won't be so shocked when you mention you're atheist. Show your parents you can think before you claim to have thought.
3) Kind of goes with #2 but make sure you know what it is you do and don't believe. Depending on how religious your folks are (and I assume they're zealots if you've come here for advice) you're going to be attacked for not believing as they do. Make sure you can back up your argument intelligently. The last thing you want to do is back down or sound like you aren't sure of yourself. Lacking confidence in yourself is a gigantic weakness in an argument like this. Don't let them exploit it.
I'll go do that right away.
*there may or may not be cake
I was raised Catholic, and my family is very religious, but not extremely, so it was easy for me to tell them I'm Atheist. They still give me a lecture from time to time, but I don't stick around to listen. The worst I get is mean looks, but that's rare, they are very accepting and understanding for the most part.
It isn't a science, though. Just tell them. Either wait for the next time they bring up the subject, or just tell them. Sit down with them and explain to them that while you respect their beliefs, you don't want anything to do with it because you're Atheist, and you don't believe in a god. I'm assuming the problem is they drag you along with them to church and all that, so yeah, tell them before the next time they drag you along with them.
My apologies, but what exactly is atheism if it isn't not believing in God?
I'm guessing what he meant is that Atheism isn't for rebellious people who choose to be Atheist because they were " pissed off at god ". It's the lack of belief in any god.
Oh, yes. Well, of course I'm not ignorant enough to think atheists are what they are because they are 'pissed at God'. My first post was merely for humorous purposes, Blaster.
Report back with results
How old were you when you told them you were gay and told them you don't believe in God?