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Fourteen years ago, I was baptized Catholic. I attended a Catholic school from kindergarten to second grade. Aside from that I never went regularly to church, still don't. In the beginning of third grade I moved and attended public school. However, about a year ago I started doubting my religion. I did my share of research and found it that ,maybe, Catholicism wasn't the religion for me. So I declared myself agnostic, I still do. I still am very unsure of what to believe. Anyways, when I tried to 'clue' it to my mom she exploded and TOLD me I was Catholic and that God WAS real. Pretty much forcing this upon me. I believe that religion is a personal thing and that a person should not force it onto you (like baptism). I respect my mother and the Catholic church and their beliefs. I just so happen not to believe the same as them. So what I wanted advice on is my mother. Should I just not even try to get her to understand me? We usually get along fine, it's just the topic of religion that we have our different views on.
I would appreciate it if your respected my views as I do yours, so please don't bash me.
Well, religion is always a topic that stirs up emotion. You have to also remember that much of it is based on fear, so it can be hard for some people to open themselves to a different point of view.
However, I do think that time might be your ally here. And when I say time, I do mean years. For now there is no need to provoke more confrontation. It is clear that your mom is not open to the possibility of being wrong- that is usually the way to assess when to argue with someone by the way, if they are not open to that possibility, you will be wasting your energy.
So, stick to your guns, but do it privately for now. If she asks, explain it to her calmly and rationally. If she argues, defend your points (should not be too difficult considering the lack of proof/rampant inconsistencies in religion). As time goes by you can try to approach her again or to hint at your beliefs when the right circumstances arise- and they will.
Basically what I am saying is that you have a far better chance of getting her to come to terms with this if you do it gradually and give her the time to get used to it. She may never embrace your position, but she may well come to accept it.
Good luck.
(Rating: 5) Thank you! I appreciate your advice!