|
confused! Different religions! what should i do?
ok. well my moms side of the family (which is HUGE!) is very religious (catholic/christian) so i go to a Catholic church, and i am in the sunday school and youth choir and groups there. It's fun but i dont always beleive what they do.
My dads side of the family (only 4 people living by us) are well my aunts (well ones my aunt and the other ones her partner if you get what i mean) are jewish and my grandma is idk what. and my dad became catholic when he married my mom.
well after talking to my mom and aunts about what they believe i kinda made a bit of a different religion... I believe in God and Jesus. I believe in heaven. not in hell. I believe that when we die we can be reincarnated into ANY LIVING being (animals, humans, plants). eventually there will be a judgement day and we will all go to heaven. I also believe that with the power of god and because we only used 10% of our brains, some people can tap into some more of their brains, and do (magical type things.) like kinesis, and other stuff like that.
i'm a bit confused of what i should do. i mean if i say anything like that (that is againts catholic belief) my mom and grandma gang up on me and start arguing with me. I know that people that believe different things can get along, but idk what i should do.
Should i tell my parents what i believe, or should i keep hiding it and only say anything about it around my aunt (who lets me say w/e and helps me continue my beliefs)
please help me and tell me what you think i should do! thank you!
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
First of all, I am happy to see someone your age who is so intellectually curious and can think for themselves! You seem pretty smart and mature for your age.
Now about the religion, give yourself some time to explore and see if there's a right fit for you. Maybe there isn't and you will take bits and pieces of different beliefs and make them your own. Who knows! But you need to give it some time. Everyone always want to put rush to put a 'label' on things. Don't worry about what category you fit into yet, just keep questioning and exploring, as you are, and you'll find out soon enough what's truly right for you.
As for your parents, you may want to just try to stay off the topic as much as possible, or see if you can 'agree to disagree'. That's what I did with mine about politics. My parents are EXTREMELY conservative and I'm very liberal. We finally realized that we would NEVER change each other's minds and have agreed to disagree. It took us a while to get there but it has saved a lot of trouble.
good luck. =)
]
Telling your parents or only talking about things with your aunts isn't really the question. You asked to be told what I think you should do, I think you should examine why you believe what you say you believe.
You say you don't believe in hell...Most people who don't believe in hell have a deep fear that, if in fact the bible is true, hell is where they'd end up. So it's better to just not believe it exists.
You said that you believe there will be a judgment day, and you are correct...there will be a judgment day. BUT then you say you believe we all go to heaven? This belief makes no sense. What's there to judge if we were all going to heaven anyway?
Reincarnation is a buddhist belief that seemingly satisfies the fear of death.
Magic and other things like that produce its power from satan and satan successfully convinces people that the magic and such comes from themselves. This tactic leads people to feel in control when in reality, satan is.
No hell, everyone goes to heaven, reincarnation...These beliefs tell me that you are afraid of the afterlife and believing these things brings comfort.
I'll tell you this much, these beliefs bring death to your spirit and soul. There's an emptiness inside of every person that can only be filled by a relationship with their creator. It's obvious that you are trying to fill the emptiness and to cover your fears with these false beliefs.
The only way to be reconciled to God is a relationship with His Son Jesus. Relationship with Jesus comes by repenting and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life.
You say you believe in God and Jesus, but do you have a RELATIONSHIP with God THROUGH Jesus? I encourage you to truly seek truth and truth is not always comfortable. Actually, the truth hurts.
The place to start is to open the bible in the book of John and pray for God to speak to you through His Word. God wants us to DILIGENTLY seek Him. If your heart is diligently seeking Him, I promise the one true God will show up and you will know truth.
]
Dont let your family stop you from beliving in what you think is true... explain to them that this is what you belive, and you are going to continue to belive it.
]
Nobody has the right to gang up on anyone over their religious beliefs no matter what relationship they may have with you. If you believe something so strongly with all your heart don't stop. You aren't thinking anything that will hurt you or others and as the law states you are entitled to freedom of religion.
I would however, never discuss religion with your family and keep your views to yourself when around them to avoid argument. This isn't hiding them. It's common sense not to let them be known to people like this.
I mentioned this to someone earlier that religion and politics are two subjects never to mention to anyone be it a friend, co-worker, family etc. as it will ignite a keg of dynamite within people if you disagree with their ideas.
Your beliefs and theirs are no greater or valid as each other so someone trying to shove a particular doctrine down your throat or making you believe it is wrong. You won't go to hell for it. They're close-minded people and not acting in a christian manner.
Also if you aren't comfortable being at their church, in their choir, sunday school or youth group find something else to do on Sundays and don't go. You're old enough to make your own religious choices. If Catholocism isn't yours than nobody has the right to tell you what to believe.
]
Personally I would always opt for the honest approach.
If you are asking which would create the most harmonious environment in your home, thats a different matter altogether. However, I understood your question as what is the right thing to do. The right thing is not always the most pleasant thing.
If you want to be your own person and not be pushed around, you should be open with what you believe and stand your ground. Of course you shouldnt ever stand your ground in a matter where you are proven wrong, but this is religion... no one on this planet can prove a thing one way or the other.
Its also good practice for other things in life. I have always believed that a strong person is one that can stand against outside pressure. One that is not afraid to be the only one in a crowd to be different.
Good luck
]
More Questions: |