(November 25, 2013 at 10:06 pm)Minimalist Wrote:

(November 25, 2013 at 9:57 pm)Wunsbee Wrote: I'm 16

Go through the motions. They can't make you believe in their bullshit.

I hate bing dishonest at church, makes me so anxious. I have to constantly lie when I'm there and it sucks because even with the crazy beliefs there are some nice people there.

(November 25, 2013 at 10:06 pm)Minimalist Wrote: Go through the motions.

Religion has ridden upon the backs of mankind for centuries. I see nothing wrong with going along with the charade to regain a bit for our kind. Take the money and run as soon as you are able to.

(November 25, 2013 at 10:05 pm)pineapplebunnybounce Wrote:

(November 25, 2013 at 9:57 pm)Wunsbee Wrote: It is definitely a possibility... I truly don't know but this whole thing is upsetting me greatly.

Alright, if it's a possibility, best play it safe. Vent off your frustration elsewhere. I'm sorry but it sounds like the alternative is much worse.

If they're the reasonable type, tell them calmly about how you feel about it, don't let it turn into a shouting match though. But if they're the type who's always had this authority type relationship with you, then best not piss them off and make them think some extreme measure is needed to "save your soul".

My mother is stubborn and not accepting of other beliefs. Homophobic, sexist, racist sometimes, etc. It would definitely turn into a shouting match... Ugh I'm stuck):

Ha ha ha! You sound like me at 16! No worries little dude. Your family are full blown fundies. You're not gonna be able to convince them. Honestly, you're not ready to tell them. You need to get some practice at constructing logical arguments against the ridiculous ones they're going to present to you. Just hang around here, read some posts, and before you know it, you'll be prepared for just about anything your parents could throw at you. Additionally, you'll know and be able to recognize the types of things that they would listen to, and even more importantly, the things they'll ignore. This game is chess, not checkers. There's no easy "king me", you gotta learn how to earn a "checkmate".

(November 25, 2013 at 10:24 pm)The Reality Salesman Wrote: Just hang around here, read some posts, and before you know it, you'll be prepared for just about anything your parents could throw at you.

af.org University

Our motto is...

"If you don't learn it here, we don't blame you."

If I could go back in time, I would have loved to inform my father that I am an atheist.

I wonder if he would have acted less harsh to that news than he did to the fact that I was a Pentacostal Christian, rather than the Catholic I was raised as, praying for his alcoholic soul.

One night he actually grabbed me by the throat and held me against the wall because I stated that I was going to pray for his soul. He was just as religious as me, but I suppose he took offense because of his alcoholism.

(November 25, 2013 at 10:24 pm)The Reality Salesman Wrote: Ha ha ha! You sound like me at 16! No worries little dude. Your family are full blown fundies. You're not gonna be able to convince them. Honestly, you're not ready to tell them. You need to get some practice at constructing logical arguments against the ridiculous ones they're going to present to you. Just hang around here, read some posts, and before you know it, you'll be prepared for just about anything your parents could throw at you. Additionally, you'll know and be able to recognize the types of things that they would listen to, and even more importantly, the things they'll ignore. This game is chess, not checkers. There's no easy "king me", you gotta learn how to earn a "checkmate".

Do I (sound like you at 16)? How so? I actually debate people all the time and I can defend my atheism but my mother doesn't care about logic, might as well defend my view to a brick wall...

Since you still live under the auspices of your parents, best not to rock the boat too much...yet. Hell, look at it this way-you said you're from a long line of catholics. Consider your participation a nod to family tradition. I know that probably doesn't matter to you now, but it may later...if not for religious reasons then for 'family ties' type ones. If nothing else, knowing where you come from gives you solid ground in knowledgeably refuting it's more silly aspects. Life is learning, after all...both the good and bad.

Take a breath...no one can force belief on you.

Quote:I hate bing dishonest at church,

If only the priests felt that way when they were screwing the altar boys!

Your parents are forcing you into a den of thieves. They won't believe it but you already know and are not going to forget.

The sad thing is that you will hold it against your parents later. They are not evil. They are merely inept.

BTW, I was baptized twice. Don't worry bout the proceedings. After all is said and done, it's just a couple extra baths, with no soap. (I realize what you're taking about is different, just not that much)