so i am looking for a bit of advice from any atheist willing to help. i am 15 and i have really moronic parents who are christian. they think the country was founded on Christianity. they say things like "evolution is just a theory" and considering i aspire to be an evolutionary biologist this irritates me. i do not know what to do about it. i would say do nothing but i feel like i am lying to my parents by not informing them of my lack of belief. they refuse to listen to reason about all subjects involving religion. and example of this was when we talked about how most of the founding fathers were deistic not christian, which was a point i brought up about when trying to explain how we are a secular country founded by secular philosophies. i simply ask for advice coming from any helpful atheist. i do not mean to sound childish but considering circumstances i felt the need to put my trust in a forum of people who are hopefully not as stupid.

You can find information online, and try to show them this stuff, but they actually have to want to learn it. Lead a horse to water, and hope it drinks. Other than that, you'll just have to wait until you're independent, and can move out.

OP, help with what exactly?

(January 27, 2015 at 8:45 pm)JesusHChrist Wrote: OP, help with what exactly?

i was attempting to explain my situation and ask for any advice regarding the matter, nothing really specific.

It is unfortunate that a child or teen has little to no control over their life until they've left their parent's place. Just try not to let them isolate you completely, and bash you over the head with their beliefs.

Practice your driving, and try to get a vehicle as soon as possible. It's the first step to independence.

Then, since you are 15, find places to vent - such as this - and keep sucking it up until you are able to take care of yourself.

Believe me, we've heard this story many times before. It is unlikely you are going to change their minds, although stranger things have happened.

Of course it depends on how your parents may react to finding a heathen devil in their midst. Some go ape-shit, others experience a slight inconvenience.

No shortage of the Devil's Own here.

(January 27, 2015 at 8:54 pm)Chad32 Wrote: It is unfortunate that a child or teen has little to no control over their life until they've left their parent's place. Just try not to let them isolate you completely, and bash you over the head with their beliefs.

Practice your driving, and try to get a vehicle as soon as possible. It's the first step to independence.

i appreciate the help.

I have no advice for educating your parents about evolution. The web littered with good sites origins.com being one of the best written places, and Thunderf00t's being one of the best video series. But unless your parents have an interest in learning or at least a willingness, knowing what to show them won't help. Similarly, any good book about the founding of this country makes it clear we are not founded on Christianity, though most of the country was and is Christian.

As for coming out atheist, you are 15 and know your parents. I don't know them. You have to weight the possible consequences. And the consequences for children can be severe.

(January 27, 2015 at 8:57 pm)JesusHChrist Wrote: Then, since you are 15, find places to vent - such as this - and keep sucking it up until you are able to take care of yourself.

Believe me, we've heard this story many times before. It is unlikely you are going to change their minds, although stranger things have happened.

Of course it depends on how your parents may react to finding a heathen devil in their midst. Some go ape-shit, others experience a slight inconvenience.

No shortage of the Devil's Own here.

yeah it is almost impossible to change a theist on any point that opposes their beliefs. thanks for the advice

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(January 27, 2015 at 9:00 pm)Jenny A Wrote: I have no advice for educating your parents about evolution. The web littered with good sites origins.com being one of the best written places, and Thunderf00t's being one of the best video series. But unless your parents have an interest in learning or at least a willingness, knowing what to show them won't help. Similarly, any good book about the founding of this country makes it clear we are not founded on Christianity, though most of the country was and is Christian.

As for coming out atheist, you are 15 and know your parents. I don't know them. You have to weight the possible consequences. And the consequences for children can be severe.

my parents especially my mother are not willing to learn, that much is clear. thanks for the advice

Tell them germ theory and gravity are also just theories and ask them why they get 'flu shots (assuming they do), and if they're wearing their lead shoes so they don't float aware.

Then tell them what theory means in a scientific context.

Welcome, btw, and good luck with an awesome career choice.