I'm afraid of being agnostic, I need help

[Mystic]

Don't be afraid of considering both options to be true. Also, look within yourself for guidance.

[TaosFlower]

Yes, they can. Now. Move on with your life.

Listen this guy right here. ^ he is right.

I guess I just have a hard time believing they could be so wrong on something so big. I love my parents and they've always tried to do right by me. So although I've come to know what they believe is "stupid", it's hard for me to turn away from what they've taught me. Because they've done so much "right" in my life, a part of me feels like they have to be right in this area. But my logical side knows better.

Does this make sense? I just feel lied to and cheated of a peaceful childhood. Although I love my parents, I feel like they've really damaged us kids in this area. I was home-schooled and kept away from outside influences, mainly non-religious influences. I was told all the time that I was sinful and nothing I could do would ever be good unless I had god.

Long story short, I love my parents but I'm also very angry at them for how they raised us kids.

[psychoslice]

You have to grow up and start thinking for yourself one day, and also realize the concept of hell is childish and ridiculers.

[Strider]

I can sympathize with you. I, too, lived in fear of hell because I didn't - couldn't - believe. I eventually realized that hell isn't real, much like the other supernatural, mystical entities and stories of the bible. Think about it like this. If you believe that the biblical account of creation and such isn't true (talking snakes, Adam and rib-clone, fruit which just so happened to contain the knowledge of good and evil, etc.) then the rest of it isn't true either.

Hang around the forums, do a great deal of reading on the subject, and I hope you come to an answer that can bring you some peace.

[Faith No More]

When we're conditioned to fear something it can be difficult to get our subconscious to accept something even though we've consciously decided there is nothing to fear. That's why we can come to the conclusion that something is not worth fearing but still have an instinctual fear towards it. The way to overcome that is to confront that fear and basically condition your brain not to be afraid. Just consciously remind yourself when you feel that fear that it's not rational and that hell cannot exist. Even do some research into the arguments as to why hell isn't real and have conversations with others about how there is no reason to fear hell. After confronting your fear for enough time, that instinctual fear you feel should go away.

[Minimalist]

I guess I just have a hard time believing they could be so wrong on something so big.

They are probably wrong about lots of stuff, big and small. Being a parent does not require wisdom.

Hell. Sarah Palin is a parent and she's the dumbest shit going.

[Whateverist]

I guess I just have a hard time believing they could be so wrong on something so big.

They are probably wrong about lots of stuff, big and small. Being a parent does not require wisdom.

Hell. Sarah Palin is a parent and she's the dumbest shit going.

That's right. There is no test or learner's permit required at all. If you can figure out which body parts fit together, you can be a parent.

[dyresand]

Listen this guy right here. ^ he is right.

I guess I just have a hard time believing they could be so wrong on something so big. I love my parents and they've always tried to do right by me. So although I've come to know what they believe is "stupid", it's hard for me to turn away from what they've taught me. Because they've done so much "right" in my life, a part of me feels like they have to be right in this area. But my logical side knows better.

Does this make sense? I just feel lied to and cheated of a peaceful childhood. Although I love my parents, I feel like they've really damaged us kids in this area. I was home-schooled and kept away from outside influences, mainly non-religious influences. I was told all the time that I was sinful and nothing I could do would ever be good unless I had god.

Long story short, I love my parents but I'm also very angry at them for how they raised us kids.

Well its your parents belief they cannot force you to believe what they believe in. If you are agnostic that's fine.. hmm its kind of hard to word what i want to say at the moment.. well it doesn't make your parents wrong saying or telling you god is real you should believe in it. But rather they think they are right because their beliefs are well most likely a tradition and they have some what a deep belief because of their parents passed it on to them.

[TaosFlower]

I guess I just have a hard time believing they could be so wrong on something so big.

They are probably wrong about lots of stuff, big and small. Being a parent does not require wisdom.

Hell. Sarah Palin is a parent and she's the dumbest shit going.

You are very right.

I was raised in a home where you don't question your parent's authority (i.e children, obey your parents in the lord, for this is right..). And unfortunately, I grew up with an unrealistic view of my parents. They were right and I was wrong.

It's hard to shake this religious stuff. But, I'll keep pushing forward.

[Strider]

I guess I just have a hard time believing they could be so wrong on something so big. I love my parents and they've always tried to do right by me. So although I've come to know what they believe is "stupid", it's hard for me to turn away from what they've taught me. Because they've done so much "right" in my life, a part of me feels like they have to be right in this area. But my logical side knows better.

Does this make sense? I just feel lied to and cheated of a peaceful childhood. Although I love my parents, I feel like they've really damaged us kids in this area. I was home-schooled and kept away from outside influences, mainly non-religious influences. I was told all the time that I was sinful and nothing I could do would ever be good unless I had god.

Long story short, I love my parents but I'm also very angry at them for how they raised us kids.

My parents, especially my dad, are devout Christians. My dad listens to American Family Radio and all. They raised me to believe in what they believed in. Like my parents, I'm sure yours mean well. I'm certain they believe Christianity is the universal truth, God is the source of everything, and that you will burn in hell if you're not a Christian. I can understand how bad religion can mess you up, but damaging you wasn't the intent of your parents.

Anyway, your parents, my parents, and all the others are just people; they get things wrong. What's important is that you find your truth, whether it involves a god or not.