Insert deep-sounding title here...

[Nitsuj]

I am Nitsuj. I am 14 years old, but don't let that deter you. I feel very strongly in my atheistic beliefs, and would like to share them with others. I am entering High school, and am moving to go to a CATHOLIC school. I am worried. I don't know how I am going to take all this crap they shove down our throats about "God" this and "Jesus" that. I'm going to have to pretend to participate in school prayer, for God's sake! To make this worse, my dad teaches there. He doesn't know about my atheism, because I don't dare tell him. That side of my family is very religous. (My parents are divorced) I became an atheist gradually, by going to church and seeing how stupid the crap they do there is, and I discovered how frivolous Catholicism is. You do something bad, you go to church. "REPENT! REPENT! Oh, please, forgive us!" It makes me sick. Especially the kneeling. Seriously? It's bad enough eating "the body and blood of our savior," but going down on your knees and GROVELING for forgiveness. Uh...no. Anyway, I am Nitsuj. I hope you welcome me.

[Zen Badger]

To thine own self be true, all else will follow from there.

P.s hi and welcome to the rational world of atheism.

And start boning up on your Dawkins etc.

[Edwardo Piet]

Welcome.

EvF

[CoolBoy]

Welcome to the forums mate.

I do not know your family, and I do not know you. What I type may be helpful or it may not. I fully appreciate that talking to your parents about this is easier said than done, but have you actually considered telling them?

You say that being in church and the things it entails make you sick, then I believe you should stand up for yourself. Don't kneel and pray to a God you don't believe in. I know standing up to your parents will be very hard, and it is easier said than done. I can't think helping though that the time you spend in church and praying etc is wasted time, which could be spent socialising or learning.

I remember a quote from a Harry Potter film..."It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends". Your parents are your friends, but you must be courageous and stand up to them. If not you will regret the time you waste.

I hope I have been of help to you.

[leo-rcc]

Hi Nitsuj, welcome. Quick question: What are "atheistic beliefs"?

[Nitsuj]

Um, well, I suppose I should have worded that better. I mean, no belief in god, or what atheists believe. Get it?

[fr0d0]

Catholic schools are full of atheists... you'll be fine!

[Purple Rabbit]

Welcome Nitsuj