I think you should wait until you are a fully functioning member of society who needs no support from them, aside from emotional support. Look for friends that share your values to lean on for emotional support. It will provide you with a stronger foundation for going against their beliefs. They love you and want what is best for you. So show them you are a solid individual before challenging their beliefs.
My husband had to wrestle with this for years. His father is a Pastor and he was originally on track to become what his father wanted, a youth pastor for the local church. (And for those who know anything about my husband this comes as a shock and is really quite comical.) He is well read in many religions and uses that knowledge to debate his conservative family members. He didn't want to disrespect his father, or embarrass him in his community so he kept his beliefs quiet. It probably took him 10 years to make him understand without making it a confrontation. But his situation was fueled by the fact that his father's health is failing and is not long for this world.
I know it makes life difficult to hide a piece of yourself, but what will being open about it with your family bring you?
Thanks for the advice and for sharing your own experiences. This has just been bouncing around in my head for quite a while and I needed an outside opinion.
Agnostic with religious parents. Advice?
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I think you should wait until you are a fully functioning member of society who needs no support from them, aside from emotional support. Look for friends that share your values to lean on for emotional support. It will provide you with a stronger foundation for going against their beliefs. They love you and want what is best for you. So show them you are a solid individual before challenging their beliefs.
My husband had to wrestle with this for years. His father is a Pastor and he was originally on track to become what his father wanted, a youth pastor for the local church. (And for those who know anything about my husband this comes as a shock and is really quite comical.) He is well read in many religions and uses that knowledge to debate his conservative family members. He didn't want to disrespect his father, or embarrass him in his community so he kept his beliefs quiet. It probably took him 10 years to make him understand without making it a confrontation. But his situation was fueled by the fact that his father's health is failing and is not long for this world.
I know it makes life difficult to hide a piece of yourself, but what will being open about it with your family bring you?
Good luck.
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10 years ago
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Thanks for the advice and for sharing your own experiences. This has just been bouncing around in my head for quite a while and I needed an outside opinion.