How to tell my parents I dont want to go to church anymore?

Question

Ive been going to church ever since I can remember. Ever since ive been a little girl I know that on sunday I wake up and get ready to be able to go to church from 11-12. I even used to go to the kids section in the basement where they would teach us whatever they told the adults in a simplified version but to be honest I never understood anything. I turned 12 and couldnt go there anymore so I would lie and tell my family that I was vounlenteering with the kids downstairs to get out of staying at the adult lecture and that worked and I actually would help. Then I got a job and was working sundays so I was excused out of church. I no longer work and so I need to go to church but I dont want to.

I dont really have a reason to not want to but a few things make me uncomfortable about going to church. First of all, I know that many problems around the world are based on religion (I dont actually know enough about this and I plan to do more research so please dont come at me) and I hate war and the thought of people dying and I feel like religion plays a huge role on this. Second, I simply do not understand the catholic religion or any religion to be completely honest. I know that i only have very basic knowledge on religion from my 11th grade religion class but from what ive learnt it dosent make sense. #3 I cant seem to understand how people turn to religion. Maybe this is a very rude thing of me to say but I just dont understand how people can think that everything wether its good or bad is decided by god. Per example, my dad had surgery yesterday to get his kidney removed and my mom made sure we prayed as much as possible. The day before we went to church and then when the surgery was over and all went well my mom cant stop saying how much we should thank god but all I can think of is good thing this surgeon decided to have a career in what hes doing because he did an excellent job with my dad! We should be thanking the doctor not God and thats what makes sense with me. And lasty, I just dont like to be forced to do things. I know that im 17 years old and who knows maybe this is a phase but I dont understand why im being forced to go and practice something I dont believe in. I also feel like me being forced into this stuff is going to make me grow up hating religion and that isnt my point at all.

The bottom line of this is that Im trying to find a good way to let my parents know that I cant attend church anymore because it makes me so uncomfortable and I really dont mean to be rude towards any religious person or religion. I dont hate anyone who is religious or see them as anything less than I am. I know that Im going to have to go to church tomorrow on christmas eve and probably on new years eve and Ive accepted this but I dont want this to keep going on. My parents need to understand That im not comfortable with this and I want it to end until I decide something else. Im looking for an answer to tell my parents in a nice way. Im not trying to be rude in any way and any pertinent answers will be greatly appreciated!

Happy holidays!

Answer 1

I feel bad for your folks because I know how much this is going to hurt them. But, you're a big girl at seventeen, and at this point they really can't continue to insist on your going if you don't want to.



If you want to make it easier, go to MacDonalds or wherever, and get another job. They'll put you on every Sunday you want to work. Your parents are gonna know something's up, but that way it'll be a bit more gradual.

Answer 2

Tell your parents you've figued it out and you have no interest in their faith delusions anymore. You'd prefer not to attend church, and if they force you, tell them you've lost all respect for them.



Good luck.

Answer 3

It's a nonsense religion, Makash. Just show your parents Luke 14:26 and ask them if they truly want you to follow Jesus' command to hate them:



"If any man come to me, and HATE NOT his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." - Jesus Christ, Luke 14:26

Answer 4

We don't go to church. We are the church. Perhaps you need to experience what the Prodigal Son did before you begin to appreciate God's unconditional love for you. Blessings on your journey.

Answer 5

you just simply tell them how you feel

Answer 6

And this ladies and gentlemen is how Atheism is born