How do I have a discussion with my mother about religion?

Question

I've believed differently than my mother for a long time, and I've always let her know but not exacts. I'm 17 and I've contacted a group that I want to study/worship with but since I'm underage, they insist that I get parental permission first. I completely agree that it's in everyone's best interest for things to go down like that, but I have some trepidation about the big talk.

I am very serious about joining this group, and I don't want to have to wait until I leave my parent's house to be spiritually fulfilled just because I'm nervous to talk about it. I'm looking for suggestions, maybe personal experience.

Thank you very much for taking my query seriously!

Answer 1

what religion? then i can help you?  

Answer 2

like twenkies  

Answer 3

try explaining to your mother exactly what the group is and what they stand for. tell her why you believe in your new faith.

Answer 4

most mothers dont like their children joining cults

Answer 5

When you do speak to your mother, respect her beliefs.  Do not try to tell her what you believe is right or superior.  Say you've given serious thought to this, and you believe you are old enough to join this group.  One thing that is not included in your question is whether there is something about this potential group that your mother will find harmful or offensive.  If the answer is yes, then it is going to be difficult.  Most parents would be pleased to see their teen engaged in a spiritual pursuit.  Concentrate on presenting this as a positive opportunity for you.

Answer 6

Have you even checked into the reality of religion? Man created gods to explain the unknown. Christianity created heaven and h**l. Gods don't exist! Return to reality!

Answer 7

you mention no religion at all you or your mother!! what if your getting in a religion that worships rocks or something.

Answer 8

Just sit her down, pop some poping corn, and do

If you think there is anything else to it, you are overthinking :)

Answer 9

undergrad implies that you are an adult. why would you need permission in college?

Have an open discussion with your mom. you may enlighten her or she may enlighten you.

be careful if you need parental permission to worship. religion is personal.

Answer 10

Simple - take her with you to a meeting.

Otherwise, you will have to wait till you are 18.

Eph 6:1  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Col 3:20  Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

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Answer 11

i think i can help you with that.  The simple answer is:  ask questions.  questions might lead to the talk you want to have, but if it doesn't, then maybe it's a sign not to push it.  Either way, asking the right kinds of questions always let's to you say something without being the one that has to answer details.

Here's an article about a "tactic" you can use regarding asking questions, it's called the Columbo tactic, developed by Stand To Reason's (Christian ministry) Greg Koukl.. read this and then search the site if you want to know more, there are several articles that refer to this technique:

http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsA...

Answer 12

religions... a religion can be made up easily any one of them, some dude just decided to make a God, king of all kings and all the other religions...

i choose to be an atheist!

Answer 13

i understand how u feel. try this. when u and her r alone, just tell her that u would like to join w/e group it is and that u need parental permission. tell her u'd love it if she'd come w/ u and that u think it would be a fun and good thing to do mother and daughter. maybe that will help get a talk about yours and her religion started. also, pray and ask god to help u find the right words to say and ask him to speak to her through you.

hope this helped! good luck!

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and i don't agree with "missouri student nurse" or "Asian Balla" at all.. god is real. he's not made up and neither is heaven or h**l. we need god in our lives. if it weren't for him, none of us would be here. so be thankful that ur alive because of him. also, when someone posts a question about something like this, either answer it w/ a good response or don't answer at all! don't just tell them that their religion is wrong! is that helping them at all?? NO! didn't think so. ppl can believe what they want to believe because god gave us our own will so that we can chose where to go w/ our lives and right now satan is leading both of u to believe that there is no god and he is making u post things like this to try to get other ppl to believe that there's no god. but a true christian wouldn't change their mind about god just because someone who doesn't have a relationship with him said so.  not trying to be offensive, just saying what i think and stating how i feel.

Answer 14

Start by saying Mum, I want to join this religious group.

if that doesn't work u might have to consider giving up.  

Answer 15

Well the thing is, if it's something that is good, and right, you wouldn't feel nervous about it. Only bad or negative things would make one nervous. If you truly believe it is the right thing to do, you would feel good about it, proud of it, and very willing to share with your mom.

Answer 16

You want to show her you're mature and to take you seriously.

Write this down in a letter to her.  This shows that you've put thought in it.  It also allows you to carefully compose your thoughts instead of blurting something out the wrong way.  Finally, it allows her to absorb your words for a time, without reacting directly.  So she can react thoughtfully.

Explain to her that you are nearly a legal adult and that you've chosen this path.  Say that you don't expect her to agree with you, but that you do expect her to respect you, as you respect her.  Tell her that you love her.  (You can never do that last one too much).

Answer 17

Talk to your mom and let her know that you are your own person and while you respect her religious beliefs you hope that she can respect yours. Show your mom the website and any info pertaining to the organization and let her make that call. But trust mama's judgement, sometimes those religious groups get a little cult-ish and she will be looking out for your better interest. If she says no, then see if there is anyone from the group that lives around your area who you can talk to rather than joining right away. It will fulfill some of the void, as well as let you gain some new knowledge.

Answer 18

start out slowly. let them know youve contacted a group and bit by bit (meaning one or two times a day) tell them new things you have learned that are a part of this religion. they will come to see that you are very interested and once they understand how important this is to you, discuss your decision. let them know that just because you are part of a different faith doesnt make you any less their daughter.

good luck!

Answer 19

Both my parents were treated like c**p by their parents when they became born again.  My mom was actually disowned and beaten... Eventually things boiled over and everyone's fine now.

No one can guarantee a rosy result.. Following your faith and pursuing truth are not always pleasant.  Just read how Paul's life ended..

If your new to this, get used to being treated like garbage and don't let it put a dent in your spirits.. They will treat you like a completely different person because your countenance has changed.

Answer 20

I don't think you've provided us with enough information to answer accurately.  What is your mother's view?  Is she a member of a different religion or is she an atheist?  Are you planning on joining a mainstream religion or is it something less mainstream?

My answer would be different if your mother is Presbyterian and you want to join a Methodist church vs. if your mother is atheist and you want to become a Scientologist.

Answer 21

Yes discuss it with her.  I personally would not choose for my son to join a religious group. But, I would always support him in doing what makes him feel better.  Parents really do only want their kids to be happy.  Explain why you want to join and what you are looking to get out of it.  Give her as much info as possible about the group.  You may still both disagree about religion, but your goal should just be to get her support. You do not have to have the same beliefs.