I am an atheist my mom is not, and...?

Question

she is starting to get on my nerves about this "going to h**l thing." She keeps on referring to me as the devil. It's REALLY pissing me off. She practically talks like she has disowned me. Every time I enter a room, she leaves. I'm 18, I'm a good kid, I'm going to college, volunteer, I have high morals, just not those based on religion. What should I do?

Answer 1

Don't worry about it, even though you are a minority, you are a growing minority. Defend your beliefs, tell her that threats of h**l don't work on atheists because they don't believe in h**l.

Answer 2

I've never really talked to my father about being an atheist.  He knows that I don't trust organized religion and that I don't go to church.  I do get the you really should look into going to church comments every once in a while, but I pretty much just ignore them.

When visiting (we're 800 miles apart) on a Sunday I will go to church with them, after all, who am I to try to change their minds about religion.  I can survive an hour in a church and it makes them happy.

You aren't going to 'win' this one and you need to have a heart to heart with your mother about your relationship and how you are going to continue.  Your mother has a strong relationship with God and you aren't going to change that.  It doesn't sound like you mother is going to change your mind either, but you do have to be together and be civil.  Talk about how you are going to do that.

Answer 3

As a person, you can believe in anything you want to. Period. When I was in 8th grade, a friend of mine was Christian. She would say constantly say "When I die, I'm going to heaven but when you die, you are going to h**l..." Needless to say, I stopped talking to her.

Your mom is probably just worried that you are "leaving God out" of your life. Talk to someone who is a mutual party between you and your mom. Talk to your father, an aunt, an uncle, etc. about what's going on. They can probably try to talk to your mom about your choices and make her realize what a great person you are overall.

Answer 4

There probably is not much that you can do besides wait it out until you can move out. For whatever reason, atheists are one of the least trusted minorities in the United States, perhaps because of atheism being associated with the communists during the cold war? Just speculating.

It is doubtful that she will be willing, or perhaps able, to understand your views. I'm sure she feels concerned about what she believes will happen to you for your beliefs, as well as, perhaps, betrayed because of you steering away from her own.

A great deal of patience and calmness will most likely be required on your part, met with the willingness to understand, or at least listen, on hers. If she is unwilling to sit down with you and listen to what you have to say, or to even speak with you civilly, I do not think there is much you can do besides weather the storm.

Answer 5

turn your life over to Christ- your mom is right.

Answer 6

I think your Mom is afraid for you.  Sometimes we drive people away from God because others don't see God in us.

I'm glad that you're a good kid.  Most of the high morals that you have, have their roots in religion.

18 is a tough time and a wonderful time in many ways.  There are a great many temptations out there.  Many of the things that look really great will will take you farther than you want to go, and make you pay more than you can afford.

Try to keep an open mind on God.  

Believe me, your Mom doesn't hate you.