I don't agree with my family on religious issues?

I have grown up in a Christian home. So, as I have gotten older, I have realized that I don't really agree with my parents on religious issues much anymore. I'm not going to go into detail, as I do not want to start any arguments or even heated discussions with anyone, but just know that I really don't see eye to eye with anything my parents believe anymore. I honestly am not even sure of what I believe at the moment. There is no way I can tell my parents that I don't agree with much of their beliefs, as they center their entire lives around it. They also still force me to go to church as I live under their roof, (Which I completely respect). I'm just worried about how they'll react in the future when they find out I reject some of the things that they've taught me. My dad is also extremely controlling and thinks that even after I am living on my own he will be able to have a say in my life (Who I date, live with, etc.) What should I do? Also, here is a link to a question I asked a long time ago that might better help you understand the situation. https://similarworlds.com/19-Spirituality-Religion/1282998-Can-my-parents-force-me-to-go-to-church
NOTE: Sorry, this is going to be long, but I feel that some background is needed for this question.

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Ynotisay · M

I don't think your situation is uncommon. I could go in to a lot of reasons why that is but I'll just say I'm sure it's very difficult. I was browsing around Reddit the other day and came across some groups dedicated to helping people get through what you're dealing with. Maybe you could get the perspective from those who have gone through it too..

As an atheist from the outside looking in I can see the machinations at play when it comes to "you're either with us or against us." I'm not sure if there's any way to change that. But just know that irrespective of everything else...life is a solo. For everyone. Living it for someone else, in a way that's counter to who you are and what you believe, is a recipe for disaster.

I think that once you get out on your own, and start making your own decisions, things will start to clear up a bit. Hopefully, your Dad will come to understand that he raised a strong daughter able to make wise decisions on her own and he'll support you. If he doesn't, that's his loss. And his mistake. It has nothing to do with you.

Good luck.

("To thine own self be true")

marilynmichelle · F

@Ynotisay Thank you very much. I appreciate it.