Is it fair to force your children into religion?

I don't try and disrupt my home. I just feels like I can't live or experience anything. I can't make my own mistakes. I just don't believe I need to be told I have to go. I should get the choice of staying home.

I think that the real problem here is that you want to make adult decisions (and you are old enough to), but because you still live at home your parents want you to follow the rules that have always been there. I stand by my thought that the only cure is for you to move out, but do it respectfully. Unitl you move out you can't actually expect your parents to treat you any different by giving you permission to not go to church

I do thank her. I do. I try to do what I can but her and I have lost touch. We fight a lot. I've been told a lot of bad crap that pushes me away from wanting to be a part of this family. I know it brings family together, it could always mess up stuff. I met a few of my best friends though church but they've gotta accept that I can't handle it any more. I can not accept a faith based on stories. I have a mind and I can think for my own. If once I get out and I want to go back, sure I'll go back. I think it's highly unlikely because I can't believe in something that doesn't make sense to me. Sure it was great as a kid when I needed something to do. Now, I know better. Sometimes the church DOESN'T bring people together like it should. It sends out zealots that bash in people's minds that they need to be saved or they're condemned to a non-existence hell. That's what pisses me off. It's like being forced to watch a movie you hate every week. After a while you get sick and you end up going psycho. If the church did what was right we'd see people accepted no matter what, this includes homosexuals. You don't see the church itchin' to bring homosexuals in. If we were a better thinking country we'd accept everyone.

Exactly, I'm almost an adult, I can make my own choices. I can't really seem to anything for myself. I'm being forced to go and it bothers me that I can't seem to think for myself so I must help my church.

Almost an adult? Um, at 18 you are considered an adult. I understand that you are still living at home, but I still dont think they should be able to force you into something you are not comfortable with.

I know they have given me a home. Then tend to tease me though when the fact that they'd love to kick me out. I'll give them that once I pass boards.

If you are responsible enough to not be living at home then you can do as you wish, but just because you have been alive for 18 years does not mean you imediatly have earned the right to not be told what to do. If you are still living at home then you still need mom and dad, so you still need guidance, and if mom and dad think that going to church with them is what you need then go. If you don't like it then act like an adult: get a job and relocate your belongings to a place where yo pay the bills, and do your own laundry, and cook your own food.

I think that your parents are wrong to make you choose either a roof over your head and religion or life on the street. That is coercion, I think that is wrong. At least you have had your eyes opened to the real world...good luck to you.

Agreed. It should really be illegal for this to happen. The church has become so warped. My church has sold off the building and they're planning on moving some where closer. Also they want to change the service times so they can have one earlier and such. My mother will force me to go with her if this happens and I can't really take a stand for myself out of fear that I'll get kicked out when I'm so close to leaving any way. I have really no foundation to live by myself. I wish it wasn't this way but it is.

You can still be a good person without having religion. What if a kid grows up in a harmful environment and something happen in the church that shook the child's foundation? That could have adverse effects in his or hers future. I have no patience for stories any more. I rather live of knowing facts. I can't believe in something if it's just a story and no real proof to add to it.

Agreeed.

Exactly. Parents should give children choices and this one of the area's I think parent's need to think about just as much as what children watch or who they hang out with.

Aye, exactly. I know what you mean, as long as I'm here I had to follow along.

okkidokitokki - you gave some good advice. Let me share a bit from the parent's outlook here. We always told our 2 kids that as long as they lived at home, they lived by the rules of the home, and church attendance at least on Sunday mornings was required. From our hearts - we were "not" FORCING them to go to church, but rather wanting them to at least be taught the things that would help them later in life. Of course like most kids, they moved out at 18, and quit going to church. They both made some really wrong decisions and have both suffered from those decisions. Living on your own is not always what it seems to be. At least while you are at home, you have some safety in your life, and it can be better if you choose to make it better. It takes two people to make an argument. If you just don't say anything, it cannot continue. But as it goes, many kids (and parents too) feel that they have to have the last word on any given subject. Why not try making a change? Be sweet and courteous to your parents. When mom starts on something, just say (nicely) that you'd rather not discuss it. Do things for your mom without expecting anything in return. You'll find as you change your approach to her and "things" - that things will be different. Read your Bible and become acquainted with your Lord through the scriptures and prayer. Ask Him to help you. He is not religion. He is your God, and will help you find what you need to better work through things, both now and later on in life. God bless you dear, and I will pray for you and your mom. ClassyCat