I am not ashamed of my Religion but should I tell my Parents?

I agree with what some of the others here have said, that if the subject doesn't come up let it be. As you know I'm of the Wiccan/Pagan path myself as well and it can be frustrating if one feels the need to "hide" their beliefs. One wouldn't have the same problems if one mentioned they were Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, but too many people still don't understand Wiccan beliefs and think of us with the same erroneous notion as the imagery given to them via the Christian church and the movies..that is we're evil people. I was very fortunate, despite having been raised in Christian beliefs, when I decided to turn to Wicca (almost the same time as you), my mother didn't bat an eye, but then when I think of it I grew up in a pretty "bohemian" type upbringing and religion wasn't crammed down my throat. My mother was Catholic, father Methodist, I was baptized Catholic...but also was surrounded by the concepts of Unity and Science of Mind and Norman Vincent Peale (thanks to my great-grandmother)---then my mother,grandmother and I started going to a Protestant church and I was confirmed Protestant...in my late teen years and twenties started studying Hinduism and Buddhism, and even the mystery schools like Rosicrucians (Uh, am I confusing you..LOL). When I decided to go into Wicca though, it felt like I had "come home" since so many of the beliefs were ones I had all along Anyway, if the subject DOES come up with your folks, try to explain to them what Wicca is, maybe recommend books to read so they get a better understanding of it

Hi Aurone, If it's going to be a problem, why not leave things as they are? There is no need to upset your parents and you have every right to choose your own religion. As you say, tell them if they ask but other than that I would leave it. Blessings.

there's no need to make a song and dance, but there's no need to hide it either. your religion is nothing to be ashamed of, so if it comes up naturally in conversation, then feel free to bring it up. likewise, your religion is personal, so there's no need to push it at someone without such a discussion taking place. think of going out for the evening. do people say to you, hello, I'm Bob and I'm a Hindu. no. your religion only need come up when you're discussing spiritual matters. so don't feel like everyone has to know, but likewise, don't feel you need to hide it. and when it comes to parents, we are all spiritual beings, and them being born a matter of a mere few decades before you doesn't mean they have any authority over you in matters of the eternal spirit. I am lucky to have been raised in a Pagan household. but you don't need to force your new path in their direction, or hide it in shame. just LIVE it.

i honestly wouldn't bring it up unless they do-and maybe tell them i'm an adult,please respect my decision. my brother and i are both pagan-from atheist and roman catholic parents-and we make no apologies.i have told my mom i respect her right to believe as she wishes,and expect the same back.

You should never feel ashamed to share anything with your parents. They will love you and stand by you no matter what the situation is. Don't be afraid to let them know how you feel about your religious beliefs. Just stand up for what you believe in. The right words will come to you. Good luck!

If you are not ashamed of your religion, why don't you tell your parents about it? I think the biggest problem you are having now is not your religion, it's the communication between your parents and you. Why didn't you tell them before you become a pagan? Are you afraid that they would not allow you to do so? If this is the case, then you should better tell them as soon as possible as you have to persuade them that your decision is correct or at least is not a wrong one. As time goes, it would be even more difficult to explain to them and they may just think that you have told a lie to them for such a long time which is unrespectful to them since they are your parents. They should be the one who you respect and consider a lot. I agree with the responses saying that your parents might have already known this but would just like you to take the initiative to talk about this to them. I think one of the responses in this discussion would be possible. It is to ask your parents why they do not go to church and use this chance to see their response and try to tell them about this if it is possible to do so. I think you have to do deal with this problem as soon as possible because what I see here is a lack of communication between family members which could be a disater to a family as each family member does not understand how the others think or feel which will lead to great misunderstanding as a result. Therefore, as a member of the family, I think you have the responsibility to take the initiative to talk about your religion with your parents so as to get rid of the uncomfortness within yourself and to help improve the relationship within your family. Good luck!

Why not? I think its normal that they are going to talk about it and take it negatively but they also ought to know so they will be able to respect your beliefs. There are also other people who are rejected by their families because of the religion that they chose.

If you have it on your Facebook page, why do you think they don't know about it? Might it be that they know, but choose not to bring it up unless you do? D The fundamental question is this: Do you feel a need for them to explicitly know and acknowledge that you're Wiccan?

personally, i feel so bad to hear that you are no longer a Christian. You know the truth since you were a kid and then suddenly you've changed your religion. Anyway, I'm not gonna judged your action or decision. In answer to your question, yes, i think you should tell your parents. Somehow they would have an idea on your current preferences. I don't know if that would have an effect on your relationship with your parents, but they should really know somehow.

well aurone if your parents really understand you and respect you in every decision youve made and i think you dont have a reason to be afraid on what gonna happen if told them that your already a pagan, there's nothing wrong about for as long as all believe and knows about what is right or wrong simply tell them about it, i'm sure they understand and respect you why did you made such decision like that and last you should be true to yourself ok.