Well technically because you're 16 your mum could make you go to church as you're in her care. I suppose as your mum is a theist she fears for your immortal soul, whether you believe or not, she has your best interests at heart.
No she can't. He actually has grounds for a valid legal argument of abuse, and could request to be taken from the home in placed in the care of someone who would not attempt to impose on his personal beliefs.
Well, you have to try and see it from her point of view. Your her son, and she believes that those that aren't Christian will go to hell. No mother would want ill for her child, so she will try and be forceful with you.
Plenty of mothers want ill for their children. I doubt his mother is doing this out of the kindness of her heart. It's more likely that she views it as not doing her religious-duty to make her family God-fearing.
OT: Religion is one of those things that can be neither proven or disproven. You should keep your beliefs to yourself, and respect your mother's beliefs; as her minor child, you are obliged to do so. I have managed to convince my friends of how illogical religion is, but they still go to Church/religious services to respect their parents.
Religion has already been disproven, countless times. Religious beliefs are what are difficult to debate. He is not required to go to church, and has the right to say no. Everyone has the right to choose their religious path, forcing a child to listen to religious dogma can be viewed as abuse.
That's exactly why I haven't told my parents. I just bite the bullet and go to church and then proceed to hang out with friends out side. I don't want to start a big shit fest so it's easier if they don't find out till after I've left the house.
That's not exactly the way to go about it, biting the bullet is not going to help you as you're not being truthful. Do you have so little respect for your parents that you can't tell them the truth? I know you'd rather avoid confrontation, but it's more childish to not tell them. Say you have no faith and that you hope they can respect that as you have and will continue to respect their beliefs.
Yea I should've done this If I would have just kept my mouth closed for two more years I wouldn't be in this situation. Oh and I'd forgotten to mention she told my relatives who are also strong christians and now they want to talk to me... and she took away my xbox since I didn't go to church the week modern warfare and fucking skyrim come out..
Don't give in, stand your ground. Your beliefs are more important than your xbox. If you allow her to have her way, you won't show her you're serious, and you'll lose credibility.
She's been conditioned to ignore scientific truths. On some level, it isn't her fault. Its really not worth it man, just go along with it until you're grown up. Just find a way not to go to church.
If you DO want to argue with her, ask her for proof of God/The divine (and specify, not just "Well we're alive, aren't we?).
I wouldn't suggest arguing with her, but you're right... it's not her fault for the way she is. But going along with it isn't going to make matters better. She's mentally sick, and playing along with the god delusion isn't going to help her get better.
I lol'd, I think you are ignorant of religions.
I am not religious, and I don't claim to be. My family is really religious and I will occasionally go to church with them because I love the people that go there and I have respect for my family. Not all religious people are nut jobs that try to force religion down your throats; some out there just genuinely care for people and their lives. Like the ministry my family goes to is sort of an ex-addict out reach organization, and they just love to help people and they don't try to force religion on anyone but are there if you want to talk about it. They're fun people, but calling all religious people ignorant is gross generalization.
tl;dr: Respect your mom and humor her, because she is the only one you get.
That's a sick way of thinking about things. Just because she's the only mother he'll have he should do as she says? That's just not right.
I will agree that sometimes church outings can be fun. It's nice to be around people who want to be better, and who want to help others. However, they are still based upon a system that has not changed since the beginning. If there's a bible there, then chances are... the second they get the chance to convert someone... they will try to do so.
Here's what I would do in your situation, tell your mother you do not wish to participate in religious activities as it is no longer your belief. Do not continue with any further conversation. If she says you'll go to hell if you don't, tell her you respect her beliefs but still refuse to partake in religious activities.
Stand firm, but avoid telling her that she's looney or what your beliefs are. It's when you start trying to debate religion that you lose them. Mainly because you set off a trigger in which they begin sprouting off their beliefs, and it's impossible to get them to shut up.
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Good luck! If you want your xbox back, btw, ask her if punishing you for not being religious is her call... or if she's simply imposing on God's job.
. That's a daring move, though, so good luck. haha
