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How religious family members "support" you.

Ive been having a pretty rough go of it these last couple weeks and im away from my family for the first time ever.
They are religious and im an atheist. Weve discussed this, had conversation about our difference of beliefs. Its all good.

But they always try to comfort me with god. Like "don't worry, god will guide you where you need to go" "god has a plan" "praying for you"

Which i know they are trying to help, BUT its so infuriating!!!

I feel like they are rubbing religion in my face rather than actually help!? And what good is that to me? God has a plan!? There is no plan, you have to make things happen.

Rather than thinking deeper for a way to help, they just use a cop out that makes them feel better but me feel worse.

Venting for the day complete ✔

Lynn1216 4 July 21
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37 comments (26 - 37)

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1

Good for you, that you had the courage to tell your family that your an atheist. Hang in there. You are stonger than you think. If you can't reason with the family, consider distancing yourself from them.

1

I came out to my mom and she was obviously upset but over all she has been very supportive. She tries to use terms that are not specifically religious when I'm involved in the conversation. Of course my family still prays and stuff at big events and i still have family members that tell me god has a plan and all that and I know it's not coming from a bad place. It's just what they have always gone to when they do not have answers. It's ultimately up to you if you want to bring it up to them. Maybe try reiterating to them that you do not think God has a plan and that real world advice would be appreciated. I got really lucky with my mom not always bringing god up and she does occasionally and I basically just ignore it but I wish you the best with your family!

Jjones Level 4 July 21, 2018

Thank you !

Its so hard because my aunt in particular is dying from cancer, shes get a gimme on all my atheist thoughts. But shes hitting the religious thing hard because she wants to "see me in heaven" gah

@Lynn1216 yeah I have reservations about when that time comes too. I mean. I think I would just let them have their piece of mind thinking they would see me in heaven you know? And are you saying your aunt is trying to push god on you to see you in heaven or is she just taking it hard because she wants to see you in heaven but thinks you are going to hell?

1

if its all good i doubt they mean to annoy you they are just doing their thing and your doing yours you can't expect them to just change their language to suit you they are still convinced in a god and must still feel that this god will help you good luck tho

weeman Level 7 July 21, 2018
1

Have you considered trying to convey your feelings in writing? Maybe something like: "I know you pray for me. You are Christian and you love me, and Christians pray for those they love. But when you keep reminding me it feels like you are badgering me."

And:

"I know you believe there is a God who has a plan, and you know I don't believe this. So when you keep asserting something you know I don't believe it feels like you are trying to start an argument."

Just a thought.

0

Your family doesn't know what else to do. They aren't picking on you. It's not personal (at all, or at least for the most part). This is what they tell each other, and themselves. They wouldn't be any help if you were a believer like them, either.

1

I never really brought it up with my family. I never viewed differences in beliefs to be something worth arguing about or potentially dividing the family over.

1

Just do what you can to ignore their remarks, making no response to any, no reference to any and move on. You live your life without god and they live their's with god (whatever that even means). Everything they say is nothing more that a bumper sticker cliche and is meaningless.

sir I must disagree. I know plenty of Christians in my family and out. they're not empty and meaningless with regard to their religion. there is wisdom which can be learned from those books. I believe it to be the wisdom of man, and some of his vanity rather than gods. Yet I don't think someone being religious is a reason to spurn or ridicule them. Yet, with regard to the folks... I agree that the lack of Engagement is preferred on the subject matter.

@hankster Your opinion is noted as is mine.

1

As someone who knows that struggle, I have to agree with @Mitch07102 . Their frame of reference is different than yours so they can't easily comprehend what statements like that really mean (or don't mean) to you. So take it with a grain of salt. The love is genuine and that's the part that really matters.

1

Screw em

4

I think sometimes parents have a hard time truly believing that their children are now unbelievers. I believe they continue the god savior talk believing that the child will return to the fold. chin up. it's tricky for them to see the adulting in their child.

I agree.

3

Accept their love while ignoring the beliefs. Love is good.

Agreed ?

2

They're trying. You can always smile sweetly and change the subject. Eventually, they'll get the message.

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