Q&A for How to Tell Your Parents You are Following a Religion They Don't Approve of

If you are torn between revealing your religious beliefs to your parents or not, consider these following factors: How important is the truth to you? How will your parents take it? Will you be ready to talk about why you also did not continue with your parents' religion? It is ultimately up to you because all that matters is deciding on a path that feels right for you.

You have to be mature enough to understand what you are doing and the consequences of your actions.

The Pope and the New Testament say, 'Yes,' we just need Jesus in our lives. However people who leave their religious practice do sometimes, unfortunately, become subject to abuse for choosing a new path. If you were physically abused, don't hesitate to seek outside help. Everyone should be permitted to follow their own path and physical abuse is a grave mistreatment.

Tell the parent that you aren't worried much about first. If the outcome is good, ask that parent to help you and stand by your side for support while you tell the other parent.

If your parents are that against a religion, you probably need to wait until you are no longer under their control.

It might be easier to keep your conversion to Buddhism under wraps until you are out of the house. You can learn as much about it as you can, but if you are under 18 or living at home, it could be difficult to convert.

Nope. It's your belief system. Just ensure that you are attending in a safe manner (that is, not sneaking out in the middle of the night putting your own self in danger).

Belief systems are a personal choice. If you want to be Jewish... convert. The choice is yours to make, no one else's.

Your parents won't always support your decisions in life. As long as you are making safe decisions (safe for yourself and others), and have strong role models in your chosen faith, who cares what you believe? Your parents don't necessarily even have to know. It's a personal decision, much like how you don't have to announce or explain that you prefer tea to coffee.

Atheists tend to think that everyone has the right to believe in whatever they please. I'm sure your parents wouldn't mind at all.

Sit her down and say you need to talk about something serious. She will probably take you seriously and understand that this is a big thing for you.

Hinduism is a very accepting religion. If you want to convert, they should be okay with it. if not, really the only thing you can do is wait until you're 18, or do not let them know.

It is good you want to convert to Christianity. However, it is true that Muslims will often disown people who leave the religion. You should pray to God about this. Ask Him what you should do. Wait a while, don't rush your conversion. God will guide you.

Let your parents talk to you in private. Your parents probably just want to know how and why you became an atheist. They're worried because they have a different belief from you, and they want to understand you a little more. Don't be stressed out; just try to talk to them a little more.

Just tell her that even though you don't believe in God or a deity, she still can. It's your belief. Or, don't tell her.

Wicca is a very spiritual practice. I would tell them in a safe setting. Just because they are atheists doesn't mean they won't understand.

Be patient and kind with them. Put yourself in your shoes, imagine your children decide to convert to something else and practice it near you. Stay strong, it might take time but with goodwill and patience, you could turn them around.

No, this is not abuse.

Be direct, honest and precise. If you want something done, just be honest and true and the rest will follow.

If they seem concerned, explain that you do not believe in, let alone worship Satan. Maybe you could explain who you do worship, whether it's the Holy Mother, a triune goddess, or someone else.

Your parents will probably be offended if you tell them their God is just a god and shouldn't be worshiped. No one appreciates having their beliefs challenged or criticized, especially parents. However, you are entitled to your beliefs. If you want to avoid painful arguments and hard feelings, agree to disagree.

Catholics are Christians. There are other Christian denominations, such as the Anglicans. Explain why you feel you want to change denominations to your parents.

Just don't tell him that you are one until you're able to live without his support.

If you think it will be a serious problem, maybe you could wait another two years (until you're an adult) to tell them. However, maybe they'll be okay with it as long as you're still a Christian. You could always try asking them what they think of other denominations, and non-denominational Christians, without hinting that you think you might be one yourself (it's a normal question for someone who wants to learn more about their religion).

There are many Muslims who respect Isa (Jesus). Explain that you are like other Muslims who want to understand the teachings of Isa. The best way to do this is to have the opportunity to read His teachings from the Christian bible. Explain that followers of Isa believe in respect for parents. Belief in Isa does not require you to behave disrespectfully toward your parents.

Explain that "agnostic" simply means that you can't know something that is unknowable. An agnostic is not someone who refuses to consider the truth. An agnostic continues to search for "knowable" truth. Explain to your religious friend the reasons that you cannot accept superstitious beliefs but that you are open-minded about truth claims presented by their faith. Keep an open conversation going without emotional attacks or rejection.

Examine why your father is an atheist. Examine why your mother is a Christian. Explain your reasons for wanting to examine Hinduism. Never argue, only maintain an open conversation and an inquiring attitude. Do not engage in personal emotional attacks.

If you are no longer a minor, you may choose to take responsibility for setting up your own household. However, you want to simply have an open discussion about the reasons that your father disapproves of becoming a Jehovah's Witness. Perhaps he can share some insight into the history or teachings of the Watchtower Society. Perhaps he can share reasons that would make you change your mind.

Have an open discussion with someone that you can trust to talk respectfully. Ask them to explain their opinion in a way that you can understand. Explain that you want to understand, but may still disagree and that it is okay to disagree with honor and respect.

It is never wrong to consult with a responsible adult. Be aware that if you say that witchcraft is not a religion, others may think that you don't know the definition of religion. Discuss your reasons for wanting to read books on witchcraft. Discuss them with the responsible adult. Do it without basing your discussion on arguments or aggression, but upon presenting a reasonable case for your choice.