LukeExChristian Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 i consider myself an atheist. but my family would not say that about me. i feel that they believe i am doubting, and skeptical, but they do not realize how far i am taking this. i have asked questions and made arguements against God. long story short, my family wants to set me up a time to go to the pastor's house and talk about this. i hope one day, by my efforts, i can cleanse my family of this filth called religion. i am very fortunate to get to live this life , i want to nale it better for myself and those around me. wish me luck!
Orbit Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 You probably won't ever change your family--worry about your own sanity first. Good luck in your path
Moderator TrueFreedom Posted May 5, 2014 Moderator Posted May 5, 2014 Good luck. Don't let him assume the default respected position, and don't agree to waste time reading his suggestions unless he agrees to read yours. You don't have to answer to him. It's telling that your parents feel that they need to pull in an authority figure to defend their position for them. Why can't they take on your challenges on their own?
FreeThinkerNZ Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 You don't have to go see him unless you want to. You would probably just find the experience frustrating, and it won't do anything to help your family see the light. It is a sign of how much they fear you thinking for yourself. You can't change anyone else.
xtify Posted May 5, 2014 Posted May 5, 2014 i consider myself an atheist. but my family would not say that about me. i feel that they believe i am doubting, and skeptical, but they do not realize how far i am taking this. i have asked questions and made arguements against God. long story short, my family wants to set me up a time to go to the pastor's house and talk about this. i hope one day, by my efforts, i can cleanse my family of this filth called religion. i am very fortunate to get to live this life , i want to nale it better for myself and those around me. wish me luck! I don't know what your church is like, but this is what happened to me before they had the cast the demons out pastor visit #2. My story is just a cautionary one as I am sure things aren't that extreme now (or are they?) but that was what happened to me in my mid-teens. IMO, you don't need to engage with the pastor. If you feel like portraying yourself as a christian to him so he gives a good word to your parents then do so. Think about your own safety. Are you able to support yourself financially? Have you thought out all the consequences of admitting apostacy? That's the advice I can give. With regards to cleansing one's family of religion: I have never been able to accomplish cleansing with my parents. Whatever I have said has just hurt them. I've accepted that they can't live without holding on to their beliefs. I wish you all the best in whatever decision you choose.
Neverlandrut Posted May 7, 2014 Posted May 7, 2014 Good luck. Don't let him assume the default respected position, and don't agree to waste time reading his suggestions unless he agrees to read yours. You don't have to answer to him. It's telling that your parents feel that they need to pull in an authority figure to defend their position for them. Why can't they take on your challenges on their own? I second. A primary argument tactic among Christians is to do what's called "shifting the burden of proof." You may get people telling you that you have to prove their view wrong. That is completely false. If you lack their belief, and they are the ones making all sorts of claims about god, Jesus, meaning of life, etc., then they are obligated to demonstrate why they are correct. If they can't give hard evidence (and they can't) to back up their claims, then you are not obliged to agree. Remember, the inability to prove something wrong doses not make it right by default. Sorry for the rant. Shifting the burden of proof is a pet peeve of mine. Don't let them do it!
Super Moderator TheRedneckProfessor Posted May 7, 2014 Super Moderator Posted May 7, 2014 Be strong, Luke. Expect and prepare for a highly emotionally charged meeting. christianity is nothing more than an appeal to emotion charged up on steroids. Remain calm and state your arguments in a logical and articulate manner. Keep your wits about you; and don't fall victim to the effort to pull at your heart strings. There is no proof for their claims; only guilt, fear, and manipulation.
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