Is it normal that i don't want to tell friends/family i'm no longer christian?

79% Normal
9 Comments

I was raised Christian. And for 18 years of my life, I was devoted to Jesus Christ. But lately I've realized how it's all just BS, and I've gone my own way in spirituality and the way I think. Everything is so different now, and I find it hard to adjust, because I still live with my family and they are all hard-core Christians. I can't bring myself to tell them. It's like, they would be so disappointed, and try to "save me" all the time. I'd be seen as a lost lamb that desperately needs their help. It'd just be terrible. So, I want to move out, and I guess that's a way of running, but I don't know what else to do. I have to go to church with them every Sunday, and it drives me crazy. Also, my dad has this set of "rules" that I have to follow while I live in the house, including reading the Bible every day and dressing modestly. I told him I would dress as he wants when I'm in the house, but I would wear what I wanted when I wasn't in the house. He told me "No, you need to set an example for this family, and as long as you live in this house, you will dress correctly."
I'm 19 years old, and pay rent to live here!

I'm also super afraid to tell my best friend.
She's also a hard-core Christian, and I love her to death. We've been best friends for years, and she's one of the most important things in my life.... But, if I told her, I fear it would ruin our friendship. She wouldn't judge me, she's not like that, but she would think what I am doing is wrong, and she'd be sad.. And.. It's hard to explain.. Also, we'd lose a lot of "intimacy".. I'm sure she believes the "don't be equally yoked with unbelievers" verse. And it'd be awkward to talk about God-related things with her... I don't know what to do... Is it normal that I shy away from telling everyone the truth? And does anyone have any advice?

Voting Results
79% Normal
Based on 43 votes (34 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 9 )
  • little_freak
    11 years ago

    It's not shying away, you have a right to privacy, who ever said you have to share absolutely everything with everyone? I don't know if it's of any comfort, but try to imagine throughout history how many people have been in your place around the world, maybe you'll get the feeling like you are not alone. My advice is to try and make it on your own as soon as you can, and not to tell your family until then. I think it's completely useless to try and change people like that, the only reasonable thing is to try to make them accept you in time. But for that you need to be independent, otherwise you'd just be starting a purposeless war.

    Regarding your friend, I think if she's a true friend she should be OK with it, although perhaps not right away. It all comes to whether you think she'll tell on you or not. Maybe a good way to go about it is gradually, like starting to show little by little how you feel with some subtle comments and seeing how she reacts, i don't know.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      Thank you! :) Very helpful.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • HeavenWolf
    9 years ago

    if i have an daughter and she try to say something to me like hell i would listen to her. sorry for my language and for your best friend if i see something wrong with my friend i would ask that friend what's wrong and i will listen and at the end i would say it's your life live it how you want to live it

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • rex
    11 years ago

    i have no belief in god or any supernatural power......and my parents, siblings, friends know that. i am straight with my religious view.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • noid
    11 years ago

    It's normal.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • peeboi37
    11 years ago

    you have to start from a place of respect and it sounds like youve lost that. calling it bs is offensive. wait until you are ready and able to move out. then say your rules are very confining.you have raised me to be a good personand i thank you for that. after years of studying the bible i have come to take certain things from it, but i dont beleive everything you beleive. you want to impose your religion on me as an adult. you dont respect the core freedom of religious choice, this country was founded on. so its time i move out. i love you both and i respect your beliefs but ican no longer live as a child under your strict rule.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      I used the term "BS" because this is the only time I've ever been able to talk about this, so I was venting a little. Also, I didn't want to write out in great detail why I didn't agree with them. I respect their right to have an opinion and religion, and I would never say something like that to their face.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • cupcake_wants
    11 years ago

    Does your new found beliefs have anything to do with how it contradicts science?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    -1
    -1
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      It has to do with a lot of things.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0