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How do I tell my parents I want to leave their religion?

22 Answers
Last Updated: 09/15/2022 at 10:53am
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Top Rated Answers
blueWriter1506
July 8th, 2018 5:51pm
My parents are Mormon, and at 13 I discovered the true history and practices of the cult and told them I wanted to be a Christian. They were furious, my relationship with them deteriorated and I felt alone, I was in pain and I needed help. There really is no way to tell them other then being honest and forthcoming. If your parents do not support you when you change your religion it is their fault, not yours. Remember that and be as respectful and kind to them as you can. There is really nothing else to do.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2015 5:32am
It's never easy, opening up to your parents and pretty much telling them that you don't believe in what they believe in. I find honest and direct is a great way to approach this. Often, people can be taken aback when their parents accept and support your decision to leave their religion. You're their son/daughter and they should love you, and they should understand that you are you're own person, free to make your own decisions and have your own beliefs.
LilFirehawk
March 2nd, 2015 12:33am
Honestly, this is a very difficult thing to do, no matter who you are or what their religion is. People center their lives around religion, and to tell your family that you don't want that in your life will never be easy. So, how do you go about it? 1. Keep in mind, this is your life. Your family chose to make their lives about x religion, and that is good for them, but what is good for them may not be good for you. You need to find what is good for you. 2. Telling them will never be easy, however, when you want to present this to them, you are going to be asked questions. So sit down, think up all the reasons you dont want that particular religion, and basically come up with an arguement so to speak of why this rdligion isnt for you. This helps you keep your resolve when you tell your family. lastly, remember religion has a huge role in their lives, and affects how they seen the world, and you. Though you want to be sensitive to their feelings, you need to be firm about yours. Ultimately, this is your life and they need to respect that.
kdog334
March 12th, 2015 2:37pm
I personally have choose not to as my parents are more on the close minded side. It all depends on your type of parents. I hinted over time my religion just to scope out their thoughts, they were very negative so I have decided not to tell them.
Anonymous
March 1st, 2015 10:21pm
Just tell them that no matter what, you love them and you fully respect their beliefs, but you don't really want to be a part of their religion anymore. Tell them that they have always been supportive about expressing and standing for your beliefs, and you can never repay them for that.
Anonymous
October 10th, 2016 10:21pm
Speak to them about your beliefs - tell them you respect them and their religion. But you are your own person and you have a right to believe in what makes you feel at ease and comfortable
silverquill
May 10th, 2016 3:01pm
This can be a very difficult situation, depending on your relationship with your parents and their relationship with the religion. Make sure that you take care of your needs and your well-being first and foremost. Some people are able to have a respectful and meaningful dialogue with their families about religion, while others can find themselves in trouble for revealing their true beliefs. Only you will know the best route for you. In the end, you can find ways to be true to yourself and your beliefs, though it can be challenging.
Greatlistener87
February 22nd, 2016 2:16am
It is good if you can sit them down and talk to them. Be honest and have an explanation on why you would like to do so and how do you feel about the current religion and the one that you are going to up hold.
Anonymous
July 6th, 2015 6:11pm
You need to explain to them that its your life, they cannot force you to do something you're not interested in. Religion talks about being a good person , non- religious people can also be good. You don't need to be a part of a religion to prove what kind of person you are
Anonymous
July 6th, 2015 2:43pm
Maybe it's good not to tell them bluntly, but first start making space to talk about religion and your view on life vs. theirs. Note the differences and try to discuss them calmly and maturely. After a few of these conversations, it may be comfortable enough for you to talk about you wanting to leave their religion. They may have gotten used to the idea already because of the earlier conversations. I hope this helps!
Anonymous
April 16th, 2018 11:42pm
Tell them that you want time to explore and gain insight for yourself. Perhaps you’ll end up coming back or perhaps you’ll find a new belief system. Whatever it is you may need this time to think and understand what it is you believe. Then when you find that you’ll be firmer in these beliefs.
KatieWhite
April 19th, 2016 6:34pm
This can be tough depending on how strict your parents are. I suggest you tell them right out that you have to figure things out for yourself and you don't believe in/agree with their religion. Of you don't like that idea then you can try to pull yourself away slowly by not participating in their practices and separating your self from that religions things.
HJ2213
April 25th, 2016 9:20am
Be open and honest. It might be scary, but if you truly do not want to be a part of it anymore then it is your decision to make.
PositiveVibes222
October 3rd, 2016 3:06pm
You firstly tell them your beliefs and then tell them why you feel that their religion is not what you believe in. That is what religion is all about; belief.
Anonymous
November 12th, 2019 1:45am
Think about their religion and outline the reasons why you want to depart. Talk to one of the church leaders about your heart to move away from the parents faith into your personal faith. Maybe request a family friend to support you as you acknowledge to your parents your heart's desire to no longer follow after the religious teachings and state your reasons. Understand religion is difficult because most are convinced their teachings are the only correct doctrines. be ready to acknowledge and even defend your journey away from their faith. Please accept their difficulty with your decision, but don't allow their disdain influence you pursuing your truth and discovering your path to faith.
serene63
March 15th, 2016 7:59pm
as a parent they want best what they think is for there child if you are scared to speak out ask for someone to be with you as you explain this is not for you as you still love and respect them but they have to do the same back hope this helps
King0fclubs
March 7th, 2016 8:39am
First it helps to be living on their own. I told them point blank I'm Atheist. They more or less it accept it. Sometimes its easier then you think
Anonymous
August 11th, 2015 10:09am
Religion can not bind a person to do his achievements. Better you follow humanity religion, no need to change.
calmone
November 16th, 2020 10:10pm
I'd like to leave the religion, thank you. It's not for me but it is for you and both choices are fine. We share common ground that as a family collectively can be tread upon in the pursuit of a close bond between biological cohabitants which is as far as concessions in the face of deeper moral and existential dilemma's can truly be taken. Who am I to speak and who are you to listen? We are made one by genes and circumstance but the overarching truth will always be that the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.
JK8287
March 1st, 2016 4:00pm
Every religion has its own merits, and I'm of the belief that everyone is born into the religion that's best to them. It's like the banana and the banana peel -- no matter whether the peel is brown, or yellow, or green, they all contain a banana inside. You can do spiritual seeking to supplement the faith of your birth, but I feel that there's never really a need to convert from that religion (unless of course it's something dark.)
DeanDelfin
September 12th, 2022 1:57pm
I've gone to many churches in portland not because I truly believed, just like my parent, but because I wanted to understand how I feel and if this was right for me. And after a lot of reading and trying to understand what and who I am, I have sincerely talked to my parents and explained that I do not feel like them. I don't have the same beliefs. I explained that I believe in a higher power but that I'm not sure that God is this power. They totally understood me and let me act as I felt, not as they wished me to do. I totally admire them for this and love it even more than before. Maybe I'll later understand what my religion is, but for now, I'm happy to live with my beliefs.
EbmerStorm
September 15th, 2022 10:53am
I've gone to many churches in portland not because I truly believed, just like my parent, but because I wanted to understand how I feel and if this was right for me. And after a lot of reading and trying to understand what and who I am, I have sincerely talked to my parents and explained that I do not feel like them. I don't have the same beliefs. I explained that I believe in a higher power but that I'm not sure that God is this power. They totally understood me and let me act as I felt, not as they wished me to do. I totally admire them for this and love it even more than before. Maybe I'll later understand what my religion is, but for now, I'm happy to live with my beliefs.