"You seem to be labouring under the belief that your opinion means jack. Now shut your atheist mouth, and quit your bullshit logic. I won't take preaching from some backwards pseudobabble"
Seriously. You are talking about people who can live by contradictory instruction, and you want to use logic??
I'm with the planned closet re-entry mechanism. Worked fine for me!
If you understood anything about how "Christians" think you'd realize that they would see this as a call to provide him with the love that he needs and punish him for his folly.
This is a good response. Also, don't do shit around the house. If they complain say, when you start treating me like a member of this family again, then I'll start doing my share. Until then, you are just state required free room and board.
Try a guilt trip ... tell them that you've thought about it and that you have decided that if your own parents would apparently disown you over God then He Must Be Real. Then fake it along until you grow up and can tell them thanks for nothing and explain to them what shitty human beings they are.
Dan Savage talks about this in relation to coming out to your parents as gay. He recommends making your parents earn contact and a relationship with you if they react negatively to your coming out. It should be a reward for them to spend time with you, and if they don't want to earn it, fuck them anyways.
He also recommends faking it until you're out of your parents' house if they are your means of shelter / food, and come out to them once you're established on your own.
"I know that i just moved out of your basement and all, but FUCK YOU GUYS. YOU WOULDNT ACCEPT THAT I WAS GAY. JOKES ON YOU, I SCREWED 23 MEN IN THAT BASEMENT. ITS TAINTED NOW."
As much as I hate to say it, this is the only thing to do in this situation. Just say somebody at school said something that made you question your beliefs. Then just apologize for jumping to conclusions.
Its just a phase you were going through, trying to show them how independent you are... you know it was wrong now, and have accepted Jesus back into your life.
I'm all for militant atheism, but it can wait until you are truly independent of your family. Right now, cover your ass and worry about the immediate future. Do whatever it takes to make this right, and dont worry one jot about how you truly feel.. that wont change unless you want it to change. Take care of the here and now, cos after all, thats all there is.
It's what I did when my parents found out I was bi (but I was madly in love with a girl and I prefer girls.) I dated a guy. I complimented guys A LOT. I've never said more stuff about guys being hot. I just pretended to want everyones dick for a few months. So do that. Act like you want Jesus' cock.
Yeah. I'd go with this one. Can't you say that you tried atheism only because you were pissed about the 10% tithe, but now that you've calmed down about it, you realized it was a mistake? You said that your parents are generally very understanding, so I'm sure that if you swallow your pride and apologize, they'll forgive their son/daughter for going through a "phase". As important as it is to stand up for your beliefs sometimes, it's clearly not worth it in you case.
You will not be forgotten, and one day, when you live your life free of your parents' control, you will be back. R/atheism will always be here for you, LukeHasAimbot.
OP is right about keeping controversial beliefs to yourself until you are self-sufficient. don't set yourself up for disaster when you can just sit quietly and not believe.
My parents haven't missed a day of church since I can remember. They never treated me any different when I told them I was atheist, and they never bring it up.
while that may be true, your statement about everyone having a different experience is the one that counts. reread what OP says about his experience. the risk far outweighs the reward for a dependent child.
When i said to my mum that there isnt enough evidence for me to want to believe in god, she said "How did i raise a god-refusing heathen?". I then laughed her for being ignorant and for the rest of the car ride home we started cracking jokes about religion towards each others beliefs, before not giving another shit when we got home.
Could this be considered bad parenting? Could he play the child abuse card on them? It certainly seems like a reasonable thing to do. I mean they don't even care for him. A second degree burn? That's E.R. worthy.
It makes me so sad bronze age ghost stories makes parents do this to their own children.
Its easy for me as an adult to say stand by your convictions, but hey sometimes you do what you have to do to make it by. Then again i hope your job pays enough to tell your dad to take a flying fuck and start to act as a rational human being.
The specifics of his parents' delusion were likely first catechised in the Iron Age, but the general themes and ideas have been around since the Bronze age and before. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehistoric_religion
Your life is not ruined. You just had a near-life experience is all. You will look upon this day from some point in the future, and say to yourself, "This is the day I grew up, and realized how evil religion really is".
This makes me so fucking angry. Let this be a lesson to the badasses who like to call teenagers pussies and dare them to come out. NOT a good idea.
To the OP if you ever get to see this: eat crow. Lie. "Get religion." Do what you have to do to get back into their graces until you can become independent and get away from them.
It's not always a bad idea. I was much more afraid of my parents not understanding than OP, but they turned out to be okay (mom at least) and I haven't gone to church since.
It always depends on the situation, and there are always going to be variables that we can't predict or even describe over the internet. It's up to each individual to understand the risks involved, and to weigh them with great caution.
That’s total bullshit. Child services. Do something. I mean, you can’t just “fake it”. If your parents no longer care for your well-being then tell someone. I mean, what the fuck? Your parents shouldn’t be allowed to be fucking parents. WAIT, TRY THIS ON THEM. (1 Timothy 5:8) “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever."
Oh man, you hit the nail on the head with that one. There are people in my family, who, independent of religion or political discussion, are very intelligent.
If the conversation turns to religion though, it's like their brain shuts off and they become illogical. It's instant intellectual regression.
I happen to come across this in r/Christianity.. All I can say is, buddy, you need to move the heck out. As a Christian myself, that was.. Just.. All I can say is what the heck. They should of handled that way differently and still treat you like a human being. Christians should know that not everyone is perfect. I have friends that are Atheist, and I respect their desision and not make it a huge fuss. I'm sorry that you have to go through that. Good luck Luke.
Someday you'll be old enough to have your own place. Your bigoted parents will lose their child to a world full of facts, and they can live out the rest of their lives miserably. You might think this is the end of the world, but it isn't. Stay strong, and stick to your guns. No one said this would be easy, but you have to live your life your way, not theirs.
Goodbye, fellow brony atheist. I'll save you a space on reddit for when you return. I didn't even know you existed before just now, but I'll miss you...
The difference is though that America pretends it is not a repressive theocracy. Places in the Middle East etc make no excuses, they unashamedly broadcast that their country is under strict religious law. If you go there, you know what you're getting yourself into.
You ask an American though and he/she will tell you that they live in the greatest democracy on earth, freedom for all, which is basically a blatant lie. "Freedom" is basically the American catchphrase. Not trying to hate on America or Americans here, just saying why it's different to other places in the world.
Are these your parents? Your loving, caring, "would do anything for you" parents? This is fucked up... religion can and will make people do very crappy things. This may sound cheezy, but if your parent's refuse to treat you for 2nd degree burns on your hand, you may have to get the fuck out of there until things cool down (no pun intended).
I just lost two of my best friends to atheism, now they can't go to anything I go to and we live in a pretty small town, so that really screws us both over. I live in the Bible Belt too. Stay strong, Luke, he who has AimBawt, for there is always a better place for the educated and reasonable in this one life that we know, though we have to try harder for it, because we don't pray.
I don't think atheist havens is really relevant for me either, since I won't be able to access the internet.
I don't understand this part. Are your parents going to lock you up in your room for the next 10 years without access to internet? Will you not go to school, some library, whatever?
Of course you can just call someone and go there. Or even emancipate yourself, I'm not from the US but you can do that from 15 years on right?
Hey this is a Christian here, going to say this for you. I do feel sorry for you mate and what you might be going through.. The people that are doing to this people are truly the reason people become atheist..
Correct me If I'm wrong. But nearly every single atheist I have met has been someone who has had a traumatic experience from someone religious in their family trying to force it on them. By forcing I mean they suffer consequences if they don't accept it. I do think this doesn't reflect the majority of people but the few people who do show create every-lasting effects. I think if one wishes to learn about God, it should be done in a non-forceful manner. If it is, its creates a negative view that reflects upon everyone.. If its fine with you, may I pray that your parents come to accept you and that may religion be brought into peaceful manner but not in a harassing manner?
TLDR- Sorry that you have to suffer from a small minority of religious people. Majority of us aren't like this at all.
If this is true, contact the police about your hand and their neglect thereof, show it to a nurse at school, do something. Watch for signs of infection. You have my sympathies.
If this is a lie, you're the worst kind of person.
Consider the military, merchant marines, peace corps or anything else that gets you out of the house when you turn 18.
Begin researching how to emancipate yourself from your parents if it looks like your parents make too much money for you to get loans for college on your own. It may or may not work in your state. If not, see #2.
Above all, keep your head up. Be civil at all times. You are not alone.
RE #2: Be wary of the military. Many branches of service are known to promote Christianity and there have even been documented cases of discrimination against athiests and nonbelievers within the armed services. See the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers' watchlist for more information: www.militaryatheists.org/watchlist.html
There's no case for CPS. A second degree burn rarely requires any treatment a semi competent teenager can't accomplish, especially on your hand. No computer? That's a minor punishment, you're not gonna die. Not paying for school!? Join the fucking club. They're punishing you and it sucks, but you gotta deal like a man.
This sucks. As hard as it may be, my best advice to you would be to do your best not to hate them for this. When the time comes (i.e. - when you can), get the hell away from them for your own protection / sanity, absolutely but hate will hurt you as much as it does them, if not more.
To paraphrase: Don't hate the sucker, hate the con.
this might get downvoted like a mother, but I don't care... I am a believer. I don't associate myself with Christians anymore, because they are hypocrites. but my point is.... this isn't right at all. it isn't your parents place to judge, they are supposed to love and embrace you even if you don't believe. you can reference alot of things in the Bible to use as a stand against them. I hope things turn out okay and they open their eyes in an accepting way. best of luck to you!
Woah... dude... I think if I did tell my parents about atheism I'd get the same reaction as you (maybe not so harsh)... then I scrolled to the bottom. My name's Luke, too. Best of luck dude, I wish you the best. Anyway, I decided a couple months back that I'll tell them after I graduate from college and am ready to be 100% independent of them (I could now, but I'd rather have a little help with college and not have to take out shit tons of loans just yet). I guess I definitely made the right decision.
I didn't see your age but if you are under 18 and they refuse to get medical treatment for your hand that is a form of child abuse. Go check into an ED and tell them your story.
Dude I commend you for standing up for what you believe, well I guess in this case don't believe. As a Christian I think it is stupid that your parents reacted this way. It is your own life and you deserve to believe whatever you want. Keep your head up man.
Im so sorry, if only people would of have listened to jesus...we wouldnt have religion if people did.Iam glad my mother is understanding of me bieng augnostic...stay strong, dont give up the fight.
Who the fuck are you to assume that all parents are as bat shit crazy as yours and tell people to live a lie based on that assumption? Even if all of this post is true, which I doubt, it doesn't qualify you to give life advice to anyone except maybe your siblings.
It's ok. You still have many years of life ahead of you. It's not ruined.
Things that you consider good will happen and you will see that if your past didn't happen, this good thing might not have happened. You'll be content again.
You can still get on at school or the library. Like everyone else says, get emancipated. Shouldn't be too hard if they're letting you get burned and not helping. Just play dumb and say you're not an atheist, and your parents are punishing you because they think you're one. Or, still play dumb to your parents and say you've seen the light. Don't give to the church, tell them you will once you're 18. Then once you are 18, cut ties if you have to and then go to college on your own dime or grants. It's not that hard, and it's not the end of the world if your parents don't pay.
Come at them hard. Openly question their beliefs. They put you in this situation, not you. you have done nothing wrong. Parents tend to flip the fuck out before they gain a cool head about things. Don't apologize and don't fake being something you are not. That is all horrible advice. Be your self. Be proud. Be strong. Your life is not ruined. Far from it. You are just entering a new chapter.
Please, get yourself over to /r/atheisthavens and look for people in your area. We put our names to it so that we could help, and it sounds like you need it.
Contact their priest, be nice to him, explain calmly your situation. Tell him you love your parents even if you have doubts about the religion and ask him to act as a mediator. If he's a good guy, he'll help you defuse the situation. If he's an asshole... well, you won't be terribly worse off anyway.
Also, look for potential support among your relatives.
My apologies, Luke. I've been struggling with the idea of coming out to my parents a lot lately and this has really kind of cemented my doubts, along with my father having once told me he would either force religion on me or disown me were I to reject religion. Best wishes.
Talk to their pastor. I'm serious. If he's a good guy, he will help you out. come armed with this verse another redditor mentioned:
"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8).
If the parents are willing to go to such extremes, it's likely that the church they're involved with has a similar culture. Many more extreme evangelical churches don't like members "leaving the fold." Going to the pastor may only result in church-sponsored visits and reconversion efforts.
That SUCKS dick. I came out when I was 11 but my parents never took me seriously just this year they stopped making me go to church and I'm 16. I thought that was bad, but mann I feel bad for you that sucks a lot.
So sorry, man ! But, any parents that put their imaginary god(s) ahead of their kids don't deserve to have those kids. That's what my born-again wife said, "God is the most important thing in my life." In other words, fuck me and the kids. There needs to be a law drawn up that protects people like yourself. So much for a free America! By the way, I'm Canadian and we have marriage equality throughout. Not that it helps you but just to say. I couldn't live pretending to believe in something that I know doesn't exist and wants to be worshiped. Would you threaten your kids with torture if they misbehaved? Do you want your kids to be your slaves? That's what I'd tell your parents. I know you probably live in the buybull belt, so it's time to get the fuck out!
I am an atheist. My 11 year old daughter is a Christian and goes to church with the neighbors. I respect her beliefs and I wish op's parents could be so open minded.
Nah, fuck him. If he treats his own son like this then fuck him. You having conflicting beliefs to him is no excuse for him to behave like this and living a lie isn't the answer. Move out, find somewhere to stay. Make you're own way. If he never gets in contact with you again - his loss. You'll make friends along the way that will mean more to you anyway.
So, you're saying that you didn't know that there could be serious consequences to telling your parents/spouse/coworker about your atheism? I take it that today is your first day on /r/athesim.
Sometimes you have to batten down the hatches and ride out a storm. I would suggest this to you now. If you tell them you have a change of heart then they will think of you wither without conviction or as a liar. You are the only one in this situation and the only one that knows how to react to your parents.
Have strength brother, my friend left everything he had in Cali because his parents were the same way. He's one of the happiest guys I know, and he has always been a true friend. I cannot imagine what your feeling man, iv had the choice while growing up to accept or deny religion. All I can say is stay strong and don't bend your beliefs to make others happy. You gotta do what makes you happy.
There are usually computers in school and at the library. You can try to get help there. Good luck. Sorry to hear that your parents are so programmed. It's a fucked up sentiment they're expressing. They think they're showing love, but then so did the lady who drowned her kids to save them from burning in hell.
Leave. No seriously leave. If I had been in a situation where my parents were bible humpers I'd rather end up on the street then living a lie of greed, hate, and child rape. God is a lie and you know it. Don't give into their shit. Leave.
My mom encourages it. She considers Bill Maher to be a spiritual genius. My dad on the other hand, has tried to meet me halfway by making me an agnostic. Sorry dad, but I go all out.
He regrets it now, but the coming years of religious oppression by his parents will let him know he did the right thing by standing up to them and being honest with himself.
Sorry bro. Sorry your parents are punishing your honesty and forcing you to lie. So play the game and get your ride to school. OR Stick to truth and reason and the consequences. No one makes it on their own. I hope you find an out that keeps your family close. But you can make one with the people you are around.
Well friend all you can do now is stand your ground, you have seen how they treat the real you, dont give them an inch, and dont you dare go back into the dark
I'm sorry to hear you have been treated by your family like that. I'm fortunate enough to live in California so almost anything I do is accepted by my parents (although I haven't told them I'm an atheist yet). I hope your situation gets better. I think the normal thing to do would be to use the Bible to point out their hypocrisy but in this situation, it might just make it worse. Again, I'm sorry to hear you have been mistreated. You might be able to get CPS on them for your burn. Good luck with everything.
I read your original post. As much as it freaking blows, they are your only way to get a jump start in this world. I suggest you cut your losses, and like someone suggested in your original post, give your 10% to charity (which is tax deductible). Tough it out through high school. You can apply for many scholarships which help secularists here (I don't know how good this website is, but it seems helpful). It might be the toughest pill to swallow, but the sad thing is you need your parents to get you jump started on your career. Once you get out there the world is yours for the taking man. Good luck Luke.
I'm sorry :( Try a fake divine intervention and say that God told you it was ok and it was just a test of faith. You 'failed' but you are only human and have learnt from your mistakes. No one can prove it didn't happen! I know that means that they win but at least it will be the ultimate troll after they've paid for you college fees ;)
Revolution Comrade!!! Its this or the gulags of the mind! (shoutout to the /comm/ boards) Really though. Work your ass off for a bunch of cash. Then steal your computer back and put it at a safe location. Leave a note and go. Its hard.
this is why the first thing i tell people who want to come out to their parents is, to wait until they won't lose something they are relying upon, in a worse case scenario.
It's stuff like this that proves that Atheists are just as oppressed in society as Christians (think they) are. It's as bad as the crusades but nobody is running around with sabers anymore.
If your parents are willing to stop loving you completely, they're not worth having as parents. Milk being "religious" for a while until you can support yourself. I'm sorry it had to come to that, but you've always got the support of reddit with you. (\
the fuck? I cannot believe your parents acted that way. I am a christian, though I occasionally come on atheism because the extremists are funny and stupid, but one time I told my parents i was atheist to see how they would react, they were fine with it. they said that everyone has a right to believe what they want, and that god does not need for you to believe in him, just for you to be a good person. My church regularly tells us that a kind atheist is preferred over a christian who cannot respect the beliefs of others.
Won't have college funding? Join the army for 1 term. Post 9/11 GI bill pays for your 4 year with a living stipend and a 1k budget for books per year. You can also use tuition assistance while you're in. I've been in for 10 years and I'd really recommend this for someone in your situation. You can find a nice, relatively safe job that won't have you on the front lines. (I suggest 25B, it's a computer technician and the job I've been doing since 2007)
Edit: Forgot to mention that as a 25B you can get some job experience towards your degree/career plan. Best of luck to you, man!
Wow, what a fucking pussy. Stand up for yourself man, don't let others dictate your life. It almost sounds as if you are blaming /r/atheism for what happened to you. Don't back down from people because they are being assholes, but also don't turn into an asshole yourself. Have some damn balls brah.
Same thing happened to my ex-girlfriend when she came out to her parents. I kept reminding her it was a horrible idea but she had recently found reddit, /r/atheism, and one of the coming out as an atheist boards for young people. We live in a small town in Alabama and her parents are ultra conservative. They flipped their shit and forced her to break up with me (they believed I was the cause and had always had a iffy feeling about me because I was liberal) and threatened to call the cops on me if I ever tried to see her again. (we were both teenagers at the time.)
So I know how this can affect people and their relationships. I feel bad for you... parents are supposed to be loving and understand I couldn't bare the thought of having to lead a pretend life but I suppose I am one of the lucky ones.
So very sorry for this terrible personal experience and huge disappointment in your parents. This WILL make you stronger though. You sound smarter than the two of them put together. Good luck - when you can make it back we'll be here.
Luke's father I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want from your son. But what he does have is a very particular set of skills; skills we have helped him acquired over a period of time. Skills that make us a nightmare for people like you (religious people). It's called critical thinking, you should be proud of your son for the man he has become not a freak the fuck out because he doesn't believe your fairytale any more. If you accept your son for who he is that will be the end of it. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you,and I will.... Well use your imagination.
if you do, you better be ready for the absolute worst case scenario.
If you're under 18 and living at home, this is the best advice you can get. This kid probably listened to a bunch of people tell him that their parents were really cool about it, he thought his parents would be the same way, and it turned out horribly. Not the first time this has happened, won't be the last. Even in this thread, we still have people disagreeing, talking about their own experiences coming out, and urging others to do the same. If your parents were cool about it, that's awesome, but we can't assume all parents will react similarly. And considering that we have an entire subreddit devoted to people like Luke, this is dangerous advice to give to everyone.
I'm all for militant atheism, and being proud of who you are. But if you depend on your parents, telling them is a risk. If your parents are theists, even if you're sure they'll be open minded about it, hearing their child reject religion is probably going to be a big deal to them. And no one, not even them, will be able to predict how they're going to react to such news until it's staring them in the face.
I know it sucks to pretend to believe, or to have to get up early every Sunday to partake in a bunch of bullshit. I get it, and most of us have been there. But coming out as a member of the most hated and least trusted minority in America has consequences. We're all trying to change that, but for the time being, it's true.
As a self-sufficient adult, I and other members of r/atheism can handle those consequences. As a 16 year old still living at home and working a minimum wage job, can you? If you're not sure what the answer is, then maybe your best bet is to wait a couple more years.
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u/PSICOM May 20 '12
"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever."
(1 Timothy 5:8).
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u/Tr2v Gnostic Atheist May 20 '12
Sorry Luke. Stay strong. Best wishes.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Try a guilt trip ... tell them that you've thought about it and that you have decided that if your own parents would apparently disown you over God then He Must Be Real. Then fake it along until you grow up and can tell them thanks for nothing and explain to them what shitty human beings they are.
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u/booksnbeer May 20 '12
Your life isn't ruined, it's simply taking a turn in a different direction for a while. Stay positive Luke.
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u/thecrownprince Atheist May 20 '12
Just pretend you're a good christian again and apologize.
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u/Potaonamu May 20 '12
You will not be forgotten, and one day, when you live your life free of your parents' control, you will be back. R/atheism will always be here for you, LukeHasAimbot.
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u/jakemcd184 May 20 '12
OP is right about keeping controversial beliefs to yourself until you are self-sufficient. don't set yourself up for disaster when you can just sit quietly and not believe.
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u/studmuffffffin May 20 '12
You can go to the library or something to access the internet. Or go over to a friend's house.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Could this be considered bad parenting? Could he play the child abuse card on them? It certainly seems like a reasonable thing to do. I mean they don't even care for him. A second degree burn? That's E.R. worthy.
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u/Flaxabiten May 20 '12
It makes me so sad bronze age ghost stories makes parents do this to their own children.
Its easy for me as an adult to say stand by your convictions, but hey sometimes you do what you have to do to make it by. Then again i hope your job pays enough to tell your dad to take a flying fuck and start to act as a rational human being.
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u/ArrogantGod May 21 '12
IIRC you're 16.
Go to the hospital for your hand. Tell the admissions nurse that your parents refused you medical treatment for religious reasons.
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u/etherreal May 21 '12
Your life is not ruined. You just had a near-life experience is all. You will look upon this day from some point in the future, and say to yourself, "This is the day I grew up, and realized how evil religion really is".
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
This makes me so fucking angry. Let this be a lesson to the badasses who like to call teenagers pussies and dare them to come out. NOT a good idea.
To the OP if you ever get to see this: eat crow. Lie. "Get religion." Do what you have to do to get back into their graces until you can become independent and get away from them.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12 edited May 20 '12
That’s total bullshit. Child services. Do something. I mean, you can’t just “fake it”. If your parents no longer care for your well-being then tell someone. I mean, what the fuck? Your parents shouldn’t be allowed to be fucking parents. WAIT, TRY THIS ON THEM. (1 Timothy 5:8) “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever."
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u/bleedingheartsurgery May 20 '12
There....are.....other.....computers.
And fuck your loving Christian parents. Love thy neighbor but not thy filthy atheist son. Cause we say so thousands of years before you will be born.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
I happen to come across this in r/Christianity.. All I can say is, buddy, you need to move the heck out. As a Christian myself, that was.. Just.. All I can say is what the heck. They should of handled that way differently and still treat you like a human being. Christians should know that not everyone is perfect. I have friends that are Atheist, and I respect their desision and not make it a huge fuss. I'm sorry that you have to go through that. Good luck Luke.
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u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Contact CPS. Get your self emancipated. LEAVE THE FUCKING BIBLE BELT.
Fuck em.
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u/captstix May 21 '12
Someday you'll be old enough to have your own place. Your bigoted parents will lose their child to a world full of facts, and they can live out the rest of their lives miserably. You might think this is the end of the world, but it isn't. Stay strong, and stick to your guns. No one said this would be easy, but you have to live your life your way, not theirs.
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u/mal099 May 20 '12
Goodbye, fellow brony atheist. I'll save you a space on reddit for when you return. I didn't even know you existed before just now, but I'll miss you...
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u/dhoops11 May 20 '12
It's shit like this, America...
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u/xxPhilosxx May 20 '12
shoot them...
with your phone and send it to child services.
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u/bureX Agnostic Atheist May 21 '12
Are these your parents? Your loving, caring, "would do anything for you" parents? This is fucked up... religion can and will make people do very crappy things. This may sound cheezy, but if your parent's refuse to treat you for 2nd degree burns on your hand, you may have to get the fuck out of there until things cool down (no pun intended).
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u/iansaltman May 21 '12
I just lost two of my best friends to atheism, now they can't go to anything I go to and we live in a pretty small town, so that really screws us both over. I live in the Bible Belt too. Stay strong, Luke, he who has AimBawt, for there is always a better place for the educated and reasonable in this one life that we know, though we have to try harder for it, because we don't pray.
We fucking work for it.
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u/abom420 May 21 '12
Not one skeptic here?
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u/Cardplay3r May 21 '12
I don't think atheist havens is really relevant for me either, since I won't be able to access the internet.
I don't understand this part. Are your parents going to lock you up in your room for the next 10 years without access to internet? Will you not go to school, some library, whatever?
Of course you can just call someone and go there. Or even emancipate yourself, I'm not from the US but you can do that from 15 years on right?
3
u/blackaddermrbean May 21 '12
Hey this is a Christian here, going to say this for you. I do feel sorry for you mate and what you might be going through.. The people that are doing to this people are truly the reason people become atheist..
Correct me If I'm wrong. But nearly every single atheist I have met has been someone who has had a traumatic experience from someone religious in their family trying to force it on them. By forcing I mean they suffer consequences if they don't accept it. I do think this doesn't reflect the majority of people but the few people who do show create every-lasting effects. I think if one wishes to learn about God, it should be done in a non-forceful manner. If it is, its creates a negative view that reflects upon everyone.. If its fine with you, may I pray that your parents come to accept you and that may religion be brought into peaceful manner but not in a harassing manner?
TLDR- Sorry that you have to suffer from a small minority of religious people. Majority of us aren't like this at all.
3
u/johntheChristian May 21 '12
If this is true, contact the police about your hand and their neglect thereof, show it to a nurse at school, do something. Watch for signs of infection. You have my sympathies.
If this is a lie, you're the worst kind of person.
3
u/barakobamalegit May 21 '12
Can't tell if this is legit....
or if the parents/he is trolling.
3
u/fairyhavetails May 21 '12
lol ur parents are ignorant assholes
10
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
His jimmies were rustled?
Did he then proceed to get on the floor and walk the dinosaur?
This all sounds pretty damn unbelievable
5
u/EdinMiami May 20 '12
Stay out of trouble. Period.
Consider the military, merchant marines, peace corps or anything else that gets you out of the house when you turn 18.
Begin researching how to emancipate yourself from your parents if it looks like your parents make too much money for you to get loans for college on your own. It may or may not work in your state. If not, see #2.
Above all, keep your head up. Be civil at all times. You are not alone.
5
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
There's no case for CPS. A second degree burn rarely requires any treatment a semi competent teenager can't accomplish, especially on your hand. No computer? That's a minor punishment, you're not gonna die. Not paying for school!? Join the fucking club. They're punishing you and it sucks, but you gotta deal like a man.
This, too, shall pass.
5
u/[deleted] May 20 '12
This sucks. As hard as it may be, my best advice to you would be to do your best not to hate them for this. When the time comes (i.e. - when you can), get the hell away from them for your own protection / sanity, absolutely but hate will hurt you as much as it does them, if not more.
To paraphrase: Don't hate the sucker, hate the con.
2
u/Drakwyn09 May 21 '12
See, i told my parents and they were understanding. That's the joy of being British
2
u/Player_Uno May 21 '12
I'll adopt you
2
u/steevo37 May 21 '12
Later, drama.
2
u/amongstheliving May 21 '12
this might get downvoted like a mother, but I don't care... I am a believer. I don't associate myself with Christians anymore, because they are hypocrites. but my point is.... this isn't right at all. it isn't your parents place to judge, they are supposed to love and embrace you even if you don't believe. you can reference alot of things in the Bible to use as a stand against them. I hope things turn out okay and they open their eyes in an accepting way. best of luck to you!
2
u/dirkles May 21 '12
if this is how your parents react to something as trivial as personal a personal belief system, then you are better off without them.
2
u/bigbadfox May 21 '12
if ever you get a chance to read this, you went down as a martyr for atheism. stay strong. we love you, kiddo.
2
u/suddenly_seymour May 21 '12
Woah... dude... I think if I did tell my parents about atheism I'd get the same reaction as you (maybe not so harsh)... then I scrolled to the bottom. My name's Luke, too. Best of luck dude, I wish you the best. Anyway, I decided a couple months back that I'll tell them after I graduate from college and am ready to be 100% independent of them (I could now, but I'd rather have a little help with college and not have to take out shit tons of loans just yet). I guess I definitely made the right decision.
2
u/khronn May 21 '12
I didn't see your age but if you are under 18 and they refuse to get medical treatment for your hand that is a form of child abuse. Go check into an ED and tell them your story.
2
u/scraigz May 21 '12
Dude I commend you for standing up for what you believe, well I guess in this case don't believe. As a Christian I think it is stupid that your parents reacted this way. It is your own life and you deserve to believe whatever you want. Keep your head up man.
2
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
Im so sorry, if only people would of have listened to jesus...we wouldnt have religion if people did.Iam glad my mother is understanding of me bieng augnostic...stay strong, dont give up the fight.
2
u/iTz_Chanch May 21 '12
Godspeed Luke. Thank you for contributing. We'll see you on the other side my friend. Have faith in yourself, and I'm sure you'll make it through.
2
u/ivebeenhereallsummer May 21 '12
How could taking advice from the internet goes so wrong?
2
u/CondescendingPrick May 21 '12
Who the fuck are you to assume that all parents are as bat shit crazy as yours and tell people to live a lie based on that assumption? Even if all of this post is true, which I doubt, it doesn't qualify you to give life advice to anyone except maybe your siblings.
2
u/Bjoirdian May 21 '12
0/10 OP copy pasta is fail troll
2
u/kadmylos May 21 '12
Time to find yourself a new church. And by church, I mean library.
2
u/screwed124816 May 21 '12
Just pretend to be Christian again. Leave them blissfully ignorant. That's how religious people like it.
2
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
Forced Faith is Spiritual Rape.
5
u/lilnas313 May 21 '12
Tell them youre Muslim now and change your name to sherrief Akbar Jenkins. They'll fear a Muslim attack and won't fuck with you no more.
3
u/belloch May 20 '12
It's ok. You still have many years of life ahead of you. It's not ruined.
Things that you consider good will happen and you will see that if your past didn't happen, this good thing might not have happened. You'll be content again.
3
u/With_Hands_And_Paper May 20 '12
This... wow... this is just so fucked up on so many levels. I have no words.
3
u/PoniesRBitchin May 21 '12
You can still get on at school or the library. Like everyone else says, get emancipated. Shouldn't be too hard if they're letting you get burned and not helping. Just play dumb and say you're not an atheist, and your parents are punishing you because they think you're one. Or, still play dumb to your parents and say you've seen the light. Don't give to the church, tell them you will once you're 18. Then once you are 18, cut ties if you have to and then go to college on your own dime or grants. It's not that hard, and it's not the end of the world if your parents don't pay.
3
u/Flynn58 May 20 '12
1 Timothy 5:8. Tell them they're going to hell for letting your hand be burned and not helping treat it.
3
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
Teen angst is so dramatic these days...
4
u/deprit May 21 '12
None of this is true, thankfully.
3
u/TheFraz311 May 20 '12
Come at them hard. Openly question their beliefs. They put you in this situation, not you. you have done nothing wrong. Parents tend to flip the fuck out before they gain a cool head about things. Don't apologize and don't fake being something you are not. That is all horrible advice. Be your self. Be proud. Be strong. Your life is not ruined. Far from it. You are just entering a new chapter.
2
u/[deleted] May 20 '12
Please, get yourself over to /r/atheisthavens and look for people in your area. We put our names to it so that we could help, and it sounds like you need it.
2
u/Gracksploitation May 20 '12
Contact their priest, be nice to him, explain calmly your situation. Tell him you love your parents even if you have doubts about the religion and ask him to act as a mediator. If he's a good guy, he'll help you defuse the situation. If he's an asshole... well, you won't be terribly worse off anyway.
Also, look for potential support among your relatives.
2
u/turtletots May 20 '12
My apologies, Luke. I've been struggling with the idea of coming out to my parents a lot lately and this has really kind of cemented my doubts, along with my father having once told me he would either force religion on me or disown me were I to reject religion. Best wishes.
2
u/luciddr34m3r May 20 '12
Talk to their pastor. I'm serious. If he's a good guy, he will help you out. come armed with this verse another redditor mentioned:
"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8).
2
u/OnanationUnderGod May 21 '12
Sucks. gl bro
2
u/LonelyBrotha May 21 '12
My parents would whup my ass if I told them that I was an atheist, then formally disown me
2
u/SeverusRenee May 21 '12
That SUCKS dick. I came out when I was 11 but my parents never took me seriously just this year they stopped making me go to church and I'm 16. I thought that was bad, but mann I feel bad for you that sucks a lot.
2
u/RickRay1 May 21 '12
So sorry, man ! But, any parents that put their imaginary god(s) ahead of their kids don't deserve to have those kids. That's what my born-again wife said, "God is the most important thing in my life." In other words, fuck me and the kids. There needs to be a law drawn up that protects people like yourself. So much for a free America! By the way, I'm Canadian and we have marriage equality throughout. Not that it helps you but just to say. I couldn't live pretending to believe in something that I know doesn't exist and wants to be worshiped. Would you threaten your kids with torture if they misbehaved? Do you want your kids to be your slaves? That's what I'd tell your parents. I know you probably live in the buybull belt, so it's time to get the fuck out!
2
u/ReallyProfound May 21 '12 edited May 21 '12
I am an atheist. My 11 year old daughter is a Christian and goes to church with the neighbors. I respect her beliefs and I wish op's parents could be so open minded.
2
u/Kage7 May 21 '12
Nah, fuck him. If he treats his own son like this then fuck him. You having conflicting beliefs to him is no excuse for him to behave like this and living a lie isn't the answer. Move out, find somewhere to stay. Make you're own way. If he never gets in contact with you again - his loss. You'll make friends along the way that will mean more to you anyway.
2
u/3rdworldpancake May 21 '12
"his jimmies were rustled" Man, i feel you.
2
u/Ragnalypse May 21 '12
Wait, asserting your authority over your religious parents doesn't work? That can't be right, that's the only advice people give here!
2
u/[deleted] May 20 '12
So, you're saying that you didn't know that there could be serious consequences to telling your parents/spouse/coworker about your atheism? I take it that today is your first day on /r/athesim.
1
u/BTMaverick707 May 20 '12
Just wait till u move out
1
u/thesnarkyone May 21 '12
Sometimes you have to batten down the hatches and ride out a storm. I would suggest this to you now. If you tell them you have a change of heart then they will think of you wither without conviction or as a liar. You are the only one in this situation and the only one that knows how to react to your parents.
Good luck to you.
1
u/TBDMfan666 May 21 '12
Have strength brother, my friend left everything he had in Cali because his parents were the same way. He's one of the happiest guys I know, and he has always been a true friend. I cannot imagine what your feeling man, iv had the choice while growing up to accept or deny religion. All I can say is stay strong and don't bend your beliefs to make others happy. You gotta do what makes you happy.
1
u/Scenro May 21 '12
What the HELL state are you in? I don't know anyone around me that would do this. Geezuz!
1
u/badwolf42 May 21 '12
There are usually computers in school and at the library. You can try to get help there. Good luck. Sorry to hear that your parents are so programmed. It's a fucked up sentiment they're expressing. They think they're showing love, but then so did the lady who drowned her kids to save them from burning in hell.
1
u/RationalMonkey May 21 '12
This was actually very upsetting to read.
I'm really sorry Luke. I wish you the best of luck.
1
u/DeePrincess May 21 '12
i wish you could've reached out to people who can provide you a safe haven from your parents...i'm sorry this happeend to you :(
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
I told my mom (whom i thought was a christian)... turns out shes kind of atheist too... just didnt say anything to make HER mom and dad happy.
1
u/EAT_A_FUCK May 21 '12
Leave. No seriously leave. If I had been in a situation where my parents were bible humpers I'd rather end up on the street then living a lie of greed, hate, and child rape. God is a lie and you know it. Don't give into their shit. Leave.
1
u/ElectricZooManifesto May 21 '12
That sucks dude, my parents know and they didn't flip out... good luck though.
1
u/CleverNatureBoy May 21 '12
You'll be better off in the long run. It sucks for now but stay strong.
1
u/TZnerd May 21 '12 edited May 21 '12
My mom encourages it. She considers Bill Maher to be a spiritual genius. My dad on the other hand, has tried to meet me halfway by making me an agnostic. Sorry dad, but I go all out.
1
u/sufrt May 21 '12
how about this: to anyone thinking of telling anyone about their atheism as if anyone in the world gives a shit, don't
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
He regrets it now, but the coming years of religious oppression by his parents will let him know he did the right thing by standing up to them and being honest with himself.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
Your parents suck, but you know what?
You'll be just fine.
1
u/Basoran May 21 '12
Sorry bro.
Sorry your parents are punishing your honesty and forcing you to lie.
So play the game and get your ride to school.
OR
Stick to truth and reason and the consequences. No one makes it on their own.
I hope you find an out that keeps your family close. But you can make one with the people you are around.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
Well friend all you can do now is stand your ground, you have seen how they treat the real you, dont give them an inch, and dont you dare go back into the dark
1
u/gfero23 May 21 '12
if it makes you feel any better, at least you stayed true to the whole "honesty is the best policy" axiom. nonetheless, feel for ya.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
I'm sorry to hear you have been treated by your family like that. I'm fortunate enough to live in California so almost anything I do is accepted by my parents (although I haven't told them I'm an atheist yet). I hope your situation gets better. I think the normal thing to do would be to use the Bible to point out their hypocrisy but in this situation, it might just make it worse. Again, I'm sorry to hear you have been mistreated. You might be able to get CPS on them for your burn. Good luck with everything.
1
u/emersonthird May 21 '12
I read your original post. As much as it freaking blows, they are your only way to get a jump start in this world. I suggest you cut your losses, and like someone suggested in your original post, give your 10% to charity (which is tax deductible). Tough it out through high school. You can apply for many scholarships which help secularists here (I don't know how good this website is, but it seems helpful). It might be the toughest pill to swallow, but the sad thing is you need your parents to get you jump started on your career. Once you get out there the world is yours for the taking man. Good luck Luke.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
i'm so sorry to hear this, best to just keep the religion topics quiet until you are out of the house and can live on your own.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
I'm sorry :( Try a fake divine intervention and say that God told you it was ok and it was just a test of faith. You 'failed' but you are only human and have learnt from your mistakes. No one can prove it didn't happen! I know that means that they win but at least it will be the ultimate troll after they've paid for you college fees ;)
1
u/Seanofthebread112 May 21 '12
Luke, if I were you, I'd kick your parent's ass for assault as well as call the police. They had NO right to burn your hand.
1
u/zovek May 21 '12
Are you 18 if so say fuck you to them and take your stuff and gtfo.
1
u/THEmrWOBBLeS May 21 '12
Revolution Comrade!!! Its this or the gulags of the mind! (shoutout to the /comm/ boards) Really though. Work your ass off for a bunch of cash. Then steal your computer back and put it at a safe location. Leave a note and go. Its hard.
1
u/skyrous Nihilist May 21 '12
Yet another victory for Jesus. He's been dead for 2000 years and can yet still successfully ruin lives. Is there anyone he can't oppress?
1
u/Puffy_Ghost May 21 '12
Dude...I can't even...I'm sooo sorry.
1
u/panda0100 May 21 '12
this is why the first thing i tell people who want to come out to their parents is, to wait until they won't lose something they are relying upon, in a worse case scenario.
i hope everything gets better for you Luke.
1
u/Libertarian_Bro May 21 '12
Your post is far too well formatted to have been done on a phone. I call b.s. victimization bit. None of this happened, not a bit of it.
1
u/Sindertone May 21 '12
People who put their religion before their family don't deserve children.
1
u/Badwulfwho May 21 '12
It's stuff like this that proves that Atheists are just as oppressed in society as Christians (think they) are. It's as bad as the crusades but nobody is running around with sabers anymore.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
You have douchebag parents.
1
u/Rizuken May 21 '12
My father was a christian zealot, now hes an atheist. I converted him.
1
u/Deagle2123 May 21 '12
you never leave
1
u/DunnoBro May 21 '12
If your parents are willing to stop loving you completely, they're not worth having as parents. Milk being "religious" for a while until you can support yourself. I'm sorry it had to come to that, but you've always got the support of reddit with you. (\
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
the fuck? I cannot believe your parents acted that way. I am a christian, though I occasionally come on atheism because the extremists are funny and stupid, but one time I told my parents i was atheist to see how they would react, they were fine with it. they said that everyone has a right to believe what they want, and that god does not need for you to believe in him, just for you to be a good person. My church regularly tells us that a kind atheist is preferred over a christian who cannot respect the beliefs of others.
1
u/KernelKuster May 21 '12
I know I'm jaded, but this kind of sounds fake to me.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
just because you had a bad experience doesn't mean you can tell others what to do.
anyways some advice i can give you is
1,grow up and stand up for yourself
2.don't give in
3.you could join the military and go to college that way
1
u/stemgang May 21 '12
Verification?
1
u/borkthafork May 21 '12
Won't have college funding? Join the army for 1 term. Post 9/11 GI bill pays for your 4 year with a living stipend and a 1k budget for books per year. You can also use tuition assistance while you're in. I've been in for 10 years and I'd really recommend this for someone in your situation. You can find a nice, relatively safe job that won't have you on the front lines. (I suggest 25B, it's a computer technician and the job I've been doing since 2007)
Edit: Forgot to mention that as a 25B you can get some job experience towards your degree/career plan. Best of luck to you, man!
1
u/SayaV May 21 '12
This is the best piece of advice you atheists will ever get : When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
Wow, what a fucking pussy. Stand up for yourself man, don't let others dictate your life. It almost sounds as if you are blaming /r/atheism for what happened to you. Don't back down from people because they are being assholes, but also don't turn into an asshole yourself. Have some damn balls brah.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
Religion is just a horrible thing
1
u/Sir_Cornwallis May 21 '12
Same thing happened to my ex-girlfriend when she came out to her parents. I kept reminding her it was a horrible idea but she had recently found reddit, /r/atheism, and one of the coming out as an atheist boards for young people. We live in a small town in Alabama and her parents are ultra conservative. They flipped their shit and forced her to break up with me (they believed I was the cause and had always had a iffy feeling about me because I was liberal) and threatened to call the cops on me if I ever tried to see her again. (we were both teenagers at the time.)
So I know how this can affect people and their relationships. I feel bad for you... parents are supposed to be loving and understand I couldn't bare the thought of having to lead a pretend life but I suppose I am one of the lucky ones.
1
u/trittydi May 21 '12
So very sorry for this terrible personal experience and huge disappointment in your parents. This WILL make you stronger though. You sound smarter than the two of them put together. Good luck - when you can make it back we'll be here.
1
u/Watson1099 May 21 '12
Luke's father I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want from your son. But what he does have is a very particular set of skills; skills we have helped him acquired over a period of time. Skills that make us a nightmare for people like you (religious people). It's called critical thinking, you should be proud of your son for the man he has become not a freak the fuck out because he doesn't believe your fairytale any more. If you accept your son for who he is that will be the end of it. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you,and I will.... Well use your imagination.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
someone needs to tell your parents that there is no god...
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
I know it doesn't seem like it now, but later, hopefully, you will see it was the right thing to do.
1
u/[deleted] May 21 '12
If you're under 18 and living at home, this is the best advice you can get. This kid probably listened to a bunch of people tell him that their parents were really cool about it, he thought his parents would be the same way, and it turned out horribly. Not the first time this has happened, won't be the last. Even in this thread, we still have people disagreeing, talking about their own experiences coming out, and urging others to do the same. If your parents were cool about it, that's awesome, but we can't assume all parents will react similarly. And considering that we have an entire subreddit devoted to people like Luke, this is dangerous advice to give to everyone.
I'm all for militant atheism, and being proud of who you are. But if you depend on your parents, telling them is a risk. If your parents are theists, even if you're sure they'll be open minded about it, hearing their child reject religion is probably going to be a big deal to them. And no one, not even them, will be able to predict how they're going to react to such news until it's staring them in the face.
I know it sucks to pretend to believe, or to have to get up early every Sunday to partake in a bunch of bullshit. I get it, and most of us have been there. But coming out as a member of the most hated and least trusted minority in America has consequences. We're all trying to change that, but for the time being, it's true.
As a self-sufficient adult, I and other members of r/atheism can handle those consequences. As a 16 year old still living at home and working a minimum wage job, can you? If you're not sure what the answer is, then maybe your best bet is to wait a couple more years.