i'm depressed...

Post Reply New Topic

What if you told them you want to try different churches? maybe they will realize that if they make you go to a church you don't like you will be certain to leave out of bitterness at 18, but if you try some other churches out and like them, you might decide to keep going (Since you've already decided on the Catholic church). They will think maybe you won't stay catholic but at least you will be more likely to go to church. (even if you don't)

The advantage of using this reasoning to them, that you might keep going if you find one you like, is that there are a lot of protestant churches with good music, even rock music, and they are more casual. So at least it may not be as boring. You can stop going when you turn 18 but at least you might not be as bored.

I do not think that it is right to compel you to attend a service contrary to your beliefs (though I am a Christan myself). Have you tried convincing your father? I know you said he was the stricter of the two in matters of religion, but he should be able to respect your point of view, and you have already said that your mother will not budge, despite being "less strict". What they are doing does not really appear to me to make sense from a Christian point of view either.

Have you met them, Anubis?

I very much doubt he has but then again stranger things have happened...

Look, I saw your comments regarding TV programmes in the other thread. If he can be persuaded I think going down the route of gently trying to persuade him (and perhaps by making reference to his own religion) that you do not wish to go to church as it is not your beliefs. Don't get angry or shouty with him. If he needs time to think about it, give him that time. If he persists or isn't the sort to back down you will have to rethink your strategy. Easier said than done I know but you can always try it.

And for the record, I'm agnostic leaning towards but not totally atheist.

Not uniformly true with regard to the Catholic/Protestant divide, and rock music can be worse than traditional hymns; it is a matter of taste (with regard to music genre, not other religious matters. These are matters of conviction. Maybe music can be as well). Also a Protestant church could have really upbeat modern music and be downright fundamentalist (or "evangelical") in its preaching. Conversely one of my fellow students studying theology who is much older than me prefers a High Church (sometimes actually called "Anglo-Catholic") Anglican service but has really liberal, at times radical views on social issues - she is very outspoken on the issue of the persecution of homosexuals, for example. She can be comparatively orthodox on say, sacramental theology of baptism.

What are the specific issues that you have with the Catholic Church (prepare for a long reply) Tinky? You have said that you are not "very religious," what precisely do you believe? I am not trying to proselytise you, just curious. Perhaps if you could articulate your position firmly to your parents they might be prepared to see reason.

Have you tried YELLING to get through their thick heads?

"Meanwhile, back in the real world..."

Whats your point? i don't think she has tried YELLING yet...

Alright, you immature meathead: yelling rarely gets you anywhere. It just shows your anger. Nobody listens to a mad nutter screaming their heads off. If any progress is to be made it has to be done in a calm and civil manner.

I realize this. I brought up the idea though because if his cricism is with a catholic church, maybe he would like a different church better and so his parents could still be happy he is going and he doesn't have to put up with a church he doesnt like. In regards to rock music, even if he is not a christian, at least he will be entertained. Of course the purpose of church is not entertainment, but if one is at the end of their rope, better that than something they hate.

yeah, if yell at my dad then he yells back.

"He" happens to be a... girl. So I've been told.

eh?

(sorry to go a bit off topic Tinky)
Alexander, are you studying theology? I know a Presbyterian student in Melbourne about 50 y.o. from NT, I sort of hope you are not him

In the last few years, I have only gone to a few "special events" (funerals, weddings, kids school, "kirkin of the tartan").

I like Anglican services because they are closer to the services I was used to as a kid. I dislike Uniting and Presbyterian services (except for Scots Church in Collins Street) and especially dislike the crap music they play to try to be more "modern". Never been to a Catholic service. Most ministers these days seem to me to be bleeding heart pinko leftie tree huggers. When I was a kid, my minister played senior football (VFL) for Melbourne. I have trouble relating to the wimpy types.

So Tinky, in a round about way, not all churches are the same. Perhaps your father could compromise and let you "shop around" (even within Catholic churches)?

Ooops, sorry Twinky. Being male myself I tend to just assume others are as well unless given reason to believe otherwise

Last edited by Juggernaut on 05 Mar 2007, 11:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

the problem with new churches is all the new people and new things. i don't like the people at my church as it is. we know so many people from the church i go to now.

why are you answering for tequila, juggernaut?