I don't suggest this. It was long, and didn't go anywhere like most discussions about religion.

Is this like the Sex Talk with the old man?

i've never had this talk.

My mom is one of those hypocritical Christians who treats people like shit but then preaches the word of God every chance she gets. It's made me question my own faith on a number of occasions.

I have a feeling that this should make me glad that my dad isnt a big fan of organized religion

i don't mind that he believes in god. the way he told me it was the truth, and the christians figured it out made me lose a lot of respect. i tried to explain to him that different religions are often the same ideas, but get caught up on the history of what happened being truth instead of the great ideas guys like jesus tried to say. it was frustrating, i think i finally realized that i'm not on the same mind set as my parents and a lot of my family. i used to explain their beliefs with justification of my point of view to make it seem more logical. but now we are a separate thing completely. now i have another thing to always have my guard up about when i'm home.

I try to avoid talking religion with my parents, but somehow it always comes up. There's just no winning when its you versus Jesus. He might be a scrawny little bugger, but he's got some serious reach.

religion is so insane.

i get it how it makes the world simpler and its easy to believe.

but i don't know how anyone could ever say they "know" its true

you know, when confronted with people who speak in terms of "knowing the bible is true" or whatever, you might want to think on the idea that most often religion is used as a security blanket by a society.

Also, it's just not productive to argue religious belief with someone, ever.
Next time, I'd suggest nodding and smiling and telling your dad or anyone else, 'I'm glad you feel that way and that it makes you happy to feel that way' and then move on to another subject.

i never told him not to believe, i just told him my stance... he just put it off as being young

i suggest not talking to your parents about anything.

that's ok, what else has he got to his advantage? not much probably- not that I'm insulting your dad- it's just that's the reason that arguing religion with other people isn't terribly productive, there's just not a whole lot you can add to "this is what I believe".
There's nothing factual about religion other than whatever sense of satisfaction, or happiness, or comfort it affords the people who believe in specific things, which is fine, and has always been a great thing about religious belief, but once you say” I believe" whatever- there's just nothing to argue about after that- it's how they feel about it and that's cool, because you feel whatever you feel about it.
If he thinks it's because you're young, ok. He can certainly feel that way too- it's more about how you allow it to affect you than about whether he's ever going to change his mind (or if you will either from his side)-

I was told the same thing at maybe 17 or so- it never really bothered me though. I feel pretty confident about my own beliefs and that's really all I, personally, need.

i don't know, its just the idea that a lot of things i was taught growing up came from the same attitudes. which would explain a lot of why i can't be home for too long.

I remember when I told my dad I'd recanted, and he said something very supportive to the extent of, I'm glad to know you care about faith and pursue it, I'm a little alarmed by the conclusions you've reached, and I'm curious what you're reading which led you to this place, but you've got to follow your heart with this and I'll support you regardless; only you can make the decision for yourself. For my mother, it was much more heart-breaking

that's a good response. my dad seemed to have a "you'll come around" arrogant response. my mom just says "california made you liberal" (but i was always like this)

yes, well. if it makes you feel any better, I moved away from my family because of that feeling.
I love them all dearly, but I don't want to live the lives they live.

holy crap...if my parents knew how i felt about religion...wow.

anyone else sit at the dinnertable durring thanksgiving or other holidays...hold hands with the person next to you and pretend to pray with everyone else? My head is lowered, but eyes are wide open, and I'm thinking..this can't be over soon enough.

I've got to go through the motions..or else face an intervention.