I grew up in a Christian family, so I go to church on Sundays. Sunday School starts this Sunday, and even though I informed my parents that I believe in Wicca, they still want me to go. I respect Christians, but I don't like going to church. Any tips on surviving church this years?
Don't go to Sunday school flaunting that you are a wicca.While some people can be open minded most of them tend to be jerks.Take ConjureLady's advice and you will be fine.Also try to stay awake that is something I am still trying to master I mean the only time I feel up in church is when they are singing plus I hate repetition.Don't start going and stop for a month either cause my pastor read a whole sermon while glaring daggers at me.Jeez talk about touchy.
Charismatic Christian communities are pretty awesome - maybe see if your family can get interested in one of those so you can have a means to stay awake ;) But yes, make sure to be respectful, and so long as your parents have the final say so, there's not much else you can do to get out of it. But take aspects of it that you enjoy, and transfer them over to your own practice. Also, see if your parents would ever be up to joining you in a circle or ritual practice of some kind.
It sounds like your parents are trying to reafirm your hristain roots and pull you back to that religion. That is ok in a sense because they dont understand and our worried, they just are looking after you. The best you can do is go to church and listen, ask questions and try ti understand but stay on this path if its what you feel is right. Explain to your parents about your new path, have as much information and facts and try not to get upset or to defensie about what they say.
You must show them that you are seriouse abiut this path, show them how muh youwant to follow this path by your research.
Here are some things you should think about answers for. Its probably some of thier concerns:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/teen_booklets/hidden-traps-of-wicca.aspx
Here are some sites that can help you come up with ways to explain:
http://www.wiccantogether.com/forum/topics/help-explaining-wicca-to-a-loved-one
This site is a christian o e but its a good one to read and will help you come up with how to explain.
There is no a pattern for this. Each family is different from others, so, you'll need to find in your own way. First, if you are living in your parent's house, I think respect their 'rules' should be important, the same when do you think the others should respect your altar, or temple, whatever. Try to find another options like study something very important or to be a volunteer in anywhere (just an example, of course)
I know how you feel about not going to church. My mothers family is avidly Christian and for years I studied under the preacher of the local Methodist church and even gave the sermon when he was sick many times, though I had begun my practice of witchcraft at a young age.
However, I am getting at a point. In order to accept, and respect others you must know where they are coming from. I was openly a witch and still studied under the preacher. My reason was simple: A thirst of knowledge. I wanted to be able to understand everything about their religion.
Now when people try to argue their religion I can point out the specific details that most don't even realize are involved in their own religion. And I can show why I walk the path that I do.
So go,and think of it as a learning experience. Enjoy yourself. But respect the Christians as well.
I know that their are some people who went to the same situation as you since I've been their myself. My advice is that even if you do not like to go to church it is better since this is a family tradition as well you are showing your parents that you are mature about it. It does not mean that just cause you believe in Wicca you have to give up going to church or the stuff you learn at Sunday school. Also, a little advice do not tell people from church that you are Wiccan or whatnot and who do not believe what the church say cause that is disrespectful as well throwing your religion at others since religion is personal. What I learned throughout the years is that people goes to church to find enlightment, peace, and a place where they do not have to worry about their problems. In short, going to church is sacred to them so be respectful and just join in the service that way you do not get bored. Take it from me. I still go to church and join in the service.
I agree with many of the above comments though my perspective would be different as I still follow the Christian beliefs. I feel it's possible your parents are hoping you would convert back to Christianity yet it may be other factors such as they may want you to keep up appearances of being a Christian if only so you can avoid negativity. In the end I think as others have stated that keeping silent in regards to your change of religion might be best and that you should still pay attention at church. There are common things shared throughout all faiths that you can take from Christianity such as how you should treat others or the all too ignored "thou shalt not kill" without it affecting your faith as a Wiccan as well as some turn so completely against Christianity because it's against magick that they end up treating Christians in a similar matter as to how they perceive all Christians treat them which isn't a good learning curve. Mutual respect for the beliefs of others is something I feel is seldom practiced as people fail to notice the basic principles which share similarities with most faiths/religions that indicates they all have their good point in a sense. Sorry for the long winded post as I originally didn't know what to say except to agree with everyone else and now I see I've written a book seldom would want to read.
