What should a teen Atheist do?
919719
Updated 11/14:\n\nAs I read this question I think this:\nA teen [atheist] should do whatever any teenager should do.  Try to establish communication, work towards mutual understanding, and don't lost sight of the fact that you are pretty much grown up and they are the ones who brought you safely to this place.   Respect is a powerful tool.  You can't win respect from some people no matter what you do, but you can choose to lavish it on others regardless of what you think of their choices.  No matter what their mistakes, your parents deserve your respect just for bringing you to this place.\n\nOK,  that was the update.\n________________________________________\n\nI'm in agreement with you that taking communion wouldn't be appropriate if you do not believe.  The communion is meant to be a way to share a unified faith experience.  Obviously, you don't feel that way.\n\nIt may be time, at 18, to begin discussions about making a plan to move out of the home.  Are you nearing college age?  Is a work/apartment plan appropriate for you?  We have always asked that our children make a plan.  One even chose a half-way house so that he could leave quickly without a plan.  (It was still a plan.)  Two have chosen college.  One went to live with another family for a time until she got a decent job and found an apartment.\n\nYour parents have a responsibility to the world (and to you) to bring you up to the point that you can make a reasonable plan for your future and embark on it.  They may not feel that you are ready, or perhaps it is not customary to let children in your culture leave at this young age. \n\nI suggest talking rationally with them about what is required to remain under their roof and whether it would be an appropriate time to make a launch plan.  Having a plan in place will take some of the pressure off of you, and it might help you comply until the time when you have reached your goal and step out on your own.\n\nI wish you well.  I'm quite certain that you will do well once you have a plan in place that suits you and your future goals.  Just don't lose sight of the future in your angst at the present situation, which I can see is intollerable.\n____________________________\nAnother thought before time runs out...\nEven atheists can spend a lot of time and emotion proselytizing.  Perhaps it would be good to check and see if you are trying to convert your folks.  Obviously, they believe strongly.  You believe strongly in something different.  Suppose you reach a truce.  Suppose you stop talking to them about your disbelief in exchange for them to stop trying to force you to believe.  A similar compromise could be reached that would best fit your situation.  (That would also help you to appear less "rebellious.")
963814
If you're not happy about your godparents, and feel they are not worth having, I suggest chuck them out of your life quietly. Don't make a hullaballoo about it -- just cancel them from your personal list of people who deserve your respect.  Pretend they don't exist for you. And if they do turn up sometime, face them calmly, and be civil towards them. \nDon't make an issue about this with your parents, unless you're starving for an irrelevant, senseless, exasperating lecture, which also you may take with equanimity.\nIt's God and your parents that really matter in your life (unless you're atheist), not godparents.
847166
hmmmm wat bout' somethin like...........Christ died to save us from our sins, and teens are abuzing tht privalige just as they abuse everyother one that is handed to them. \n\nPlease dont use that exactlly cuz than u will be commiting plagerizm :(\n\nSome ideas are.. for the end..now fellow classsmates, when you are faced with a tough decision it is easy to make the right choice just think wat would jesus do??\n\nGood luck, Nicole
256898
ask god about it. ask him to take control of the situation.
369584
If you are desiring greater freedoms, then accept greater responsibilities. While living under someone else's roof, I suggest you abide by their rules. All of the teens on the internet cannot change your parents household policy. I hope they stick to their guns.
780015
You must totally agree with Islam, Xtianity and Homos.  Plus, you must appease all teenagers who have nothing else to do.
884585
Doing your devotionals, reading the bible, attending church, being involved in youth group. All those things are great. They will help you grown in your faith, but that's what they do help you grow your  faith. The one question you need to ask yourself is "Have I come to a place in my spiritual life where I am sure I will go to heaven when my life is over here on earth? If you aren't sure you need to get right with God before any of the devotionals ... etc will help.  I am an old man and I don't think our communication would be a good idea.. I recommend a good talk with your youth pastor, ok....  Jim
721772
TRUST GOD.\n\nMAKE A SELF-EXPERIMENT.\n\nSEEK EXPERTS ADVICE.\n\nDONT BELIEVE ANYTHING WITH EYES SHUT.\nANALYSE EVERYTHING.CONSIDER THE POSSIBLITIES OF BOTH SIDE.
937851
My answer is not a religious or spiritual one, but here's a few tips...\n\n1)  Learn to depend on yourself for comfort and advice, rather than relying soley on others.  It is hard, yes, but it can be done.\n\n2)  If #1 seems extreme, then learn ways of coping with issues and problems.  Try soothing things such as painting, drawing, writing, taking a bath, thinking, dancing, etc.  Find something that is a sure-fire way to take your mind off of your problems.  Usually if you leave them be for a few hours, a solution/resolution will come to you later.\n\n3)  Maybe you need a better support system.  It sounds to me like you've got a rather self-absorbed set of friends.  Try talking to a religious counselor, minister, priest, etc.  Maybe someone who shares your faith could give you better pointers or advice on this.  Maybe you have a sibling or favorite relative, like a cousin/aunt/uncle, that you could talk to.  Maybe you've got a best friend that you could talk to, and if they are one of the ones that you have described, tell them how much it bothers you and how upset you are over this.  If they are truly faithful to you, they will most likely completely understand.\n\n4)  If you need advice, ask around here... that's what it's here for after all.  ;-)\n\nI know what you are talking about because I feel the same way every now and again.  Most of the people I rely on for help/advice are fairly self-centered, though they do help me.  If you ever want someone to talk to, get advice from, etc. you can contact me.  I know I'm only 17, but I'm a great listener and, if you asked anayone I know, you'd understand that I'm a great advice-giver.\n\nGood luck.  ;-)
641090
Let them...it's thier life, and you have yours...\n\n and I went without ANY friends (litteraly) from 7th grade till about the summer after my senior year in high school (thats a long time...let me tell ya')\n\n When God's judgement day comes..he will take into account what each of us has done...\n\n I'm a great encourager for people to find friends...thats why I'm becoming a youth pastor so I can help in that process... and so they won't turn out like I did (friendless for years, alone and nearly dead trying to commit suicide twice cause' litteraly no one cared...so if there is anything I can do to prevent it in anyone...I need to know cause' no one deserves to be friendless.\n\n If you are still having troble findings friends, pray to the good Lord above and he will provide your needs like he has done with me (I'm not friendless anymore because of his abundant blessings :)\n\n I'm willing to be a true friend (nothing perverted though) even though you are a stranger...I will be a true friend to you and never turn my back on you (unconditional friendship...anyone, anytime :) thats my policy.\n\nI hope I could be of help
889638
Be an Optimist.\nTrust in God.\n"All things work together for good to them that love God".\n\n.
1046495
This is ridiculous. Does religion or religious people bother you that much. How do you know that you won't meet someone that believes in God that is also really nice and worth spending time with. Atheist are no better than the rest of the religious groups. "Are way is the true way." Keep separating yourself from people. I'm sure that will really help you grow as a person or maybe you have grown all you care to? Why can't people be free to live and believe as they choose. If you make this atheist nation and the children born there want to believe in God and worship are you going to kick them out? I believe in God does that separate us so much that I am not welcome to be with you? Why do people feel the need to group together. Can't you have your own beliefs and stand alone? I would hate to think that your child would not ever get a chance to play with my child because of what us parents believe. Of course all this is based on the hypothetical.\nLove & Light\nSharon\nOne Planet = One People
981292
Friend - Find something better to do or get a real life.  Not all Christians believe the Bible is without error or does not contradict itself.  This going on and on about YOU Christians, YOUR Bible, YOU atheists, YOU whatever is tiresome and old.  If you want to read the Bible...read what Jesus says to do and then go practice loving your neighbor.  God Bless and Save You.
715836
Bring a dice game to class, and have one of your friends wear a white frizzy wig and tell you "God doesn't play dice with the Universe."\n\nYou respond with "Don't tell God what to do with his dice."
227502
You need a youth group... fellowship is crucial, ppl to come along side you... you need to separate your faith from your parents... you need to not be to easily swayed by the intesity of what comes against you (I was the only believer in my HS, it was hard), I don't want to berate you with typical teen issues (body image, dating/sex, independence, partying) just keep grounded-- the big thing for me was (and still is) I am a child of god, that is my identity and essence (not gf o/ Ben or cute or debate capitan or bright or even Jesus Freak, just a child of God)\nAlso have ppl pray for you, it's key
307758
Children  (I'm an atheist)
35074
you aren't suppose to go to church to have a teen hang out. That's the house of God, you go there to worship. It sounds to me like all you teens need to get a sight of what really matters. I'm 17, and no, I haven't always been in church. I've only been in church for 2 years as of Dec. 05'. If you start looking for a church that has a teen hangout you're going to get one of them that has a wimp out pastor that only teaches what you want to hear. What kinda church is it? Who's the pastor? If you wanna answer you can e-mail me @ ssasrule this is yahoo, of course.