Parents and Odinism....

[Thomas]

My parents seem to have a bit of a hard time taking in why I see Odinism as the right religion. My father does not seem to understand that Christianity is alien to our culture and it greatly damaged it and also makes followers of it weaker.

This morning my little brother said "I wonder of God is as big as the sky ?" and I told him that Christianity is alien to our culture and my father told me that I shouldn't be saying things like that to him and that he and my mother are Christian, have had a Christian marriage and that my brother is also Christian. I tried to explain but he just disagreed and didn't look at it in the right way.

And my mum has just came in and had a bit of a go at me for it aswell :eek:. Saying that people around me are Christian and it will greatly offend them being opposed to Christianity.

Any suggestions on how to tackle this ?

Thomas

[Tyr's Hand]

Hi Thomas,
That's pretty rough. Well, your parents aren't goning to change their views anytime soon, but your little brother may not have been totally brainwashed yet. Still, I don't know about "converting" people to our way of thinking. Perhaps you could read some of the myths to your brother, something subtle that your parents won't find too heretic. I'm sure other people here on the board will have better ideas.
Best of luck :)

[Scramaseax]

And my mum has just came in and had a bit of a go at me for it aswell . Saying that people around me are Christian and it will greatly offend them being opposed to Christianity.

Any suggestions on how to tackle this ?

Tell them that it will greatly offend you them being opposed to Odinism.

[Liffrea]

It's a difficult one. At the end of the day you have to decide what is right for you, not your parents. If it was me I would take the time to explain why you believe what you do. They may be worried that you are being led astray? So convince them otherwise. Say that you hope that they accept what you believe but if they don't you will not change your beliefs. Leave the Christianity being alien bit out. Although it was born in the Middle-East it has been greatly affected by European culture. It is, of course, not our native beliefs but by bringing it up you might be provoking an adverse reaction. If you can it may be worth leaving the subject of religion out of daily discussion, if they don't bring it up leave it. I am not saying hide your faith or anything like that but you live with them, so it might be more condusive to family harmony. I speak from experience from this. My father accepts my faith, although he does not understand, but he does not accept my politics. Hence I do not bring the issue up at home.

Hope this helps.

[pinlighter]

Respect your parents while you live under their roof. Even if they are wrong. You'll have a better chance of winning them over this way.

[Thomas]

Ahhh, thanks for the replies. I have decided from the suggestions that I should not bring the topic of religion up unless someone starts speaking about it or criticises me.

Thomas

[beowulf]

Ahhh, thanks for the replies. I have decided from the suggestions that I should not bring the topic of religion up unless someone starts speaking about it or criticises me. That's pretty much my approach. My parents are devout baptist christians which can easily lead to family trouble. I've a family of my own so it's not so bad as it would be were I still living at home,but I want to maintain good relations with my kin which is more important than nearly anything else.