I think I want to go to church tomorrow...

[Cursive_Knives512]

I need some support right now.

A year ago, after 16 years of being Catholic, I decided (after thinking about it for a long time) that Christianity wasn't for me. I'm agnostic now, and at times have even ventured over to anti-(organized)religion. My entire family (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins twice removed, etc.) was tremendously disappointed that I didn't get confirmed.

Anyway, my dad asked me yesterday if I was going to go to church with my mom tomorrow on Easter, and I said "No." As in, "Of course not." I know it hurts my family, but I didn't feel comfortable attending a service which I didn't believe in.

But today I started thinking about God, Jesus, the Bible, and so forth. And thanks to someone from here (I don't remember) I saw the link to www.liberalslikechrist.org, and I've been reading some of the webpages... and I was reminded that Christianity had nothing to do with the so-called "Christians" who act in un-Christian ways, and everything to do with God, Jesus, and spirituality.

I want to go to church tomorrow, because I think I might be able to "get something out of it." I'm doing this partially for my mom, too, because I know she would appreciate it. I hope she doesn't take this the wrong way, that I'm going to get confirmed or anything. I just think it's a healthy thing for me, spiritually, to do right now. (Especially since it's Easter, the time of "renewal" and such)

Any advice? How should I go about telling my mom this?

Thanks. And sorry this is so long!!

[brokensymmetry]

1. Since you ask...

Why not just go up to her and comment that, on second thought, you'd like to go to Church with her.

If pressure is applied for more, just smile and say you prefer to go one step at a time - but that you care for her deeply, and you'd like to enjoy the service with her.

And, after all - that's the truth, right?

[mzmolly]

2. Check out this link...

http://tcpc.org

Message boards here:

http://tcpc.ipbhost.com/

I may attend the local UCC myself ;)

[Rowdyboy]

3. If you really want to go, it would be a very kind thing to do for your mom

What can it hurt? You'll be in beautiful surroundings, surrounded by serious people, incense, music, flowers and stained glass hearing a story about sacrifice and love. I'm sure your mom wishes you were confirmed but merely going to one service doesn't commit you to anything you don't want it to...She'll understand.

Hope you guys have a great time.

Believe me, if I could take my mom to church tomorrow, I would.

[Taverner]

4. Go to church for God and yourself, not the Christians

And I'd tell her what you told us here...dunno a Catholic in the world that woudln't be tickled by that.

[rwheeler31]

5. Think than do what is is best for you both.

nt

[pagerbear]

6. Since you're RC

...become a "cafeteria Catholic"--take what you like and leave the rest. And your mother will be so pleased to have you by her side.

[DAGDA56]

7. Every family dynamic is different...

...for me, I'm an Irish Catholic, which has ethnic and political overtones. Perhaps you should offer to meet your Mom half way...get her to think is is mostly her idea that you will go to mass just this once. Tell her that you are much more interested in what Jesus said than what Paul said Jesus said...make her think (even question) in a way she may not have thought before. Then enjoy the dinner afterward. Good Luck, CK

[DianeG5385]

8. I wish often I could go back. I loved the Mass

I miss the communion. My entire huge family is devout. They are the best people. I feel like an outlier. I just can't go back until I can go back with a full heart and not one conflicted with the politics which has infected the Church.

[kanrok]

9. I say go.

It appears that you are being "called." IMHO, it's not a bad thing. Just tell your mom that you want to go. She will be happy.