So, this is my problem. Its not a big problem but its been going over in my mind recently. :roll:
I'm an atheist and have been since I was a child, which never seemed to bother my mother, except she often hushed me about it. When pressed she would say that I shouldnt talk about it because it would `upset people`. Which struck me as odd, because my mother doesnt subscribe to any specific religion, rather believes in a collection of spiritual things such as reincarnation and tarot cards and things of that nature. It took me a while to realise that atheism wasnt anything I should be ashamed of, however we still cant really talk about it because of some of the beliefs she holds, she changes the subject when I bring it up. Now, while I cant say anything to her about it, she'll often hasten to tell me some proof about something or another. When I gently let her know that what she sees as proof wouldnt stand up to a critical mind, she gets huffy and asks me why I cant just let people believe what they want.
Recently she sent me a book she expects me to read about reincarnation, which she says has proof in it. Its about a boy with past life memories, and I did flick over the first couple of pages. But I feel its slightly morally objectional to me to read a book in which I feel a child has (in my opinion) been incited to believe something for spiritual or other reasons.
If I read it, I doubt my mother would listen to my opinion on it, but if I dont she'll insist theres proof in there and I'm too closeminded to seek it. :facepalm:
I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions?
I'm an atheist and have been since I was a child, which never seemed to bother my mother, except she often hushed me about it. When pressed she would say that I shouldnt talk about it because it would `upset people`. Which struck me as odd, because my mother doesnt subscribe to any specific religion, rather believes in a collection of spiritual things such as reincarnation and tarot cards and things of that nature. It took me a while to realise that atheism wasnt anything I should be ashamed of, however we still cant really talk about it because of some of the beliefs she holds, she changes the subject when I bring it up. Now, while I cant say anything to her about it, she'll often hasten to tell me some proof about something or another. When I gently let her know that what she sees as proof wouldnt stand up to a critical mind, she gets huffy and asks me why I cant just let people believe what they want.
Recently she sent me a book she expects me to read about reincarnation, which she says has proof in it. Its about a boy with past life memories, and I did flick over the first couple of pages. But I feel its slightly morally objectional to me to read a book in which I feel a child has (in my opinion) been incited to believe something for spiritual or other reasons.
If I read it, I doubt my mother would listen to my opinion on it, but if I dont she'll insist theres proof in there and I'm too closeminded to seek it. :facepalm:
I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions?