Atheists and Agnostics

Athiests and Agnostics

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Mathy

Mathy · Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:36 am

Well, my grandmother hates me. She told me I disgust her and that I will be struck down for the "blasphemy against God" I have committed. She started ranting about there being two genders and that transgenders (this was originally about my identity) don't have real feelings and just want to be "weirdos" and to go against God. This is completely unfathomably stupid, but that doesn't mean she's stupid. She's just been brainwashed by her religion. Now she's trying to make up without saying sorry by saying she loves me and trying to hug me in front of others. I don't believe she does anymore, though.

And SHE is the one with the persecution complex! I try to be accepting of her beliefs and I told her I'd never definitively say she was wrong about her beliefs. For this I had her screaming about how I am wrong and I will be destroyed with the devil for accepting all kinds of people. Religion should not be totally eliminated, but it shouldn't become one's life. This is why I don't subscribe to many pre-built philosophies: if it crosses your personal values, what do you do?

Shady replied · Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:48 am

I'm so sorry you had that experience :/ That's really sucky and not fun, and it sounds like she's not great at expressing herself. The Christians who are overbearing and judgmental get on my nerves, too.

However, I will throw out there that she probably does legitimately love you very much -- and is just bad at showing it. I'm not trying to start an argument about religion, and I'm also not trying to tell you you're wrong, but I thought I might see if I can help explain her views in a way that makes more sense than the way she's expressing them to you (full disclosure, I am also a Christian -- I'm in this group out of an intellectual curiosity of your guys' beliefs and I try not to cause any unneeded strife, so forgive me if this is overstepping my welcome in this group).

Christianity is, by nature, something that becomes one's life, as you put it. It's not something that you do on the side. It's something that should be changing you (hopefully to become more loving, not bitter like she sounds) constantly. And Christians believe 100% that there's a heaven and a hell. So it's a fine balance to find, with people we love.

On the one hand, I don't want to stifle the personality of the people I love, or try to force them to be something they aren't. On the other hand, there are some things that are clearly condemned as sinful in the Bible that will land you in hell, which is worse than your worst imagination. So I don't want to sit back and say nothing, while I watch someone I love doing the very thing that'll land them in eternal punishment when they die.

I mean, it sounds like she's not being loving in the way she is saying it, and for that I think she should apologize, because being hateful is never acceptable -- especially not for someone who claims the title of Christian. But do you really think it would be more loving of her to keep her mouth shut and not say anything at all to you, if she 100% believes that you are in danger of going to hell for your lifestyle?

I know you probably don't believe in heaven/hell, or at least don't believe that being transgender is sinful, and that's okay. I'm not trying to "convert" you with this response or anything. You have a right to your own beliefs. And I also suspect that this was more venting than actually looking for feedback.

I just didn't want you to believe your grandmother is lying about her love for you, just because she's bad at expressing why she's concerned for you. Also, I hope that your relationship with her improves. <3 I'm so sorry it sounds like she's not treating you well, just because she disagrees with you. As a Christian she should be one of the most loving people you know, and I'm sorry that that is not the reality that you are facing. That's really hard. :/

Mathy replied · Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:45 pm

Thank you, but I well understand Christianity. I went to their church for 14 years and fully understand their beliefs. They are Jehovah's Witnesses, and their beliefs differ dramatically from what you stated. They don't believe in Hell, nor an afterlife, but in a Resurrection of non-wicked people on the Earth after humans destroy the world.

I know she loves me, but you must first understand that they would kill their families if the "Society" told them to. They even make videos about splitting up families for no reason if told to. Thank you for trying to explain to me. The first two paragraphs were very thoughtful and reminded me that she does still love me.

@SadowVyper

Mathy replied · Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm

P.S. The ARE a cult. They aren't like most Christians at all. I suggest you do some more research by searching "Telltale Atheist" on Youtube, he's a cool guy. I don't hate them or even dislike them. If anything, I feel bad for them because they are taken advantage of by this organization.

Shady replied · Mon Mar 19, 2018 1:39 am

Oh, okay. That makes sense. I guess you didn’t really specify, and I just assumed Christian. I wholeheartedly agree with you that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are a cult. They have some really messed up beliefs and I have had them attack me as well for my own beliefs (I’m Baptist). It is really sad some of the things that I’ve heard of some JWs doing.

I do still hope things get better for you, though. It sounds like you’re being really cool about it, even though the way you’re being treated is disgusting. Respect~

Mathy replied · Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:07 am

Thanks. She came to my room yesterday night and hung out for a bit, complimenting me for my art. I think she's trying to show she's sorry, and I accept.

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