Religious family
I have a brother that's a very religious person, And I am kind of uncertain of how to approach the subject about my beliefs. Any suggestions?
I am 23 years old and married with one child who is 2 years old. My wife is about to be 21 so we're young parents. My brother on the other hand is 30 years old married and has 2 little girls. We don't live close by, I live in Florida and he lives in South Carolina. So since I'm younger and less experienced I'm suppose to look up to him per se. We are from a family of 7 children and I'm the youngest. We don't talk very often and he's the only one that has visited me which was this past summer. When we do talk he always talks about God, he's Christian but we grew up Catholic. When he was visiting we had a long emotional, well he was getting emotional, talk about going to church. At the time my wife was not agnostic, she's atheist now, and she grew up in church and her grandparents are pastors so my brother had her emotional at the time. I did mention to another brother recently "well if you do believe in God then go to church if not it's ok" and I could tell that he seemed a little curious about my statement or shocked. No one in my family knows so that was just a little hint I was giving away.
I am 23 years old and married with one child who is 2 years old. My wife is about to be 21 so we're young parents. My brother on the other hand is 30 years old married and has 2 little girls. We don't live close by, I live in Florida and he lives in South Carolina. So since I'm younger and less experienced I'm suppose to look up to him per se. We are from a family of 7 children and I'm the youngest. We don't talk very often and he's the only one that has visited me which was this past summer. When we do talk he always talks about God, he's Christian but we grew up Catholic. When he was visiting we had a long emotional, well he was getting emotional, talk about going to church. At the time my wife was not agnostic, she's atheist now, and she grew up in church and her grandparents are pastors so my brother had her emotional at the time. I did mention to another brother recently "well if you do believe in God then go to church if not it's ok" and I could tell that he seemed a little curious about my statement or shocked. No one in my family knows so that was just a little hint I was giving away.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dave G on -
Without more information, it's hard to say. What kind of a reaction do you expect from him once he knows?
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Permalink Reply by Hector on -
I am 23 years old and married with one child who is 2 years old. My wife is about to be 21 so we're young parents. My brother on the other hand is 30 years old married and has 2 little girls. We don't live close by, I live in Florida and he lives in South Carolina. So since I'm younger and less experienced I'm suppose to look up to him per se. We are from a family of 7 children and I'm the youngest. We don't talk very often and he's the only one that has visited me which was this past summer. When we do talk he always talks about God, he's Christian but we grew up Catholic. When he was visiting we had a long emotional, well he was getting emotional, talk about going to church. At the time my wife was not agnostic, she's atheist now, and she grew up in church and her grandparents are pastors so my brother had her emotional at the time. I did mention to another brother recently "well if you do believe in God then go to church if not it's ok" and I could tell that he seemed a little curious about my statement or shocked. No one in my family knows so that was just a little hint I was giving away.
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Permalink Reply by Daley on -
Being homosexual and an atheist, I've "come out of the closet" twice already and I can tell you that it is very liberating. My advice would be to become more emotionally independent.
By that, I mean that your happiness is not dependent on acceptance from other people (even family). I would recommend being very dry and possibly start off by saying "This is not up for debate, but I felt like informing you about something..."
It doesn't have to be an argument. You obviously already think he won't enjoy it, so no need to stretch it out.
After a period of adjustment, maybe one day you two could discuss it at length.
That's my generic opinion since I don't know you guys.
Big brothers can be understanding. I'd like to think that I am.
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Permalink Reply by Tricia Lestarjette on -
I am guessing you are a little worried about the repercussions after you tell them, your beliefs an values are only your business, that being said unless you feel the need to inform your family, I wouldn't worry about it.
It's hard to say because I am an out there in your face person with all my beliefs and values, but I know there are those that could care less what others know about them.
If you feel the need to tell them then do, if not then don't, it's all about what is important to you.
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