Coming out about taoism (Jesus, priest, rejecting, beliefs, pagan)

[windcarver]

I have been following the path of taoism for a while now, and i am postive it is the right path for me. although, I was raised a Christian, so my parents don't know I'm a taoist. I really want to tell them, but I'm so afraid that they won't take me seriously. I am positive they'll think it's just a teenage phase, and I would have no idea as to how to convince them otherwise.

I also don't know how to tell them. I can't just walk up and say "Hi mom! I'm a taoist!". I have no idea how to even bring it up. I'm so nervous. I think they'll accept me, but that still doesn't stop me from being afraid. I just wish I was raised taoist.

[Jaymes]

Don't let it worry you if they don't take you seriously. After all, you're following it because it's right for you, not to prove to them that it's right for you. If you're like me and really shy, you could print off an informative article about Taoism to get your parents to read, or even hand them the Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu, or any other Taoist books you have and ask them to skim it and say that's what you believe now.

I'd also like to mention that it's okay if this is just a phase for you. Christianity and paganism were phases for me, and this may very well be a phase for me now. The important thing is that it's something that lets you learn.

[Master Vigil]

I understand where you're coming from. My parents weren't really hard to tell, but my priest was. He was the central figure that led me into the priesthood, so telling him felt almost like betrayal. I would suggest outlining a good reason(s) for why you are choosing Taoism now. Like, "The Chinese have a concept called Wu Wei, and it is like a stream. The stream doesn't know where it's going, why it's going there, or how it's getting there. But it get's there effortlessly. No stress, no worries, no problems. It is just peaceful. This is Taoism. And this is why I have chosen to be Taoist, I want to be in peace, like the stream."

You know, something like that.

[evearael]

Just see if you can start some sort of dialog about religion and philosophy in general with your parents. Let them know how appreciative you are about how supportive they've been in the past, and how you have found something that speaks to you. Giving them a bit of background in Taoism would be beneficial, tailored to their level of interest and attention span. The important things to remember are 1) don't spring it on them out of the blue, because the result is too unpredicatable, 2) let them know you are not rejecting them by choosing a different faith, 3) Taoism isn't a cult.

Honesty is the best policy, I hope your parents are big enough people to respect you for it.

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

You know, something like that.

... how did you get so good with words....

Just don't tell them YmirGF's suggestion of showing them through your acts imho IS the best way... it's how Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu taught, it's how Jesus taught, and it's how Bhudda taught too. If your folks need to actually talk about Taoism it'll come up eventually when the time is right.

[the_Unknown]

The true Tao cannot be followed.

The true Tao cannot be explained.

Does a rock
need say
I am a rock?

Be what you are.

That is the true Tao.

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by ChrisP

... how did you get so good with words....

I stopped relying on them.

So any news yet Windcarver?

[Ori]

Originally Posted by windcarver

I have been following the path of taoism for a while now, and i am postive it is the right path for me. although, I was raised a Christian, so my parents don't know I'm a taoist. I really want to tell them, but I'm so afraid that they won't take me seriously. I am positive they'll think it's just a teenage phase, and I would have no idea as to how to convince them otherwise.

I also don't know how to tell them. I can't just walk up and say "Hi mom! I'm a taoist!". I have no idea how to even bring it up. I'm so nervous. I think they'll accept me, but that still doesn't stop me from being afraid. I just wish I was raised taoist.

Do your parents like Star Wars? If so you have your foot in the door at least.

[windcarver]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

I stopped relying on them.

So any news yet Windcarver?

not yet.... but I hope so soon.

Also, thank you all for replying. I really appreciate your support. when I do tell them, though, I'll be sure to reply again with how it went.

[Buttons*]

some advise? dont listen to that Chrisp character... he's a sheep in Taoist clothing

Everyone else's ideas are great though