I don't know...

[Catr]

Hi, I'm new, and I've been wondering...

My mom just got married, and at first, I liked the guy pretty well, but since the beginning of Advent, I'm not so sure...

I'm Catholic, like my dad was, and a got a confirmation even though my mom didn't want me to because she's atheist, but I believe in god. I'm interviewing for boarding schools right now because the one I'm at is too easy, and one of them was affiliated with the Episcople church (I'm looking at American schools) and I was on a plane with my mom and stepdad, and she mentioned that it was too bad the school was affiliated because "we're atheist".

I told her that I am Catholic, in fact. And she kind of dismissed me disapprovingly, a "sure, sweety" type thing.

Ever since then, and especially since I go to church every day in advent, both of them talk about the church and the pope as the epitome of evil, using it, somewhat discreetly, in comparisons and such, so that passerby people won't see the relentlessness of the situation.

Recently, I have become more sensitive about the word Catholic whenever I hear it, and it took all I had not to cry in a GSA meeting recently, because of what was being said.

It's such a double standard, the Jews in my school (it's a Jewish school, so I use the word loosely to mean everyone) talk about the rights of Israel, even though it is soo corrupt, but cannot say one good thing about the state Lutheran church, or the Catholic church because we are some majority in their mind.

[MercyMe]

This is just one of the many trials you will face. Don't let anyone influence you, trust me when I say that the lord works in mysterious ways. My father was an atheist for 35 years and is now a strong Christian.

Don't let your classmates or parents influence your beliefs or anything you do.

[viemexis]

A lot of people have negative views of religion, especially Christianity, and even other Christians have negative views of Catholics. It's sad, really. Yes, it's an unfair standard. I'm sorry you have to deal with the two of them talking trash about your beliefs -- but that's just a part of life for Christians (I'm one too). I admire that you're going to church in spite of their comments. I think it's something God honors you for, regardless of the opinions of those around you. Try not to be too discouraged or upset by them.

By the way, I love talking about religion and culture, and I run a religion blog. So if you ever want to talk about this with someone who gets it, PM me.