I'm kind of lost and venting.. sorry

[DecemberDream]

Well I decided to become Jewish back in January. I didn't go to any classes or any confirmation things, I just decided it was what I believed in and classified myself as. My family hasn't taken to it at all even though none of them go to church or practice any religion. My aunt has been horrible to me about it and my grandma keeps telling me I can't be Jewish because that's not in my blood and she's horrified I've never been to church. My mom is okay with it and even kind of encouraging it.. but not thrilled about me celebrating the holidays. My friends seem to be the most accepting, probably because they know me better than my family.

I don't see anything wrong with studying various religions. I don't see what's so wrong with me believing in Judaism, it's okay to believe in it and yet not practice it right? I'm going to church next Sunday with my friend just to see what it's like, because when I go to college I'll minor in theology; I love studying it. I guess I just wish I could be more accepted by my family.

Sorry I just had to get it off my chest. *sigh*

[princessKT]

Sorry to hear about your problems. Maybe if you did go to synagogue a few times, they would take you more seriously? I guess it may be one of those things, with some people, where you have to really prove your point that you believe in it.

I would do what makes you happy though. You only answer to yourself, deep down.

[bekahbeans]

I take it your family is Christian then?

[BrokenHalo]

I think it's a really *good* thing to study other religions! I think everyone should to some extent--for some it will confirm their faith in their current religion, or like you, they might find one that they find more to their own personal beliefs, but in all cases it will give us all a better understanding of others. I think it's great that you're exploring this, sorry not everyone in your family has been terribly supportive (mine was likewise uh...not very supportive when I did my own exploration for my 'spiritual identity' if you will...)

I guess how I came to deal with it was that I follow my own spiritual path and when someone asks, I will share my views with them, but generally will not offer up info on my religion, etc, if I'm not asked. That has kept the peace within my family...it's not that I'm hiding my religion from them--I won't lie and say I believe something I don't, and I won't say I don't believe in something that I do--but unless they bring it up, I won't.

(p.s. I think Theology will be an absolutely fascinating minor! Good luck with everything!)

[princessKT]

^ I agree with you. Growing up, my Pastor actually suggested we learn about other religions, and I always thought that was a great thing. Especially abouty Mormonism, since it's such a big religion around here.

I was debating between a Theology and Philosophy minor, and I picked the latter.

[young again]

Too bad your family is still unsupportive. If it turns out that Judaism is for you, there is no rush, it will still be there for you when you are ready.