How do I tell my parents I don't want to go to church?

Tell them straightforwardly: "I don't want to go to church." Think about the reasons; the sermons are not helpful, the music is awful, I don't get anything out of it, etc. Think of alternate solutions to develop your spirituality: you can study the bible in an online forum, you can design your own daily prayer schedule, you can get an online spiritual mentor. Many of the alternate options are much more effective than going to church. Be willing to compromise, maybe attend once a month in addition to your own spiritual direction plan.

That depends on your personal relationship with your parents. having a mature and open ended conversation with them tends to be a good idea, in my experience, so you could try doing that to begin with.

Really tough one! Being born and raised religiously, this is something I struggle with, too. Even now when I'm no longer living with my parents! If I had the choice, I would be open and honest with them about how I truly feel about going to church. To be fair to my parents, however, I would make exemptions, too. Because maybe, to the parents, going to church is a way to spend time with us?

Be honest with them. Tell them exactly why you don't want to go, and be true to yourself. Give them solid reasons as to why (not excuses) you don't want to go, and be open talking to them and answering any questions they have.

If you are 18 or older, you need to make your parents aware of how you feel. Let them know that you understand their concerns about attending church but that at this point in your life, you do not feel you are in a place to go but that maybe sometime in the future, you may attend but that you do not want to be made to feel guilty about attending or not attending church.

I have been through this experience myself, I eased my way into it and had to be understanding with my parents desires. But, the way I did so was I sat both of them down and told them how I appreciated them choosing this lifestyle of religion for me but that it wasn't who I was and what I didn't truly believe in I'm not sure if you don't believe in it or just don't want to go but if you just don't want to go I would say I am dedicated to my religion in other ways and I personally don't think church is right for me for certain reasons and list those reasons but make them reasonable reasons haha.

For many people, going to church is not only a reflection of their beliefs, but it is a part of their identity. That's why it can be really challenging to be honest with your parents about not wanting to go! There is no simple answer to this questions, because everyone's parents are different and we all have different communication styles. My only suggestion is that you should be as respectful as you can be by validating how important church is for your parents, but then being as honest as you can (while being mindful of how they might feel) with why you aren't wanting to go!

Religion is a tough subject in today's society. Yes, your parents are in charge of you until you are 18, but you are still human. I can understand where you are coming from. I have had to deal with this myself, and I was very anxious and scared. I suggest you do what I did. Sit yourself down. Think. What are the reasons you do not want to go to church? Sit your parents down and explain to them that you do not view their religious practices as negative. But you simply do not wish to go to church. Make sure that you are polite and expressing your opinion and needs in a respectful manner. Afterall, thats what you would want them to do to you. Be patient, and let them make a decision. Answer their questions with honesty, and empathy. Don't just say 'Because I don't want to" or " You can't make me" ... tell them how you feel. Weather you don't think that their religion is for you, church makes you feel uncomfortable because the strictness, or too many people. or even the simplest of maybe you still want to go to church, but not twice a week / so early in the morning. I do not know your situation, therefore I can not give you advice for you, I can only suggest things, and let you use what you want and leave the rest. I wish you good luck.

Tell them how you feel about church and they should be supportive of how you feel. If you don't want to go to church that is your choice and they shouldn't be making it for you.

It is best to be honest with them. Conversations about religion can always be intimidating, but if you are calm, truthful and understanding, you will at least get them to listen to you.