My mom just called me a fanatic

[PaulGH]

You do not sound like a fanatic to me. I will be very happy if my own children are wearing a scapular and a religious medal, and reading about the Catholic faith every day, when they reach age 17.

But I would remind you to honor and respect your mother, especially while you are not yet quite an adult and are living in her home. Even if she is wrong, still you need to listen and respect her. I think that you should do what you can, within reason, to ease her concerns. That doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing the scapular and medal, or stop reading religious books. But maybe there is something specific you can do that would ease her concerns. Maybe you can compromise with her, where you participate in some activity that she approves of, in exchange for her accepting your scapular and medal.

Or you could stop wearing the scapular and the medal for now, out of respect for your mother, knowing that it won’t be long before you are an adult and on your own, and can wear them again.

I guess I am not saying one way or the other what you should do. Just don’t forget that even if your mom is wrong, she is still your mom.

 

[PaulGH]

She very well could be afraid that you are being called by God to a life that is different than the one she wants for you.

I had not thought of that, but it is certainly possible. Sadly, I hear of many priests and nuns whose parents tried to discourage them from their vocations. I guess the parents wanted to see their children get married and have children instead. So maybe the OP’s mother is afraid that she is going to become a nun.

 

[Dorothy]

I had not thought of that, but it is certainly possible. Sadly, I hear of many priests and nuns whose parents tried to discourage them from their vocations. I guess the parents wanted to see their children get married and have children instead. So maybe the OP’s mother is afraid that she is going to become a nun.

I agree that parents should not discourage their children from choosing what is right for them in their vocations!

Parents need to encourage their children to do God’s Holy Will in their lives, not the parents’ will, whether it be married life, a religious order, or the single life. And, marriage and a single life does not preclude becoming holy in that state of life!

 

[acadiANNA]

I would acknowledge her feelings and say politely (not flip), “Oh, you think I am a fanatic about my faith?” It could lead to a discussion and promote understanding. Of course, you honor and worship God in your own personal way. Personally you would be someone I would admire for your devotion and beliefs. May you continue to grow in the love of God and one another.

 

[Xantippe]

I also like the oldie but goodie, “I’m sorry you feel that way, mom,” delivered as politely and respectfully as possible.

 

[Sereta]

Being a teenager and with a possible predisposition for “mental imbalance” or excessiveness and reading spiritual books is possibly not the best mix.
Understanding spiritual books in the right context is often a huge challenge for adults let alone teens.
Maybe your mum has a legitimate concern and perhaps the answer is to ask your priest what are some practical ways that you can live/express your Faith-eg:maybe you could volunteer to serve meals at a homeless center/kitchen or something similar.
If your mum sees you doing this and also socialising with some friends then hopefully she be more positive towards you living out your faith.
If she’s still criticizing after,then ask her (in a non confrontational way) what exactly is it about the way you are living that is bothering her.

 

[Tiffany10]

You are 17. , you are your own person,we all have problems, I do too,…
It’s how you feel about yourself,how you think about yourself that matters,
As long you have self respect, physically , emotionally , spiritually ,
If you dress nicely ,speak nicely , think nicely, then that’s all that matters,
Who cares about what others think if you have the good bits right,

 

[lily22]

You can answer your mother," well, yes. Jesus was considered a fanatic as well."

That should solve the issue.

Being Christian separates you from everyone else. It also involves more persecutions and sufferings for being in the Faith. That’s just part of the job description. So, don’t worry. To them, a Christian-- someone who believed Jesus, a God in Flesh, died and rose from the Dead and Is Returning" seems crazy. So, you just have to trust and be OK with the world thinking you are crazy.

 

[novelista]

Parents get freaked out when their kids seem to obsess over any one thing, even if you yourself don’t feel like you are obsessive. They just want their kids to have a well-balanced life. I think other posters have given you some great advice. Good luck.