Hello Malachi ~ That's a lot to deal with. I wish you could just have a carefree sweet relationship as a teenager without all this heavy stuff. Are there people from whom you can get advice who belong to the various denominations you mentioned? No doubt as Witness Believers, there are higher ups to advise you. Also, there are, I assume local Protestant and Free Methodist ministers who would help you better understand what it is specifically that triggers your parents' concern and how to best approach them and understand and speak to their concerns. One nice thing that I noticed in your communication is that you don't mention financial blackmail, that is, you don't say that you're worried that if you parents find out they will withdraw their financial support for you before your 18 years old or decide not to help you out with your post-high school education. Your situation should motivate you to study religion in general and the Christian denominations in particular. It's possible that it would be hard to find such a class, but, there are resources available beginning with Wikipedia (a remarkably credible resource). Ultimately, many families find that "taking tuff stuff off the table" is better than being ensnared in viscious distheartening cycles of clashing. Imagine that your folks raised beef and felt beef was the best healthy delicious dinner ever. And, their child decided to be vegetarian. The table would become a battlefield. They love each other but can't cajole or convince the other to change. And, so they decide not to have table time together. That would be difficult, of course, but, it's what you do to PRESERVE PRIMARY/FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS. They would probably engage in wonderful outdoor activities and find other avenues to share time and make memories. For you as a Jehova's Witness, your family will be distraught that you don't celebrate Easter or Christmas. And explaining it to them won't help. It will just hurt and remind them of precious memories and what won't happen in the future. It will feel like spiritual deadend. So when you come to them, telling them that you love them and are committed to continuing to be in relationship will be welcome news (since the biggest fear in any family is losing your loved one). Saying that you will always share another day as an important family gathering day. (There are plenty of options.) And realize that if and when you approach your folks, you'll have had a lot more time to think about it than them: give them time. Suggest an idea by saying, "Let's consider X and get back in a while to share thoughts" rather than expecting/demanding instant answers. Another question, Malachi ~ Do you have a sibling you're confiding in. That's difficult/unfair for your sibling if you ask him/her not to divulge what's going on with you. That can have an unfortunate blacklash. So, if you're not ready to tell your folks yet, don't share this with any family members or family friends who will tell your parents. And, heads up, there is no such thing as confidentiality: whomever you tell will, most definitely, share it with someone else, an event guaranteed to produce many unfortunate results. So, bottom line, control your timeline. Many best wishes as you explore your options and decide how to go forward. Shalom, Rabbi Green
