[msk09]

I'm a baptized Catholic in my early 20's, but started having Agnostic beliefs in my teens. I discovered the term Agnosticism after I turned 18, and now firmly believe this is the right philosophy for me. I went to Catholic schools in grade school till high school, then to my relief, I entered a public college.
My problem is that I live in a mostly Catholic community, including my family, who in particular are not open to Atheism and other religions, and might not even know Agnosticism.
I've been meaning to tell this to my family in the future when I am independent and wise enough to defend myself, but recently, I've been in compromising situations.
For now, how do I live my daily life in a Catholic community and family without having to contradict my beliefs and conflict with my feelings? My father has long ago accepted that I don't go to church because he thinks I'm lazy (he's not forceful when it comes to religion), but he makes my sister and I lead the prayers before every meal, and believes I will always be Catholic. Every time there is mass I have to attend due to family (recently, for a loved one who passed away), my elders observe that I can't remember the prayers anymore. They don't ask me, but I feel confused after wards, thinking I should tell the truth by now, so I don't have to go to mass anymore. Lastly, my brother, some aunts, and my grandmother have criticized me in the past for my inactivity in practicing religion.
In general, I want to live in Agnostic terms but how do I fit this to my lifestyle surrounded by Catholic relatives? And if the time comes, what is the best way to tell them about my beliefs?

[Kevin]

Just don't talk about it or you'll get bashed for it. If you've never known what it feels like to be the minority you should now. As far as the prayer thing, I just kinda go along with it but I like crossing my fingers or keeping my eyes open and looking up as they close theirs and bow; my little rebellion I guess.
When you absolutely need to tell them, if you can, wait to tell them until you're more independent and moved out. Always remember though, no one can change your beliefs but you.

Best of luck !

[IslandFun]

You can be a Catholic and an agnostic just as you can be an atheist and an agnostic. An agnostic says that it is impossible to know that gods exist. You cannot know it but you can believe it. If you subscribe to the "I know that my redeemer liver" school then you cannot be agnostic but you can believe in god/s while accepting that you don't know that they exist - and that is agnosticism.

I know that I can't "know" that gods exist but I don't believe they do. That makes me an agnostic atheist.

Agnosticism is not on a continuum between theism and atheism, it is off to one side and can apply to either.

[Brandon R]

I was raised Catholic and still am. However, I have two sisters who are no longer Catholic and one of them doesn't believe in God.

When your father asks you and your sister to say grace, let your sister say it. Tell her now that when your father asks the two of you to say grace for her to go ahead and do it. I don't see the point of telling your parents unless they come out and ask you. If your father prefers to believe that you aren't going to Mass because you're lazy, let him. Why make him feel bad unnecessarily?

Even non-Catholics attend funeral and wedding masses. Attending services is a part of life; religion is immaterial. It's about paying your respects to the living. I've attended many a wedding and funeral service in non-Catholic churches. While attending a wedding or funeral mass do whatever you feel comfortable with. My two sisters kneel and stand when everyone else does. I don't see that as being hypocritical.

I don't see a need to be confrontational but don't do anything you are uncomfortable with. You shouldn't receive communion for example. If someone questions you give them a truthful answer; it isn't necessary to go into details. If someone asks you to go to mass with them just say no thank you.

Your relatives will get used to it even if they don't like it. No one says anything to my sisters about it. After all, it is their life.

[abenezerscroogexxx]

I'm not entirely sure what you mean as Agnosticism is more defined by NOT finding God, rather than an abundance of philosophical direction, but as a fellow Agnostic, I recommend reading the Wikipedia link I am providing and focusing on the Thomas Henry Huxley quotes. I'm curious what you think the Agnostic lifestyle is supposed to be. I was not under the impression that it was supposed to be anything in particular except that you had made attempts to have some connection to God or other divinity, but ultimately did not feel/see/experience it.

Ironically, Agnostics have a great deal in common with Mother Theresa. She claimed to have one experience with God, which is what got her started as a nun, but then lived the rest of her life devoid of such continued experience and had many doubts. That said, aside from rare bout of "feeling God," Mother Theresa was hardly different from most Agnostics in not really feeling God throughout their lives.

There are also people (perhaps your father) that believe that if you were raised Catholic and were at some point confirmed/baptized Catholic, then you are Catholic for life. Chances are you fit in well enough.