don't tell them, go to their church smile nod and say amen
if you come out of the closet, they will burn you at the stake like so many witches before you.
Tell them these exact words the next time they make you go to church
"Hey mom dad I'm thinking for myself now instead of following what you tell me I have became Gardnerian Wiccan and there is nothing you can do to st----" *gun shot*
Is this your first religious change or your second, third, and so on. Okay so want to anything but what your parents are. I mean it is Sooh rooted in them (((ugh, yuck))),
Just tell them "I am changing my religion",
My response would be "That is nice sweetie. Did you clean your room yet?"
Christians are notoriously closed minded so if you don't want them to judge you, don't tell them. Just stop going to their ceremonies and if they want a reason, tell them the most appropriate version of the truth: that you don't believe in their gods.
Or you could write it on their bedroom wall in blood.
Haha I had to put that last in case you saw it and thought I was just a troll.
It is hard to tell something to someone that will not accept your idea. But You are a human being. Meaning you have rights to what religion or worship you want. If you can't do it dint tell them. Go along with them and personally worship your choice of religion. If you are free from your parents you can tell them and go along your way. Your parents must accept changes and for you to have your freedom. Explain your parents why you want to change and tell them that it's your freedom of choice. You are a human being. Besides. No one have the right to give you a religion when you are a kid. Only you yourself can.
I really hope you reconsider what you are doing. Even the most basic understanding of the Bible would inform you that you are on the wrong "team" by making this particular choice. Keep in mind God is a loving God but He does not take well to people who turn their back on Him. Please reconsider your decision b/c you will have eternal regrets for temporary pleasures.
Hebrews 10 38
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him
Why tell them right away? Why not wait until your initiation and after you have been pursuing it for a couple of years, when you have settled into it?
I assume you are an adult, because legitimate Gardnarian covens don't take members under 18 (often prefer older) and because you cannot be a Gardnarian without being initiated into a Gardnarian coven.
So if you are legitimately becoming Gardnarian, you are an adult and don't owe anyone an explanation. There seems little point in telling them at this juncture unless you're looking for a fight.
If you're 18, then there is technically nothing they can do to stop you from practicing. They can, however, kick you out of the house. I would say wait until you're out. Simply because from the Baptists I've met, I don't see it going too well. Study, study, study and be dedicated to your religion but wait until later to tell them if you wish...I don't really believe in not telling your parents but at the same time, getting kicked out sucks, so you should heavily consider the consequences if you *do* tell them...
I would say if you feel strongly about not hiding things from your family. There are some things people don't know about you not because you hide it simply that you never mentioned it right? This can be one of them with your family, if you don't necessarily hide it from them and live your life as you see fit then if they have questions you can answer honestly but if they don't they don't.
Religion is very personal and is not something for everyone to know but that doesn't me en you should be ashamed or try to hide it.
In the end it just what you think is the right thing to do. Best of luck both with your parents and studs of the religion.
Sit down and have a rational talk with them, about your believes and theirs as well. While yes, legally, they do have power over you, and can stop you from practicing The Craft Sid of Wicca, in your heart, they cannot stop you from worshiping your own Deity. This is stated in one form of The Charge of the Goddess "no man can prevent the worship of me within your heart and mind" Be reasonable, calm, and awns er any questions they may have, and you may be surprised what they have to say. I feel like their are so many negative stories about Xstian parents not allowing Theo children t be Wiccan, you dint hear about the positive stories (although, truth be told, there rant as many as negative ones)
I went to a Metaphysical store once with my mom, and judging by her reaction after we got back in the car (I bought a smal crystal star pendant) I assumed that she didnt like Witchcraft, and just simply wouldnt understand. I went even more underground, with usless attempts to hide my books from the library (she already knew)
So I actuallly sat down with her last month (been studying since May) and talked to her about it. She said that she believed that my Spirituality is my own, and that she didnt mind or care about my becoming a Witch/Wiccan, as long s I didnt draw Hex symbols or summon 5 headed cow demons.
So my advice is, just dont go assuming the worse. Show them that you are mature, and that you are serous about changing your religon. Dont start out with "We dont woship the devil" Instead, tell tem your personal believes, what the religion is, why your deciding to be it, ect. Stay calm, because nothing ends a conversation like harsh words or attitudes or using a tone with them.
Heres a good link to let your parents read: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/familyandparenting/a/For_Parents.htm
Hersw another good one: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/familyandparenting/a/How-Do-I-Deal-With-Preachy-Family-Members.htm
"hey mom, hey dad. listen, I've decided that baptism isn't right for me so i found some different religion that is more tolerant. you can accept me or not,but i will still be garnering. have a nice day"
that's how i would do it