Jediism and family reaction

So I tried explaining to my family Jediism and why I follow its teachings, but was snickered at. I don't blame them for not understanding, but I do want them to take me seriously about this. How do your families treat Jediism and in what way did you tell or explain to them your beliefs.

I've told my parents. I'm 20, and they just don't understand. But, they aren't "upset" or anything about it.

My folks were the ones that turned me on to it's existence. They have told me they are proud of the man I am because of the ideals I live by and actions I take in life.

I am also asked every now and then to preform family marriages, since I got myself ordained. And I have a HUGE family. No skipping out on or glossing over my beliefs on that one. So yea, pretty supportive of it.

Im really lucky. My mother has never even seen star wars but totally believes Jediism is simply another path. Shes very open minded and a great sounding board. Recently we were having a discussion about how she defined her beliefs and couldnt find the right word to express her connection to a universal energy. It was a pretty funny moment when she went "Well, its the Force I guess". My step father who occasionally laughs and calls me a geek pretends he thinks I've lost my mind but he gets the spirituality behind it too. My brother thinks Im mad, but he loves me

I wouldnt bother explaining it to my friends unless they asked. Although when you explain that you believe in a universal energy that connects us all, and in the value of all life, people nod and are on board... right up until you say the J word. Then you're insane.

I'm illigitimate, so my real father has no idea I was even born...my stepfather is dead, all my known grandparents are dead, my mom supports me no matter what, my remaining brother and my sister and her husband had their laughs at first but moved on, I have no significant other to deal with...so I don't have much to go on in terms of the reactions of family & friends....other than those I have here at totjo....

But I believe that there are times when words fail us, we can explain jediism till we turn blue in the face and some people will never get it...actions speak louder than words...let them see jediism and it becomes something they can understand...just my thought...

I think thats the one Im most concerned about. Significant others. How do people deal with that unless their partners are also inclined towards it?

My wife was initially skeptical of it, but I'm lucky that she's now my biggest supporter when it comes to my involvement with Jediism (even though she herself walks a different religious path).

All it took was time to realize I wasn't role-playing the religion.

As for the rest of my family, I was also snickered at, but in time, they understand the commitment I have to Jediism. Give it time, ferreire580.

(I remember explaining the Apprenticeship to my father last summer and he was quite intrigued by the process. He was a loud objector to it at first.)

I think we all catch snickers from our families. My father and brother are both atheist, but they support me. My brother laughed but then he said "I guess it isn't different from any other made up religion". I've only talked about it with a couple friends, skeptics and they laugh but it isn't a point of ridicule or negativity they simply make their jokes but respect me regardless.

I think if you show your commitment and seriousness about anything, the people in your life that love you will be ok with that.

Brenna wrote: I think thats the one Im most concerned about. Significant others. How do people deal with that unless their partners are also inclined towards it?

in the first place, i dont think people really even care about you if they dont support whatever you follow, thus i think its the natural path to support ones mates "spiritual" decisions and if they are unappealed by it, then i dont think the fit is that good anyways.

i think we should all find mates whose paths appeal to ourselves even if its not something we would consider for ourselves.

i think im coming to the decision that jediism and other things about universal force religions arent really my thing, even though im inspired by them.

there simply never has been anything but mere moments when i feel like im connected to something bigger, and even then i tend to consider them as just my own feelings and the way i get it, people here are able to experience something much more with it than i, while i struggle to even find relevance for the term force in my life.

but ultimately, i think i stand for what being a jedi is all about, or at least in inspiration.

from what im explaining, does it seem to you that i dont really experience as much as others do in jediism? i just think im not exactly the right kind of person for this religion. although i think jediism will always have a place in the back of my mind, along with all the other things i find inspiring.

well if you do decide to leave Vilku, although I don't know you well, I do remember your posts and I will miss your insight, I hope you find your right path, my friend, if it is here or not