What should I do?

Question

There is a boy that goes to my Temple(im Jewish) and he claims he does not belive in G-d he says that hes an Atheist........what should I do? What would his parents do if they found out? what would my Temple do? preferbly id like Jews to answer my question but if you have an answer thats not retarded then thats fine........PLEASE DONT TELL ME THAT I SHOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN AND ACEPT JESUS THATS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN SO PLEASE DONT TRY!!!!

Answer 1

I don't think I have to be Jewish to tell you that you sound like you're a really good friend. You're worried about people (and his parents) finding out his belief. Since you make a reference to his being a "boy", consider it may be a phase, or something his friends have influenced him into thinking. Give him some time.

Answer 2

Let him be. Not everyone has firm convictions that there is a God. Some people are fortunate that they can have an unwavering faith, but others need time to sort things out in their heads.

Did you always know, I mean really know that God existed? You must feel very comforted in that knowledge.

He might not be so sure, or he may just be acting out because he does not want to go to Temple and he thinks it's a waste of time. Perhaps his parents just go to Temple on the Sabbath but it's all for show and do not live up to the laws at home.

Continue to be his friend if you can. Don't worry about what his parents would do. That's an internal family problem. And if your Temple officials were smart, they'd continue to try to nurture your young friend to come back into the fold.

Answer 3

Ok, I will not tell you to become a Christian. I am Catholic but we all worship the same God sincerely and with the intent of getting to Heaven (kind of like taking different routes to Grandpa's house, all differently scenic, but all with the intent of getting to the same place.) I am happy to see someone comfortable with their faith.

If you are friends with him, you could start by approaching HIM, NOT HIS FAMILY, preferably outside the Temple, at a neutral location where a heated argument is less likely to occur. Do not ask in a way that would make him defensive. Use "I" statements as opposed to "You should, you shouldn't." How about "I really enjoyed that passage today and I was thinking about what G-d wants us to take from that." That could open the door. If he remains silent, back off.

By all means, do not take it upon yourself to tell his family or anyone else "He's an athiest and doesn't belong here!" no matter how passionate you are about your faith. Remember we should worry about keeping our own houses clean before attempting to clean others. Instead of trying to drive him away, you should try to bring him closer and be a positive influence.

I remember as a teen being in the Catholic church and my father going and he was an athiest (still is). He went because his mother expected him to, and he wanted us to have the discipline of the church. I felt he was a hypocrite and should have stayed home and taught us to behave himself instead of relying on the priests to scare us with threats of fire and brimstone. This young man may be forced to go, and he may have tyrannical, dictatorial parents and you may make his home situation worse by "ratting him out." Best to approach him yourself and ask for G-d's guidance in doing so. Many people go through their life feeling very far away from G-d, or very close to G-d, but know that they are never without G-d. Other people have had bad experiences and use that as a basis to say that there is no G-d, instead of blaming evil doings on the freewill of men. I went through an agnostic period in my teens and in college because of the tragic death of my aunt and two uncles and my being stricken with a crippling autoimmune disease. I didn't see how any loving G-d could take children away before they are given a chance to grow up, or make me ill after going through four years to get a nursing degree that I couldn't then use. I later realized that those terrible things happened so that other good things could come later on. Perhaps this young man is stuck where I was, like so many others. I am now secure in my beliefs, and I think most young people go through this type of thing.

Answer 4

Not Jewish, I'm Christian.

I guess If I were in that situation, I would ask him why he is there if he doesn't believe in God.

Does he have a reason for not believing, or just "decided" not to.

I might ( not certain, never been in this situation) talk to his parents and see if they know. I would want to know if one of my children felt this way.

In the end, I guess there is not much to be done. Believing is a choice (in my faith anyway) it can't be forced.

Answer 5

I think your question is sad. You should worry less about what all these people think and focus on how you feel. If you are religious then how can you be with someone who has no faith? I think that is the real question for which I personally think you have to find the answer. Good luck.

Answer 6

Even though I am not Jewish, I will try to answer. Do you believe in prayer, and that God hears you when you pray? Do not argue with this person but pray for his change of mind. Ask God to reveal Himself to this young man, and He will.

Answer 7

I think you should both join an Independent, Fundamental Baptist Church....not really....sorry....as a Baptist I'm not qualified to answer your question. In other words I just don't know....Just pray for the boy I guess....

Answer 8

You should also become Atheist and need not go to temple any more.

Answer 9

Respect his choice, believe in your own choices and most of all, follow your heart. If your heart and head are in the same place then you are probaby on the right track for you. . .

Answer 10

Jewish people don't belive in God?