What can I say to my son who says he thinks he's an atheist when just a yr ago his faith in God was strong?

Question

My son, just last year, wanted to pursue youth ministry! He's 20 and now says he thinks "its all bogus"--is this spiritual warfare? Is it a phase? Can I rely that he has been confirmed in Christ and He has his name regardless of the path my son is choosing to take now?

Answer 1

I would say pray and ask. First, bless your son to his face and tell him you love him. If he chooses at this time not to follow as a christian then it's his choice, just be as his parent there for him. If he states you can not prove there is a God, tell him as well he can not dis prove it, but ask him why at death most if given the chance will cry out my God? Ask him if he believes then just in mankind, if so he is no different than any other animal out there just some sperm in a moment. Does he want to view the rest of his life as just a chance? It's best after this to let others as his piers talk to him, as maybe this is a protest against you. There is a chance that perhaps he has done some big sin in his mind and this is his way of dealing with the pressure to assure his well being. At 20 I would think some strong influence on him from piers or Hollywood. It's not easy, just be there for him.

Answer 2

How do you know he is taking the wrong path. Everything happens for a reason and supposedly they say God has a plan for everyone so it cant be the wrong one right? Religion is evil not one page in the bible speaks of beauty and peace and kindness. Every page from front to cover speaks of how God is going to do this and that punishing people and having his followers kill those who arent his followers. Women and children. God must be gay because he sure hates women. Women arent worth a 1/2 cent .
Maybe your son sat down and really read the bible and noticed just how evil the book is. You cant force your son to believe in what you do. As long as he isnt hurting any one or himself just be happy he is alive and healthy. maybe it is because he got to Luke 14:26 if any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters yes and even his own life he connot be my disciple. what kind of crap is that.?

Answer 3

I would say your son is just growing up and looking at other alternatives to what he's been exposed to all of his life. He's just looking at his other options before committing to something he has some doubt about. He's a big boy now Mom. He'll make his own decisions. Don't push him or you'll wind up pushing him away. You also need to respect his decision to follow whatever path he chooses whether you like it or not. Otherwise you'll lose your son.

Answer 4

Ok, so my son who is 15 is proclaiming to be a Atheist too. I am not a big church goer, and I was brought up catholic and went to catholic school, but I am sickened of how the catholic church organization covered u the abuse scandal which turned me against going to church. I do believe in God , Jesus Christ , Mary and all the saints, however I don't go to church anymore. I consider myself "spiritual" and have brought my kids up this way. So, I am not pushing the issue with my son that he wants to be a Atheist. My daughter does (10) does believe in God and Jesus, as I have taught her and still believes in Christmas and Santa. I told my son we exchange gifts to celebrate the birth of Christ.....therefore, since he no longer believes, I told him not to get upset when he has no gifts to open Christmas morning.....Am I correct on this one???opinions????

Answer 5

It's human nature for one to question things, even if at one time they seemed to have a firm belief in it. It may be a phase, it may not be. It may be that he is struggling with something else and his faith is getting caught in the crossfire. Put some hope in the fact that he once seemed to have a relationship with God and that he could come back to it in time. Please, though, make sure that he knows you are there for him and that you love him no matter what decisions he makes- and you need to mean it and follow through with it. You are his mother and he needs you, especially if he seems to be in emotional/spiritual turmoil.

Answer 6

This thing of your son is just momentary. Let time decide the fate. It is not necessary to have faith in Christ (sorry if that matters you) but faith or fear from anything ranging from mother to nature is alright. He will be more mature with the passage of time and neither you nor me, TIME is the best teacher.

Answer 7

Let it go. While you are worried, still, you must know that ANY attempt you make to change his mind will only push him further in the opposite direction. Let him alone in his path. If he is left alone, he will be able to make his own choices, and they will be the right ones. Dont push him or say anything, or you will lose him. Act supportive. DON'T GUILT TRIP!!!

Answer 8

You support him in every way and let him CHOOSE what path he wants in life. I was brought up Christian and went to church every Sunday until I was old enough to make that decision on my own. And then, I still went to church. I don't now, but I am married and I CHOOSE not to because I believe that GOD loves me whether I go to church or not.

Answer 9

I think that you really need to ask him why he does not believe in God anymore. If he used to be really religious, hopefully he will have a reason for leaving his faith. Try to bring him back to God. If this does not work, let him go and pray that he will come back to his faith.

Answer 10

If he's 20 and has been exposed to both sides of the argument, I think he has the right to believe what he wants to believe. I can understand why you might want to question his decision and I see no reason why you and him can't sit down and discuss it like reasoning adults.I hope you respect him and his decision no matter what he decides.