If god gives us the right to chose him or not, should I make my child go to church or should I let them decide

Question

This is just important to me. I am not a very religious person. THough I have religious people in my family. I dont want to dissapoint anyone by not doing "the right thing" for my child and sending him/her to church. Should I let my own child decide what religion they like (if any at all) with no peer pressure from any one?

Answer 1

You might not be religious, but that doesnt change whether or not God really exists. If He does, do you want to be guilty of not letting your children know? If He doesn't exist, then there is still nothing wrong with allowing them to believe in something, who would you be accountable to?

Answer 2

As a parent , you have an obligation to your child to teach him/her as much about God as you can. Then when they are adults they can choose if they want to go to church or not. Just like as a parent you would teach a child right from wrong and once an adult they can make their own decisions, Its not peer pressure, its being a parent that wants the best for their child. Some parents give their children all the material things they can while on earth, but what about after earth? Remember life on earth is so short of time and of course nothing to compare with eternity.

Answer 3

Is it that you don't want to take your child to church or that it would cut into your time if you had to go with him/her? Is this child baptized? if so, you made a promise and so did the God parents to bring that child up in the church. I think if you both go with an open mind, you will both be able to decide without pressure from anyone. You need to lead by example. What if you decide not to take your child to church and in 10 years or so, kids at school are talking about all the fun they had at church camp and what religion they are and your kid says, I don't know what religion I am, my folks don't take me to church. This happened to a co worker's kid.. 13 years old... the kid feels like an outsider because she can't relate at all.. no background... give you and your child all the info.... lack of info will not help! God Bless and good luck!

Answer 4

Get them started young the Bible says to train up your child in the way they should go, you will be held responsible to do so. I've never regretted being brought up in a church. The way things are today most people that don't attend church or raise their children in church end up with kids like second Timothy chapter three describes....I admire you for wanting to do the right thing. And remember if you go to church this will inspire your child to want to go.

Answer 5

While they're young children, take them to church and let them hear the gospel. It'll save you the hard work of locating a Sunday morning babysitter.

I always was told to go to church on Sunday, and I often found it to be very boring, and such. But what helped me gain enthusiasm was when I joined a sunday school. If you can find sunday school or pre-sermon bible studies etc that are for children in your kids' age group, then they can go and make friends and hear the message and study and enjoy it all the while.

Eventually, I found myself eager to go to church because I wanted to see my friends. I was even eager to find out how the discussion might go about the next chapter.

But it took me a long time before I could enjoy and understand a pastor for an hour. But I may never have been able to understand it if I never went to Sunday School.

Answer 6

Find a church with a really good youth group that is active and surround your child with people who love God. They are surrounded by just the opposite most of the time. There will come a time where they will decide which way to follow, but give them a chance to experience life with believers.You should also go with them. Seeing how you participate might make it easier for them to choose, because most kids want to be like their parents. So choose wisely.

Answer 7

Take him/her to different kinds of churches. See which one he/she likes best.
Your child may be like you though and end up not being a religious person. I don't equate that with not believing in God either. But you can't say you've exposed your child to all possibilities unless you let them experience church. You never know though. Your child could end up being the next Billy Graham.

Answer 8

Yes, let your child decide. I gave my son some literature and some websites to check out. I think he believes in God. He is 13 and has a lot of growing up to do. You are doing the right thing. I think it is only important to teach your child to decide for himself. Never force your child to go to church.

Answer 9

Yes, let them decide for them selves. The Bible is a very hypocritical thing, it preaches love and the love of God, then preaches violence all in the same breath. This is very confusing to a child and could cause personality disorders in the future. You should make it so that your child can be educated in school with an open mind, not with a closed one.

Answer 10

If you send him now, he will be brainwashed into believing. That isn't much of a choice. It's a tough spot to be in for you. Above it all that is YOUR kid and what YOU think is best based on YOUR beliefs is what is important. Do what YOU think is best for him. If it is going to church, so be it. If you don't follow your family members belief system that is okay too. The religious don't have a monopoly on morality like they think they do. You can still raise a good hearted, honorable young man without it.

Ask yourself, WTFWJD?

Answer 11

You as the parent have a responsibility to your children to at least introduce them to God. Take them to a local church for Sunday school and see if they like it. If they do then you can probably get the Sunday school bus to come pick them up and bring them home. Then you will not have to go with them. But I would go the first time for certain so you will know what your children are going to be taught.