My parents are buhddist, and i guess they expect me to just be one too. they have never really exactly taken me to a temple, never taught me much about the religion. When i was younger i once in a while would go to a christian chuch with one of my friends. and now that i have grown up i've taken going to church more seirously. I dont know what to tell my parents, would they mind? what about me getting baptised? How do i know that im making the right choice? I want to follow god but I dont want my family upset about this. help!?
2006-09-15 15:45:22 · 17 answers · asked by blahblah10 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
well, I would suggest seeing a pastor to get their advice, and seeking the advice of friends in church. Join a youth group. Ask the leader too for advice.
. Since I believe Christianity is the true path to salvation, I am delighted that you are interested, yet as a parent I can see how they might be upset or feel threatened.
Jesus is the way, the life, and truth..so you are not making the wrong decision. Learn more about Christianity. Go to newcomers and Bible studies and do consider baptism if you have put your faith in Christ to save you.
I don't think the two are mutually exclusive..you can still practice some of the philosophy of Buddhism. There may be rituals you can still engage in or participate in with your parents that do not violate your Christian beliefs. Think about what tenets of Christianity (the golden rule, being good, the teachings of Jesus, loving one another) that they might also believe in and show them the good things they have in common with your beliefs.. Find ways other than religion to connect with them and show your love and support.
Assure them your love them and are not trying to hurt them but follow your heart. Be sure you are strong in your faith before approaching them lest they try to talk you out of it.
Your parents may be upset, yet take it slow if you decide to share it with them, gage how they feel before saying too much. You are our own person and it is your soul.
Be respectful, but firm if you tell them and they disagree. Practice the tenets of Christianity and live a good life. Seeing a positive change in you may eventually open the door to converting them or at least giving them more information that may lead to their salvation.
If it causes problems now, just follow your beliefs in private for now, but one day when you are older, share with them how to become a Christian and more about it.
Your example and how you present the gospel may convert them..somewhere down the road. Keep learning and growing for when that day in the future comes that you will present it in a good way as you may be their only link to their own knowledge of Christianity.
Sometimes doing the right thing and what you believe in your heart takes courage, pray for that courage. You are to be respectful and loving to your parents, but not copy copies of them.
You are you own person. Even if you must do it secretly, I suggest converting to Christianity. Take Jesus' free gift of salvation, for He was involved in your search and path to Christianity and the truth. Thank Him for saving you and leading you to this saving knowledge through your friends. See the working of God in your life.
The bottom line is being a Christian is a simple step...you know you are a sinner and lost and you put your faith in Jesus to save you and not good works..you invite Him into your heart and life---.noone but you and God has to know the steps you took in your heart and mind.
Grow by reading the bible and through Christian books even if you have to read them at the library to prevent your folks from knowing. It's certainly better than a lot of things kids do without their parent's knowledge.
People have died for their faith and suffered and sacrificed and found it worth all costs. If you lose your life for His sake, you will find it. It is your soul is the bottom line.
We are told to respect our parents and also to not be ashamed of God before men, so you have a dilemma. Resolve even if for now you choose silence, that you will when older present the gospel to your parents.
We are to love our parents, so you know them best how upset they will be in your decision to tell them whether now or when you are grown or older. Pray for guidance in your decision and how to best approach it.
You must take people's advice, think about it, and in the end, follow your heart.
2006-09-15 15:57:51 · answer #1 · answered by mindy 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know why you are so concerned what others think. When you say you don't know if you're making the right choice, which are you talking about...the choice of telling your parents or the choice of becoming christian?
I was always under the impression that Budhism was a "way of life" and is the 4th largest religion, but I never thought of it as a religion because it was started by a man who went into the forest to think (as I heard it). Whereas Christianity is belief in God who made the world....something totally different.
Why don't you just make up your own mind, and if it is changing then change if that's in your heart. Since your parents never took you to temple how would they ever know you are or aren't going there now, or even care which religion you chose????
2006-09-15 22:53:04 · answer #2 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is wonderful that you have found your way to God. Your parents may not mind as much as you think. They obviously didn't find a true connection with Buhddism or they would have taken you to temple regularly. I would be as kind and gentle as possible when telling them about your conversion. I would start by explaining to them exactly what has changed in your life since becoming a Christian. They may be hostile at first but continue to show them God's love reflected through you and they will eventually come around. You may want to invite them to come to church with you. This will help them understand and who knows, you may be bringing them closer to God at the same time.
Good luck to you and God bless.
2006-09-15 22:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by iahp_mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a difficult situation because parents are so important in any persons life. However, if there is a God (as i believe), His will is more important then the opinion or desire of any other people - including our parents. Also, as the quote points out below, every person in responsible to investigate the truth for themselves and live their lives accordingly. In this case it seems that telling your parents would be better then not because when they find out (and they almost always will) they will feel left out and deceived which is not good.
2006-09-15 22:53:26 · answer #4 · answered by LivingDownSouth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know guys;there are different religions,different names,different beliefs but there is only one distination which is God.God appeared to different religion and given another name but He is only one. Allah in Islam,Buddha in Buddhist and etc. is just one. The important is you know and understand your faith. Everything is useless without faith,if you prefer to be a christian well it's good because personally I am a christian and I know how to live as a christian as well.
Regarding to your problem about your parents. I would say, since you are mature enough to choose what life youre going to live.They cannot compel you to be one as a Buddhist,if you found the presence of God in christianity well go on.In order not to disappoint your parents;explained to them that religion cannot save us but our faith can.
You are the one who live your life;life is a matter of choice. I'm not influencing you nor convincing you to be a christian.Your decision is a must.
thank you.
for comments and suggestions email me @ eidderf_amigo@yahoo.com
2006-09-15 23:04:19 · answer #5 · answered by eidderf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know you are big now and you take church more seriously know, but you shouldn't give up on your religion, maybe you should study about your religion or put more interest into being a buddhist, and try asking your parents questions based on religion and ask them to take you to the temples, and make plans yourself to go there.
2006-09-15 22:50:52 · answer #6 · answered by hearbeat62 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your parents (I'm sure like me) will love you and accept you whatever decision you make...........even if they have initial reactions, they will never stop loving you....that is the best part of being a parent........loving your children no matter what!!!
Follow your heart and the truth as you know it.
2006-09-15 22:49:53 · answer #7 · answered by Cassie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that, as long as you are sincere in your beliefs, they will see that and respect it. If they think you're doing it just to rebel, they may be more likely to be opposed to it. It will also probably depend on their attitudes toward Christianity. To some people, saying you're a Christian is like saying that you like to torture small animals :)
2006-09-15 22:50:48 · answer #8 · answered by Schleppy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it .You are getting into a cesspit of superstition and violence. Just look at the Middle East where Jews,Christians and Muslims are all killing each other.
2006-09-16 00:48:21 · answer #9 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a typical reaction you'll get from parents when you have different beliefs from them...
just follow what God is telling you...
Always pray and ask God to reveal his plans for you...
Take care and God bless!
2006-09-15 23:14:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋