2007-02-26 15:45:48 · 29 answers · asked by Brendan G 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Depends on how old the kid is.
If their kid is pretty young (under 11 or 12), clearly someone else like a grandparent is pushing this and it should be stopped cold. If the kid is older, it's the kid's decision.
2007-02-26 15:47:39 · answer #1 · answered by Kris B 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't understand why a parent would choose this for their child anyway. I realize that a parent has a duty/responsibility to teach their children good morals and ethics throughout the child's growing up years but to teach them "Not to believe" in God should be the choice of the child not the parent. If the parents don't want to believe that's one thing but a child should be able to choose for themselves whether they want to believe or not. That's like a parent telling their child " We believe in robbing banks, so you had better do what we do or else!" This is not the correct way of teaching your child. I realize that there is a fine red line here. But, if you give your children choices in the beginning then most likely they won't sneak later in life and do things out of spite against their parents.Parents have an obligation to let their children make their own choices IF the reasoning is not out landish. Did these parents have restrictions by their own parents when it came to choices on believing in God? I imagine if they did that they also made their choices on other topics as well. This is a shame. That's telling your child to hate instead of love.
2007-03-01 09:07:03 · answer #2 · answered by shuggabhugga05 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Becoming a Christian is a very personal experience. Parents might not understand what is going on inside you. The natural reaction for them is to disapprove. They love you and that is why they reacted that way. Being a Christian is to allow Christ to transform your inner life and thereby transformed your actions toward God and others around you. The most effective way for me to communicate my belief is to demonstrate my love and care in actions. Share your thoughts gently and DO NOT push or preach. Both my parents and parents-in-law became Christian as a result of patience and love from us. The world is a love-less place for most people. They need to see for themselves what is this love that Christ has put into your heart. Little loving acts will speak louder than words - like being home when they need you; share their feelings without judgment..... and most importanly pray, pray, pray.
2007-02-27 00:00:07 · answer #3 · answered by TYTAN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same thing I'd say to christian parents who disapprove of their child becoming an atheist: nothing because it's none of my business.
2007-02-26 23:49:19 · answer #4 · answered by nope 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, saying that they disapproved isn't the same as saying that they didn't allow. My mother disapproved of my having piercings and tattoos; however, she didn't disallow me to do so. I have my own choices to make, and she allows me to make them. If I was a Chrsitian parent with a child that wanted to be atheist, I may not agree with his or her choice, but they have a right to do that. The same would be the situation that you are speaking of.
Amanda
2007-02-26 23:51:09 · answer #5 · answered by One Odd Duck 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on how old the child was. If under 18, it is parents decision to raise the child as they see fit. If over 18, they need to get over it and let the child decide who and what she/he wants to be.
2007-02-27 00:07:00 · answer #6 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say lighten up. Let the child make up her/his mind through experience. We all have different needs and ways of looking at the world. Just be on the lookout for proselytizers and fanatics.
2007-02-26 23:50:01 · answer #7 · answered by holacarinados 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would tell them that God is our salvation and just because you disapprove of your child becoming a christian, God may have other plans for your child. I would also let them know that WE can do all things through CHRIST who strenghthens us. I will be praying for all of you. God Bless You All.
2007-02-27 00:08:00 · answer #8 · answered by jacksonvillegarycollins 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What the child does behind the parents back, will not hurt them
In time when they grow up they can then make their own choices about it, but what will be really sad is if the parents in turn tell their kids that they are not welcome at home if they became a Christian
2007-02-26 23:49:14 · answer #9 · answered by Michelle 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm Pagan, but I would ask them to consider respecting the kid's choice, particularly if they're not second-generation atheists. (Most atheists aren't.) I would suggest going to church with them just to see what it's like, just once, then dropping them off. I would suggest keeping on talking to them, teaching their values, and asking them what they find attractive in Christianity. A hollered-out, "No, not in my damn house!" will make it more attractive to any healthy kid.
2007-02-26 23:53:33 · answer #10 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋