I know this is a huge question but I would like some insight, I have had the same friends for years we were there for the good the bad and the ugly, however, now that we are older the openness is not there. I am not Christian I believe God to be Universal and through many avenues due to culture etc. My friends are christian, I am the only one who has children and my friends are placing prayer versues over my kids pictures and encourageing them to throw my spiritual items in the trash and buying christian toys,books,videos etc. as gifts for them. I want to raise my children to be non biaist and have well rounded education. how can I tell my friends I need them to accept me for who I am as I choose to accept them and I am not thrilled they are being condescending by pushing their views on my kids.
2007-03-21 13:48:38 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just tell your simple truth: that you need them to accept you for who you are as you choose to accept them. I'd also throw in that you are the one who is responsible for guiding your children spiritually, and that you'll ask for their help if and when you decide to expose them to Christian beliefs. Until then, thanks, but no thanks.
2007-03-21 13:58:06 · answer #1 · answered by Let Me Think 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You could respectfully explain to them that you are trying to teach your children to love all people, regardless of what they believe. You would like them to be able to accept Christianity, if they choose to, when they are old enough to understand it and make that choice of their free will.
This could also be a chance to explain your intentions to your children. If they understand this, it might help a bit. If this still doesn't help, and the unwanted gifts and pushing of views continues, you might consider donating them to a charity or church. Other children might appreciate them, and charity is something which Christian are supposed to support.
As for the throwing out of your personal spiritual items, you'll need to have a talk with your kids and explain how important those items are to you. Make sure it's in terms that they'll understand. If necessary, you might want to keep your items in a private place until the entire thing blows over.
2007-03-21 21:03:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We all are commanded by Jesus to love everyone no matter what. It seems like your friends who call themselves Christians should do the same. I don't think it's a bad thing that they pray for your children but they shouldn't try to force anything on you or them. You should just come right out and tell them that they need to just love you just the way you are because God does. Tell them that not everyone is going to be a Christian per say because Jesus never started a religion in the first place.
2007-03-21 21:09:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, your friends don't sound like the type of Christians that the Bible asks us to be. As a Christian myself I feel that I am loving, understanding and respectful of others choices and beliefs. I may not agree with them, and I may explain to them my side of the story, but I would never push my beliefs upon others who are unaccepting. I think you should tell your friends exactly as you have put it on here. Be truthful open and honest. If they can't back off then they arn't willing to really be a true friend or a Christian. Good luck.
2007-03-21 21:03:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the same way that you are telling the world right now. Just tell them how you feel in a stern but loving way. I am a Christian, I work with people of opposite faith. My job entails dealing with children. I will not even sing a song or say a prayer in the presence of the children I teach. I do it privately, because I will kick brass, if someone of another faith, especially one that I do oppose strongly, do it to my kids.
2007-03-21 21:02:21 · answer #5 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no good answer. I do think that when one subscribes to one particular "ology" they on occasion become less accepting than others. It's indicative of answers here in R&S: many who subscribe to the "One God" theory will be at odds with others who subscribe to a different "One God" theory.
I think that your friends are truly trying to do what they think is right. Hopefully they will not be closed minded enough to refuse to listen to what they have to say. I would start out by saying that I resepct their spiritual views and that I would like them to do the same with mine. (in passing I like the word spiritual rather than religious because I think it's more encompassing).
I would go on to say that my goal is to raise my children in a spiritual way and that I want to give them as many options as I can to help them down their path. There may come a day when they are welcome to share their own views but I would ask that they respect my wishes as a parent.
I truly hope that you can help them come to a place of peace in this situation, I have lost friends in a similar fashion because they refused to see any point of view other than theirs.
Good luck and blessings,
Zimmi
2007-03-21 20:59:32 · answer #6 · answered by Zimmia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's the problem.
You can control what you do but you cannot control what others do.
With that in mind it is not a good idea to 'Need' acceptance from others. Want? Perhaps. But not 'Need'. Needing acceptance from others puts you in a dis-empowered position. You will find yourself at their mercy over it.
The fact that they do not respect your wishes regarding your own children is evidence that they do not respect you as a person. It may be necessary to even question whether they are even your friends. Ask yourself. Would a friend do what they are doing?
2007-03-21 21:32:27 · answer #7 · answered by Atheistic 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to tell your "friends" that they are disrespecting you & your kids. I am a Christian & I would NEVER do that to anyone. I agree it is condesending & very rude. OMG! If they cannot respect you then you need to cut them loose. I am so sorry that they are doing this to you OMG, I can't get over that! Please tell them the nest time they do this tell them that many true Christians on Y/A will be praying for THEM!
2007-03-21 20:56:31 · answer #8 · answered by Julia B 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Inform them that their behavior isn't very different from that of a child molester. Better yet, let them be for a while, because it sounds to me like they need to go to church, find good husbands, have children and find out how much THEY would like it if YOU were the one doing what they're doing... But that's just the way I think. Sorry...
2007-03-21 20:57:27 · answer #9 · answered by knight2001us 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are trying to pass on a religious mind-virus to your kids, infect them with Christianity ...would you knowingly let anyone pass a dangerous virus onto your kids?...I know I wouldn't let them near my kids if they were doing what you say they are.
2007-03-21 21:29:55 · answer #10 · answered by CHEESUS GROYST 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋