As a parent, would you be pleased if your child/children became Christians if you weren't?

Question

And if it had no impact on your home life, other than the child spending (more) time at church and reading the bible and praying before bed in their own time?


For the record, I am a child (well, decided when I was 15, I am 17 now) who has decided to follow Christ, however my parents, or my dad in particular, had shown much discontent towards my decision. However, I believe that my faith has changed for the better and has revealed talents to me that had yet been undiscovered before going to church.
I just want to know what parents would think. I personally do not see the big deal!

I did ask this earlier, just didn't write it was me who was the child, not the parent!

Also, in the past year, I have seen God move so much in my life, so much to the fact that I have been appointed a home group leadership and youth congregation joint leadership. It means so much to me to serve my Lord and Saviour, however this does not affect home, other than that I have to spend more time away from home and at church. But wouldn't you rather have that than a child on the streets?

Here is a brief testimony, which can be found on my profile:

I am a Christian, and have a wonderful life with Jesus in it. Before I commited I had a lot of unanswered questions concerning suffering, for example the death of (two) brothers, my Grandmothers illness and me having leaukeamia. But now I know that God lets everything happen for a reason as he has a plan for all of us to be fulfilled! My church is Brockhurst Baptist, and I am a leader of our youth congregation and a small group that we have. I also am a leader at the youth group that runs for 7-10 yr olds.

Answer 1

I have four children...one does not believe in God, one was agnostic and now believes, one believes and is liberal, one believes and is somewhat fundamental and dogmatic, though not completely. I love all of them and they are free to worship or believe as they choose. Religion MUST be a personal choice, I absolutely believe that.

The Skeptical Christian
Grace and Peace
Peg

Answer 2

Michael, I don't what your religious background was before you became a Christian and what faith (if any) your parents follow. If I had kids, I'd prefer they did this that run round the place getting into trouble.

Matters of faith are highly personal and I think you should follow your heart and what feels right for you. I hope your parents come around in time. I know several people who have changed their religion and their parents may not have been too pleased at the beginning but they have come to respect the decision.

Answer 3

I actually have a 4 month previous son; and that i may well be traumatic if he joined a church in the mainstream. no count the denomination. the sorrowful fact is maximum so noted as Christians do not learn the fact, they only base their ideals in what they are taught. i'm a Christian, yet i don't bypass to church because of the fact I even have yet to bypass to a minimum of one that teaches the fact; like for starters that Cain is a made from the devil and Eve having intercourse in the backyard of Eden

Answer 4

Pleased? No. Would I be bothered as long as they didn't try to convert others? No. I'd say the standard rules would apply regarding going places, other than that, I'd just ignore it. As for praying before bed, some people have a bath, some kneel down and talk, some read. Whatever, we all have to unwind in our own way.

Answer 5

As a Christian, my answer would somewhat seem biased but I guess I would be pleased if my children became Christians because of the state of the world today - we have all kinds of bad influences (drugs, free sex, gangsterism, etc) out in the streets today and as a parent, I do worry what will happen if my children inadvertently got involved with such activities. It is a much preferred alternative for my children to be involved in church activities as I would feel more at ease with the knowledge that they are doing good and learning good.

As a parent, I don't force my children to follow what I believe but I try my best to teach and bring them up to know about Jesus and who He is. The decision whether to accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior is a decision I tell them that they have to make on their own when they get to an age where they feel they are old enough to decide for themselves.

There are many children attending the "Praise Kids" (Sunday School) in my church who come from non-Christian families. I have talked to most of these non-Christian parents on their decision to send their kids to church when they themselves don't attend and believe and they have all expressed that the reason they do this is because they wanted their kids to be taught how to be good and to mix with good people rather than hang around the neighbourhood and possibly get influenced by the wrong group of people.

Most parents wants the best for their kids and most realize today, even non-Christian parents, that the safest place for their kids to be apart from home is in church.

BTW, glad to hear that you accepted Christ at the age of 15 and is actively involved in ministry. I am sure that as you continue to be faithful and to live your life for Christ, your unbelieving parents will one day see the transformation that Christ has done in your life and they will come to know Him too. Keep praying for your parents and don't preach to them, just let your life and love in Christ affect and infect them! (The best way to share the gospel of salvation is not by words, but by our life. People see your life not by what you say but by what you do - "it's only by your love that they will know that you are His disciple!"

Answer 6

I am a parent and a Christian but if I wasn't a Christian [my husband isn't] I think they would be pleased because it can only be for good. Unless of course they are very Anti-Christian or another denomination eg JW. My husband who isnt a Christian is supportive of my daughter who is and my son who is an assistant pastor [a bit more than just going to church and reading the bible] but just dont try to force it on him.

Answer 7

As long as I knew my child had faith, then I would not have any problem with that. For me its not about what path you take, but whether or not you follow its strictures, and are happy, and loving. It may just be hard for your parents to accept that you are making decisions on your own, versus you becoming christian. What path do your parents follow if I may ask?

Answer 8

Well my husband and I aren't religious, but I would support their decision whatever - as long as they are happy. I can' say that I wouldn't worry though, as i'd be thinking they were missing out on something at home. I'm not saying this is always the case, just my personal opinion.

Answer 9

No i wouldn't. My youngest is taking far too much interest in what they teach him at school. I don't think he is old enough to decide for himself. Its all brainwashing at this age. Plus, when he talks about this he has it all wrong. Has no understanding at all. He asked us yesterday if we could go and see Jesus on the cross. Saw a cross in a field in passing and was adamant that this is where Jesus died. They give him no concept of anything.

Answer 10

You may not be an adult, but nor you're a kid. You are old enough to choose your religion, rather than having your parents chose for you. I am a Christian but im not saying this because of that. It's your life and your choice! Besides, that is not something that will put your life in danger or something.