for all faiths (or lack of): i am a christian, does the fact?

Question

that my father is an atheist, that my salvation is in danger? the bible says that children suffer because of the sins of the father, but to honor thy father and mother? he and i have had many, many discussions/fights about who is right and wrong (which is why i love the R&S so much---gives me some fuel), and i sincerely do wish he would convert BACK to christianity (he used to be a deacon and sunday school superintendent) because i truly do believe that there is a hell, and he is my daddy and i love him and i do not want to see him die knowing he will go to hell because he has turned his back on God.
ANYWAY!--can BOTH christians and atheists alike give me some advo?

ok, smart alecs...i do not try to "convert" him, HE is the one that starts it with crap like y'all are saying...like if i went to story time on sunday morning and stuff like that...and i take it as a personal attack, so i defend myself...thats what starts the discussions/fights. QUIT ASSUMING THAT ALL CHRISTIANS WALK AROUND BEATING PEOPLE ON THE HEADS WITH THEIR BIBLES!!!!

Answer 1

I'm an atheist..but I understand this must be difficult for you. I would suggest that you keep your eyes open for anything in the bible which could help you believe that God takes every human into account seperate and your father's beliefs don't affect your own salvation.

Maybe you can talk to someone at your church about this..I'm sure a priest, pastor, etc. may have some more answers about this and may be able to help you.

Answer 2

I assume salvation to be a personal thing. And since you 'know' Jesus, then yours does not seem to me to be in danger.

As to your father, well, he knows you love him. I imagine he also understands your beliefs, since he presumably used to share them. But he is his own man and must make his choices, just as you must make yours.

Had you thought perhaps that you are both wrong? Perhaps he will end up in heaven anyway. After all, you love him. So he must be good at heart. And perhaps a loving God will recognise this.

So I suggest you remind him that you love him. That you want what's best for him. And leave it at that. Don't discuss it further. Make the best of your relationship and let your life be a demonstration of your faith. Just a thought.

Peace be with you.
.

Answer 3

Actually you are wrong in this. Jesus says let all the children come to me. He actually says Do NOT judge the children for the actions of the father.

Yes it says to Honor your father and mother. Are you honoring them by making each time you are in their house a war zone? By fighting with him and calling him wrong? You don't have to agree with him to honor him but as it is his house and you are of his blood, you do need to honor and respect him.

Continue to read your book and get deeper into the spirituality of it if that is what pleases you. But arguing each time you get together and causing a fight about religion over every holiday is not showing him the respect you owe him.

I happen to be atheist but I am perfectly content with you believing what you will. Religion is a personal matter. However I think you need to spend a bit more time reading about your religion when you are wrong on a very fundamental point before you begin to try and convert people you meet. Other people are just as passionate about their religious beliefs (in fact more so) as you are about yours--so before you start telling all Jews that they are about to burn in hell, make sure you can handle the questions you may be asked about your religion. Most atheists are HIGHLY versed in the bible and its teachings. I believe religion should be a personal relationship b/t you and your deity, not turned into a reality show and a made for tv drama.

Sorry if this sounded harsh but your father raised you. Perhaps you don't think he did a good job but I'm sure he did the best job he could--after all you have this computer and access to the internet. Apparently you have both a mother and a father and they educated you in Christianity. Don't you feel he deserves a lil bit more than you showing off about how wrong you think he is on everything? He has lived on this earth longer and probably knows a lot more about everything than you do. Try seeing what he knows first and loving him as your father.

EDIT******************
Ok so he starts it. Your bible also says turn the other cheek. It still takes 2 to fight. If you are offended, try politely telling him that you know the two of you have different religious beliefs but you would like to have a respectful neutral zone in your house so that you can just enjoy being together without religion tearing you apart. Explain that he was Christian for a long time, so he should be able to see what you need in Christianity. Perhaps in time, one of us might change their mind but for now--lets just let religion not get in the way of our relationship during our short time on earth.

Answer 4

I don't see why your salvation should be in danger because of a relative not being a believer. But it's his choice to have become an atheist...maybe he finds that being atheist makes more sense. Whatever the case may be, just carry on loving him even if he's not a believer.

Answer 5

I'm a Christian and believe (and can back up Biblically) that nothing your family does can rob you of your salvation. Once you ask Jesus into your heart, and ask forgiveness, that's it. We try to make it harder than it is and that's ok. Just rest in knowing that no matter what mistakes you make, or what your family does, you will always have your ticket to Heaven and Jesus will always love and care for you. No matter what. As for your father, I will pray for him. I know that's got to be so tough. The good news is he is grounded in that he truly knows, down deep, that the Lord loves him. And that foundation is huge.

Answer 6

I used to be a Catholic, and have been an atheist for a long time. As I understand from my personal bible readings, you are not accountable for your father. What he did is his business, and what you do is yours. Of course, if you help him do bad things, you're as responsible as he is. I believe what the bible refers to a "suffering the sins of the father" is a metaphor. All it means is you could presumably suffer due to your father's reputation, in that you would not necessarily be trusted, rather than being punished personally for his misdeeds. We are all responsible for our own "sins."

Answer 7

The bible states the "son shall not bear the iniquities of the father." I forget the complete verse (very popular when I was in the church). So, no, your salvation, according to Christian doctrine, wouldn't be in trouble. Islam can dispel these confussions.

Peace.

Answer 8

more or less you must be a good Christian and strong one to be able to encourage your father to go back again in Christianity.

definitely, there is a reason behind why does your father decide to become an atheist, and with that, try to find out why.. if it's an unanswered question, try to search for the answer. you may also try to show to your father that there will be a great risk if God is existing and He did not believe in Him as of the moment, try to tell him that eventhough he turn back once to God, our God is a merciful and loving God that can forgive us as many times as any person could possibly do

try to ask for God's Holy Spirit as you talk to your father,, God bless

Answer 9

Your father probably believes the way he does simply because he doesn't see the evidence of a god. Why do you need "fuel"? Why not simply love your father?

If you are a Christian, and are afraid for your father, does that mean you believe in a God that would torture your father for ever simply because he doesn't believe? Do you think that your loving god is cruel? If you have faith, aren't you supposed to believe that god is loving and just? Are you afraid of some injustice? Are you afraid that your god perhaps isn't as loving as you think?

Answer 10

The Bible says alot of wacky things like the sins of the father thing. Do you really think a supposedly loving, forgiving god would do something as mean and twisted as bringing suffering on the innocent child as punishment for the "sins" of a parent? Nonsense. That is just a bunch of tribal fear mongering to keep the members in line.