Christians, how would it make you feel to find out your child does not believe in a God?

Answer 1

Thrilled! Absolutely thrilled. It would mean I had done my job.

As a parent it is my responsibility to teach my child how to think for his or herself. I would ask them questions about why they chose to pursue Atheism as opposed to Christianity (or any other spiritual path for that matter). I would express my opinions about why *I* am a Christian and why I beleive and why I (as a rational person) still Beleive in God and Jesus and have Faith in them.

In other words,I would question their choice only enough to justify to myself that they have thought it through and have reached a decision as an adult. From there, all I can do is respect it becasue it was a careful decision that was arrived at not jumped to or taken lightly.

Hurt? A little. Angry, not a whit. Disappointed? No. How can you fault a child for doing what they beleive in if they can honestly face you with a choice that they have arrived at through the information they have at their disposal.

I might offer debate or dialog in order to change their mind, but I won't force the issue. Their choice, again, is their choice.

Answer 2

I find it amazing that so many, including my own mother, takes it as a personal hit that their child decides to think for themselves and make decisions in their own lives. It makes you wonder how many want their children to be able to look at different sets of information and make up their own minds about what they see.

Answer 3

Having raised seven kids, I've been through this experience. It was a very difficult time for me, and I wept a great many tears.
I am happy to say that God heard my prayers and wiped away my tears. My Prodigal Son has come home.
I think all kids go through a time when they have to check out their own spiritual beliefs, no matter what they are taught as children. It is hard on parents, I'm sure, but it is a part of their growing process.

GEE.....
I wonder how it would make an atheist feel to find out that their child has become a devout, card carrying, Christian??
I can hear it now...ATHEOS FORBID!! WHO TAUGHT YOU THAT!! AND HERE WE HAVE SPENT FOUR DECADES BUSTING OUR HUMPS TO PROTECT YOU FROM ANY TAINT OF CHRISTIANITY!
OH, BOO HOO HOO HOO....OH, ATHEOS, WHERE DID I GO WRONG......

Answer 4

I'd try to follow the good example set by Jesus when he sais "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and try to treat their beliefs and what they're going through with respect and compassion. I would try to teach by example, not by getting upset or forcing my own beliefs upon them.

Answer 5

I would be heartbroken of course.
I think anyone who loves the Lord, and found out their child was walking away from the truth, would be heartbroken.
I would still love them, and I would still share the good news of God's word to them- and I would PRAY with all my heart that the Lord would turn them back.
I would never say "Ok I am not speaking to you ever again"
NO!
They need to be surrounded by the light of Christ---they need to be reminded of His great love and truth.

Answer 6

I don't know about them, but I'd be all "where are the lollipops, dear?"

Answer 7

ask him to give me some good reasons. and then debate w.him why theres a GOD and why he should believe..then its up 2him.

Answer 8

You just continue to pray over & over, uncessingly.

I've been praying for my Dad to become a Christian, and he's pushing 82 yrs old.

Never too late.
042007 4:44

Answer 9

It would prove to me that two parents of low IQ can actually have a child that has half a brain.

Answer 10

I can't imagine my child not beliving in G-d... he has been the one that strengthend MY faith!!