Christians: If your child was an atheist, do you think you'd love them less?

Question

Just curious.

I love it when people act like things like this would never, ever happen. Not all parents are completely rational and forgiving.

"I'll be praying for your situation! "

Oh, it's not me--my parents are both agnostic, and have told me from the beginning to choose what fits me most. I do know people, however, who have been in this situation--mothers who have gotten angry, fathers who ignore their children, etc, after the confession. I was curious to see how often this kind of thing goes on.

Answer 1

Of course not. I'd enter into a calm and rational discussion with them regarding their decision to become atheist, and what led them to that point. I'd make it clear that the door is always open for them to come back to the Church, but that would have to be their own decision.

However, that's just me. I personally know several people who were, in fact, disowned for changing their religion, or for coming out of the closet. Mostly the latter. You wonder what kind of "parents" they must've had in the first place, to stop loving their child because of a difference of opinion.

Answer 2

No. I would probably be a little disappointed, but I wouldn't love them any less. My child needs to choose if he/she wants to be a Christian. It shouldn't be something that parents force on their child, and a child most certainly should not 'inherit' their parents religion. I'll raise my children as Christians, but I won't force what I believe on them. I know a lot of Christians probably disagree with me, but my parents never forced Christianity on me, and its made me want to be a Christian. I had a period where I didn't know what to believe, and Christianity made the most sense.

Answer 3

No , I think you never lose love for your children even if they aren't doing what you think is right. I know if that were to happen for me I would be heart broken definatly but it wouldn't change my love for my kids. I would be in constant prayer for them and hope they would change their minds. I also believe the word of god never comes back void so I know someday down the line anyone who chooses to backslide (which is what someone who was brought up in church or once believed but now isn't serving the lord the way they should)will come back. It's just a matter of time. I'll be praying for your situation!

Answer 4

Love endures all things, even the worst of trials and tragedies. And falling away from God is indeed a tragedy for families, but is fixable. If this happened to me, I would love my kids even more. My kids were born in love, so eventually, with faith and prayer, they will find themselves back to love and the love of God. Its almost guaranteed, if we still have faith in God. All I can do as a parent is pray. I cannot force them to convert back. Its their choice. But I believe that intercessory prayer is so powerful. So many families have be reunited from prayer. So many teens turned their life around and came back to God, with prayer. It doesn't matter how long it takes: 5-10-15-20-25-30 years .... We will wait.

Answer 5

Dear Kelsey,

First i think to be a Christian is to follow what Christ teaches. And Christ teaches that as a Christian when you love people- you meet them where they are. As a parent it does not mean that you don't try to share Christ and raise your children in the ways of the Lord- but ultimately as any parent would experience and know- you can only do your best with your kids and you have to let them make their own life decisions.

I'm sure such a difference in values can often result in arguments and create some difficulties and strains in the parent-child relationship at times... but they are your kids and as a parent you love them, period! i know some atheists will try to paint a picture of kids being forced to do this or that-- i think parents do have a responsibility to try to direct their kids in the best direction that they can and so i think raising your kids to read the Bible, pray, etc. while they are young are good things (but no one can force them to have a real relationship with God- they have to choose that on their own will).

There have been many wonderful stories of parents who have loved their kids as they are and God became real to their kids in time (ie: Billy Graham's son).

Hope that helps. Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 6

I would not disown him/her but i would seriously have a talk with them and ask them why and try to help them see the light of god. I don't ever see my children being atheist because if they are brought up christians they are not likely to change there mind.


the only reason all this stuff is around now is because of the damn hippies

greatest generation my ***...........try worst generation

Answer 7

Although they might be dissapointed, a parents love for their child will always be the stongest bond. Regardless of sexuality, intelligence, choices, i think a paretns will always truely love their child. They might think they're goign to hell, they might think what they do is wrong, but everyone deserves to be loved and everyone deserves to love. if a parent is a true parent, they should accept you as you are.

Answer 8

I love my children no matter what they do, if they were atheist I would do my best to show them why they should'nt be. I believe when you love someone there should'nt be conditions. You love them for who they are, if you really love them. So many people these days have conditions giving there love, example," We are divorcing because you can't work, or you don't treat me good enough." Everything in life has to be nurtured, even loving someone. You can't put conditions on loving, it won't work, and then you'll have no one to love.

Answer 9

No I would pray for God to deliever them and love them all the same and they will return to the Truth. Like the story of the Prodigal Son.

Answer 10

No. But if I were an atheist and my child was a Christian, I probably would hate the bast**d.