How do I gently tell my sister not to push her religion onto my son?

Question

Whenever she has him alone she tells him that Jehovah created animals and trees and simple things like this. Which would be fine if I were practicing this religion but Im not. Because Ive been having trouble finding a place to worship I (along with my fiance) have been teaching him that God is our Creator and He makes all things possible and we must love Him with all our hearts. He's only 5 and its hard explaning to a 5 year old why Jehovah doesnt live in Heaven with Santa Claus. I totally repspect my families belief but I havent completely told them that I no longer share their beliefs. How should I tell my sister without offending her?

Answer 1

For hundreds of years, the name "Jehovah" has been widely accepted as the English-language translation of God's personal name. Thus, nearly every bible-respecting religion (and not only Jehovah's Witnesses) recognizes that the Creator can be referred to correctly and respectfully as "Jehovah".

Jehovah's Witnesses do not consider it appropriate to preach to minor children without the involvement and permission of a primary caregiver. But referring to the Creator as "Jehovah" does not seem very "preachy" when the family is already ostensibly Christian.

Incidentally, Jehovah's Witnesses certainly do recognize that Jehovah God (the Creator) actually does live in heaven.

http://watchtower.org/e/na/

Answer 2

Lets see, You tell your son that God is the creator of all things. Your sister tells him Jehovah is the creator.
Many people believes that God's name is Jehovah.
You both are actually telling your son the creator is one in the same.
Don't worry what others teach your son, but use that as a way to correct what your son learns. As your son grows up, he'll get a far better understanding of things, as well as, how other people makes mistakes and errors.
My son hears and listens to others from various groups of beliefs. I don't stop that. What I do is explain to him what's actually happening and how people misinterpret things they read.
If you son doesn't hear it from your sister, he'll still eventually hear it from someone else when you're not around. If you get mad at your sister and others and your son finds out, then eventually he'll get where he will not trust you and tell you what others will be telling him when you're not around.
Teach him as he grows up, he'll be making comparisons which will help him to understand better.
By the way, God's name isn't Jehovah.

Answer 3

try not being offended first. I am not particularly fond of jehovah witnesses, but her affect on your child will only cause him to ask questions after which you will be able to set him straight. in actuality your sister is preparing you for the eventuality that his friends, teachers, neighbors etc may be next to fill his head with alternate ideas from the ones you wish to inculcate in him.

He is being prepared well for life and if you love him you will talk to him about what his aunt has said to him recently and you can explain how some people in families have different beliefs. Unless she is telling him something very destructive (like jehovah wants you to snort cocaine) then I suggest you may be worrying about nothing.

Answer 4

First of all, get over worrying about offending her. She's naturally offensive and is trying to usurp your duty as a parent to guide your son spiritually and there's something inherently wrong in that. She'll be offended if you say something telling her you don't appreciate it, but maybe she'll recognize the firmness of your request if you don't worry so much about being nice. She's certainly not being nice and you need to let that relationship settle itself over time without involving your son. If she cuts off communication with you, SHE did that, you didn't. You just need to be very aware of your boundaries, and hope she someday will learn hers.
Tell your sister that you are the one responsible for training your son in his spiritual growth, and that she must let you have a chance to do your job. Tell her this is an important part of your spiritual beliefs. You aren't obligated at all to tell her what you're planning on teaching your son. Tell her if she's so hot to train 5 year olds she's probably going to make a great Sunday School teacher and THEY need her there desperately, but you DON'T.

Answer 5

Why doesnt Jehovah live in heaven? Sorry that just stood out to me. If she is one of Jehovahs Witnesses then politely telling her should be enough. He is a child and your child so you make the decision. Expect that she will say and act as she feels and if you are worried about it dont leave your child alone with her.

Answer 6

There is nothing wrong with calling God Jehovah, it is one of His many names. It is in the Bible. If she is a Jehovah Witness, then tell her that you want to raise your child as a Christian instead of a Jehovah Witness. Also tell her that you disagree with what JWs teach. There is no easy way.

But it is very important that you find a good Church soon. Try a Nondenominational Church. One that teaches about the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Answer 7

Just tell your sister nicely that there is freedom of religion. And being the mother you have the right to teach your child what you think is best for his upbringing especially your belief. I think your sister will respect your decision for telling the truth.

Answer 8

Tell your sister that you are searching for your own truth right now and that your son will be able to choose for himself once he is old enough. Let her know that you appreciate her for trying to help but until you are sure what you want for yourself and your family you would appreciate it if she would hold off with the lessons. That is your responsibility as a parent.

That being said, you also need to talk to your son and educate him to make his own decision some day.

Answer 9

Ah, so now the veil is drawn away!

Probably what I would do is not invite my sister over as often. Your son probably loves her, and she him, and you shouldn't contradict her in front of him, nor whisper behind her back. Both these behaviours are damaging.

Not sure what sort of advice to give you, so I guess I have to pray about it. Hang on a tic.

Later: Okay, this is what came to mind: some people are the centre of the tornadoes, but sometimes, that's the safest place to be.

Answer 10

Jehovah is gods name and coke acola invented Santa clause why would you lie to your son and tell him Santa is real he wont believe anything you say when he finds out your a liar