Changing a child's religion?

Question

I have a sister who, Long story short, is not very good person. She has had many children and left many of them on the streets. Now she has 3 living with her (out of the 6 ) She she is getting sick of the oldest and wants to git rid of him too :( We, her siblings, are not really sure what to do. My mom has already adopted one of my sister's children and can't take another, and for reasons of their own non of my siblings can take him.

Then we come to me, I am convert to Orthodox Judaism. I am married and live in a VERY religious community. IF the child came and lived with us he would HAVE to be converted to Judaism, Leaving behind behind the only religion he semi knew (baptist) We would have to enroll him in Jewish schools where he would be VERY behind. Added to SEVEAR emotional issues (that come from living the life my sister has given him) I fear he would have traumatic adjustment issues to changing religions and ways of life on top of that.

What is the best thing to do?

The Child is 8. And being an Orthodox jew it would be nearly impossible to raise a child and have them NOT be jewish. There are too many comlicated religious rules (Me cooking for him certin days... even allowing him to stay in my HOME certain days) him cooking for me when he gets older. He would have NO friends at all. No parent around here would want their kids befrending a non Jew when they get over 10. And even if the parents WERE oaky with it he would have nothing in common with these kids. To them religion is 100% life. They would not relate to him.

But the other option at this point it allow my sister to give him to a group home.

And I really resent being called sick! I am trying to help this little boy out!

and FYI I am the YOUNGEST (21) of 6 siblings...
I have NO kids of my own JUST got married in November and just started my job.

I have siblings married with kids in Middle-high school my siblings are in their late Early to late 30's!!!!!! I am the baby of the family and I am thing about taking this on because none of my siblings will... We would have to get help from organizations (money wise) to support him) we are NOT in a position to do this but we were thinking about it because I LOVE my Nephue and I care about what happens to him...

Please don't tell me I am monster for needing to do things this way if I take him is... Tell my 5 other siblings they are monsters for not taking him in because it would "be an inconvinance" to their lifestyles"

Atlease I am trying

Answer 1

Well I think you need to talk to your LOR. I think I remember the Jewish answer being that he will have a semi-conversion now and will be able to decide at bar mitzvah age what to do with his religion, but this is really a question for your rabbi. I think the change of life would be very....I think traumatic, but I'm not sure. The pressure of this new life could help wash away the old, a little bit. But still, talk to your rabbi--and then, have a meeting with your rabbi and your nephew to find out what course of action your nephew favors.

Ooh after reading some of the answers I'm sorry some people just don't understand the situation but still can't keep their nasty comments to themselves.

Peace

Answer 2

Did you know that you only need 2 witnesses to have someone commited? I say your family along with her friends should make some phone calls, then maybe she would get the help she needs to "SEE" what she is doing to all these kids. They might even talk her into getting her tubes tied. She should also be in jail for child neglect and so on. It is great that you are thinking of taking one of her unfortunate kids but it seems to me that you don't even have control over your own life, you seem to care more about what the community would accept and not accept more than the well being of the child. Honestly it even sounds "Cultish". The child is innocent and very traumatized, the first and only thing you should worry about is him trusting you, comfort in his/her surroundings, getting professional help, and just feel loved. Imposing a religion is so wrong. That is a adult decision...should always have been and should always be that way.
YES..we get that your are trying to help your nephew...but really look at the big picture here. You are way TOO concerned about how your comunity will react! He's a child for christ sake!! Your worried that the neighbouhood kids will have nothing in common with the child because of religious differences?! Do you live in a third world country?? Never mind the cooking, friends, religion details that is not what is important here, your almost making sound like the child is such an inconvenience for you and your little religious life. Just give up, let the state take him in, he'll be better off! Get your sister behind bars if you love those kids!

Answer 3

He seems to be in a bad situation all ready. If you can take him in, then I say do it. How religious is your sister? If not very religious then it probably wont be a big deal. The main thing is if he is circumsized or not. If not and he is to be Jewish, then that could be the most traumatic thing for him (I assume it is a boy. You used 'he' a few times.) Being out of a confusing and emotional draing place and into a home where someone cares may be an adjustment, but for the better.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

The only thing children really need is LOVE!!!

Any changes to beliefs will probably be great, if asserted with your deep love and faith in the child. If you coach the child one on one, you may find a wonderful new addition to the jewish faith. When you give your love and share your faith with someone who has been through alot of abandonment, the child may just bloom like the new flower that they are.

So can you love this child enough??? Can you give this child extra loving attendtion and patience??? Then it will be easy and very grounding for the child! You must look inside to see if this would create resentment for your silly sister's behaviour, or if you just wnat to help a pure soul who had a rough start! So where is your LOVE??!!

You can do it, since you are of a rich faith!

Answer 5

Would it be possible to just enroll him in a public school, so he won't be behind in Jewish school? It sounds like the poor kid has been through so much already, the stress of getting behind in school would be too much for him. Does he want to change his religion? Maybe you could let him stay a Baptist in your home. As long as he doesn't say hurtful things about your beliefs and vice versa, everyone could be happy. If he wants to convert and go to Jewish school, then you could support that decision, too. The most important thing for him is to have love, support, and a stable family unit. I feel really sad for him and his siblings. Give him unconditional love and support and the details will work themselves out.

Answer 6

Why would he HAVE to be converted? I'm a pagan living in a very christian home, and no one's really the wiser. I simply choose not to "come out of the broom closet" as we say, because my family would be really upset. I WAS Christian for a time, but I didn't stay that way, despite the household or neighborhood I live in.
If your concerned about how he'll get along in school, you could possibly home school him, but if he has to convert just because you're worried about what people will think of you, that's wrong. Frankly, I'm a little concerned that a child is getting evicted by his own mother and you're more worried about what he believes in if he stays with you than what happens to him if you don't take him in.

Answer 7

That really depends on how old the child is. Why is it impossible to raise a secular child in your neighborhood/community? Just curious.

EDIT Sorry people are calling you sick. I understand somewhat what you're talking about. I think the best option for this child is to be assimulated into your community. As much as possible, remind him that this is the way you are raising him but it is not the only way anyone should be raised.

Answer 8

Jehovah's Witnesses take the Bible very severe. whilst babies come to a decision to not persist with in the footsteps of their mothers and dads one is reminded of what the Apostle John suggested " No extra suitable reason for thankfulness do I certainly have than those issues, that I could desire to be listening to that my babies bypass on walking in the actuality,” wrote the elderly apostle John. (3 John 4) in spite of the actuality that the babies suggested in this Bible verse consult from Christian disciples, a God-fearing be certain can extremely relate to those sentiments expressed by employing John. merely as mothers and dads make an significant difference in the lives of their offspring, so babies make a great difference in the lives of their mothers and dads. merely because of the fact the Apostle John expressed his love in listening to that his babies proceed to in the actuality, it extremely is gloomy whilst they bypass away. whilst babies develop into adults- they too could desire to hold their very very own load of duty.in the event that they bypass away, they bypass away understanding finished nicely that leaving Jehovah is as severe because it gets. Turning ones back on the author ought to if not corrected mean destruction.

Answer 9

why dont you just look after him and not convert him. Think of it as your good deed for the day. I think stripping him of his identity so suddenly will do more harm than good. Maybe you should take him in and at the same time get him into some counselling. You didnt say how old he was so i cant really say much more. YOu really shouldnt force anyone to change toa ny religion. It has to be his choice.

Answer 10

I'd move somewhere where I was free to choose what to believe and do. Why would you move to such a repressive place? Do you have children who are likewise forced into this religion? If one doesn't act toward a religion out of choice, but rather in fear of consequences or societal rejection, what benefit do you derive from your practice? If anyone ever told me, "Believe this or leave" I'd be on the next bus outta town. It has to be my choice to belief; anything else is only pretending.