Serious Q for church going Christians?

Question

If your children didn't want to go to church with you
(old enough to be home alone)
would you let them stay home?
Would you be angry?
Would you make them go?
What would you do / how would you feel?

Kids need time sometimes to figure some things out for themselves. Would you give that room or be insistant that they go in fear that the path they chose would not be one you agree with?

Serious answers please.

Answer 1

I would never force my children to go to church if they are old enough to make there own decisions and to stay home its ok. Keep them in your prayers.I would bring my kids up in a foundation of the faith and Word of God.But it is their choice to seek a personal relationship with God

Answer 2

If they went to church with you routinely and all the time when they were little, then they've "earned" the right to skip church - it's a way of independence, transitioning toward adulthood. If they soaked in the meaning of worship as a weekly routine enjoyed as a family, then wanting to stay home once they're old enough to be safe by themselves isn't so unusual. It's planting the flag--deciding something for themselves as independent operators and growing youths. No need to be angry...God's still out there for them and it's better for them to know that than to feel guilty about "neglecting" the Lord. Maybe ask them to read a Bible passage [if your church has a regular Bible lesson every week, have them read that at home for themselves] and talk about the lesson in a casual informal dinner-table chat. If they got anything out of church when they were little, it's still in there!

Answer 3

No, I would not let them stay home.

No, I would not be angry with them, sometimes its hard for people to see the benefit of doing what's right, but they are still obliged to do it.

Yes, I would make them go.

My children would have the room to figure things out for themselves, but not during the time the family is attending church. One hour out of 168 hours in the week to attend a service... seems to me like there is plenty of time to ask and answer questions.

When they move out from under my roof, they will have the option of choosing to attend or not attend, but as long as they are under my roof, they will need to abide by the family rules and set a good example for their younger siblings. Actual believe on their part is not necessary, and if they do not believe, I would expect them to refuse the Eucharist.

Now, my question for you:

If your children don't want to go to school, and are old enough not to cause themselves harm while you are at work, would you let them?

Would you be angry about it?

Would you require them to go to school out of fear they might miss out on something truly grand that will enable them to overcome many trials and struggles as they make their way in the world?

To me, it's the same question. Train your children in the way they should go, and they will, most likely follow. If they do not, it isn't because you've neglected your duty to them, and the seeds you plant while the child is young may come to fruition in the waning years of life.

Answer 4

I'd explain to them how I feel, but ultimately it's their decision, they are people too. My parents had to go through this with my siblings and I as well when we were younger, we all found our own paths.

I sought out other religions but ultimately stuck with my original, my brother and sister are going to different churches.

I just want my kids to have well adjusted lives and making their own decisions is a part of that, I will give them direction and guidance, but when they are old enough to really make good choices for themselves, they can choose their own path.

Answer 5

Well, I am an atheist. I determined this at age 12, and my parents are Christians.

You do the math.

Speaking from someone that experienced this from a child's point of view, it's NEVER good to force them.

And honestly, I didn't take ANY INTEREST WHATSOEVER in religion, until I removed myself from their grasp. Once I was free to do as I wished in regards to religion, I've come to read about it for several hours a day, and it's one of my greatest fascinations.

Let them be.

They can surprise you.

Someday, my parents will learn that I'm an atheist. [[No, I haven't yet told them.]] And I know that they won't be pleased. However, leaving Christianity has affected me more positively, than you could ever imagine.

Trust me; it's best for you AND your children.

Let them be.

Even if you regret it,

they never will.

Answer 6

As a Father of a 13 year old girl, and a minister of the Gospel, my daugther has her free will to choose as she may, I do not force it on her, and if she don't want to go to church then I do not make her, I believe that God will keep her and watch over her, and when it is her time, then she will make the right choices, because she has been taught to make the right choice for herself, and not forced to live my choices.

Answer 7

If your children didn't want to go to school, would you let them stay home? If they didn't want to go to the doctor, would you make them go? Yet, what they gain at either of these places will only benefit them for a few decades. Their spiritual life will have eternal consequences. In the end, they will of course choose for themselves. Your responsibility is to equip them as well as possible to be able to make such choices for themselves. Allowing them to skip something that is essential for their welfare gives them the message that it is not very important to you, so why should it be important to them?

Answer 8

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go:and when he is old, he will not depart from it. It is our job as parents to teach our children.

Answer 9

They will have time to figure things out for themselves, when they are able to support themselves...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord....it was never an issue. And you know what they wander little...but both are in their 30's now and you guessed it...go to church.

Answer 10

Aww....I'm sorry that they don't want to go. When I was younger I thought that Church was really boring. I didn't understand why I had to go. I loved Jesus for saving me and I did accept him as my personal savior. But as a kid I wanted to be entertained. And church didn't do that for me. It wasn't until I was older that I felt the real grace that God gives, the true forgiveness that he gives. Give them time to grow in their faith. If you know of a youth group in your area....try to see if they are interested in that. Youth groups are better at entertaining kids while at the same time teaching good values that God wants to show them. I think that it was until I was 14-15 that I started to miss church. I DID! I am not kidding. I finally felt compelled to worship and I wanted to listen the sermon. As you grow as a christian you 'thirst' for the word of God, and when you go to church it gives you time to think, praise God, and learn more about how God wants you to live your life.

I can understand that you want to be angry. Thats understandable. You want the best for you children. And a life with Christ is the best way to go. Understand that they are now independent minds that think differently. Try to guide them where you think it is best for them. Then pray. God will take care of your children. He promises in his word.

I hope this helps! :)