My daughter is following a religion that I don't agree with, What do I do?

Question

She is following a non denominational church that believes in prophetizing to its members. They also worship on a different day. Help me, to understand, help me to guide her, if that is what she needs.

Answer 1

She doesn't need to be guided, though she does need to know you want to. What she really needs is for you to support her while she explores and develops her faith. In order to find out how she connects to God she needs to explore the different ways to do it. In the end she'll find what is the right way for her. And that will be a stronger bond with God than any she could have found following the ways of the church she was born into without ever questioning. After all, how CAN we have faith if we never doubt? She's finding her faith in God.... find yours in her.

What you can do, as a parent, is support her. Ask her questions about her beliefs, try your best to understand. Ask about her beliefs, talk to her about yours. Show that you're at least interested in it. She will appreciate it and respect you for it. If and when she decides that this religion is not for her, she needs to know that she can fall back on you and not hear, 'I told you so.' Most importantly, remind her that she is your daughter, and that you will love her no matter what. Kids and teens really do like to hear that, as much as they might fuss about it. And remember that just as you love her, your child, eternally and unconditionally, so does the Heavenly Father. Regardless of her church, that fact will always remain.

Answer 2

I can understand that you are facing a difficult situation. It's difficult seeing a loved one stray away from the things that they are taught in life. Contrary to what many of the responses have been, as a parent you have tremendous power in your daughters life. But some of them are right, in this degree, if she is adult the best you can is pray for her, but at the same time continue to approach things in a loving manner by asking her why she is interested in this non-denominational church. Ask her to grab a copy of the churchs statement of beliefs and examine them and see if they truly rely on Biblical principles. That way, you can help explain some things to her that may not be clear as well as the danger of her decision to get involved in something that isn't Biblical. And I'll help you out; you will not find an orthodox Christian church worshiping on Saturday. Christ resurrection occured on the first day of the week; is also when the early church met in the upper room for pentecost. We've been doing that ever since, and contrary to what most people think, it has nothing to do with the law. The sabbath is whatever do you decide to rest, as it's one day in seven, and that's up to you. So, I do that helps you and I would encourage you to be strong and pray for your daughter as God guides you do to guide her back on the right path. And contrary to what most people believe, it does matter where you worship and what is practiced, as I've been in a so-called Christian church that was following the Lord but turned out that they worshiped another god--their pastor. So, it matters. I will pray for you and your daughter. If I could be more of help to you, as to help you in some things that could help in learning doctrine, hit me an email and I'll send you more info. God bless and I hope this answers your question.

Answer 3

I can understand your concern. If she is an adult, then you don't have much say, but you can still have a dialogue with her. I would warn you not to get into debates, heated or otherwise. There are some root reasons that she has gone this way. Try to get her to talk about it. IF you believe that she has joined a cult of some sort and is being brainwashed, you'll want to consult some experts in that area.

If she is still a minor and living under your house, then you can excercise you parental authority. This of course will likely be met with rebellion.

No matter what, this is something that you need to take to prayer, and probable fast for her too. A good time to reflect on your own life, there was some reason why the example of your life wasn't overwhelming to her - something was missing in her mind.

Answer 4

Ok............ the golden rule is to never talk too deep into religion or politics because sometimes it can be taken very personally. I understand your concern. Especially if you are very devout in your religion and rasied your children in that manner.... It DOES depend on her age. Let me give you a quote that Father Tido gave me just prior to being baptised at the age of 28. He knew I had spent a good deal of time making a personal choice as to what denomination to follow. We talked in length about how my parents left the decission to me because they felt that it should be personal yet I felt wishy washy about not being baptised for so long. This is a priest who gave last rights to dying soldiers in WW2. He said to me "Kerrick the Church tells us that the Church is the place where we go to worship. Where we should go every Sunday. Yet I know of so many that come here every Sunday and recite much of what they really do not understand. The world is our Church Kerrick. The world around us. You can worship anywhere at any time. Sometimes you can just walk into any church, look into the eyes of Christ and her hears you and you hear him. Christ always knows your heart. The world is our Church." Think hard about that, search your heart and I know you will make the right decission.

Answer 5

If your daughter is over the age of 18, there's nothing you can do. If she is between the ages of 14-17, you could "try" to forbid her to go. But it just might only push her away from you.

I wish we had more information about the specific religion and why you are so upset? Isn't it more important to unconditionally love your child than do or say something to push her away from you? Because, "that is what she needs right now" - a caring, supportive, and understanding parent.

Answer 6

The only thing you can do is be there for her. You may not like her religion, but a religion should not seperate the loveing bond between parent and child. Get to know the religion through her. Don't make remarks on how bad it is for her, but do express your opinion to her with thoughts of love. Even after getting to know it and talking to the rest of the members if you can/would, use your own judgement in your opinion with respect. Don't tell her that it effects your love for her though. that would push her further away from you.

Answer 7

Are you in the United States of America? If you are, our Country was founded by people fleeing religious persecution. It is what makes us one of the most sought after places to live. In saying that your daughter has found that freedom, it would be wise of you as a parent not to quash that, but to be supportive as long as shes not killing, maiming, robbing or otherwise hurting anyone.
Remind her that you will always be there for her whatever religion she chooses. Ask her if there is anything in your religion in particular she doesnt agree with or doesnt understand that you could get her help to understand.
You could also ask your religious official for help to understand why she has strayed from you religion.
Remember No matter what religion, she is always your child.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

Sometimes it is hard to see someone you love go a different direction than you like. Maybe she is following the right path for her and joining this church could be good for her. you may not like what the church believes, but as long as your daughter is happy, you should be happy.

Answer 9

Assuming you raised her under your religion - she may be questioning religions and experimenting...I know lots of people (including myself), that began to question the beliefs my parents raised me with.

The obvious thing would be to talk to her. Without attacking, ask her why she's chosen this route. If you raised her under a different religion, maybe you could try to find similarities between yours and her beliefs. If she's just exploring, she should be more than happy to answer your inquiries. Give her space to do as she wishes, or you could compromise - she attends your worship and you attend hers; then discuss things over coffee (it could be a bonding moment)!

Answer 10

I know In my church they tell us Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.
My son is not active in church right now so I have now learned the best way to handle this is just love him. I know I taught him well. I have Gods promise he will come back to me. I say just be understanding kids and adults change there mind a lot when there growing but What you have taught her will stick in her heart and soul.
Hugs darling I know this is hard.
Diane