Okay, so I am 14 years old. My parents won't let me follow the Buddhist faith, and I don't know why. They are Christian, And I was raised to be a Christian, but I don't feel right practising Christianity, Buddhism seems like the right religion for me. I don't want to practise a religion if my heart's not into it. So what should I do?
2007-09-21 14:37:48 · 29 answers · asked by little_squirt_matthew 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Go ahead. None of my parents and grandparents are Christians. Only 1% of the population in China are Christians. Many people belive I am weird and laugh at me, but I don't care. I did not find the path by myself. God found me. I have studied Buddism, Taoism, and Confucianism before. They are all similar. The central concept is simply LOVE. Well, love may not be at the center of Buddist beliefs, but real Buddists are selfless, and therefore, love others as themselves as a result, if not as a cause.
2007-09-21 14:47:27 · answer #1 · answered by Gone 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You say, "Buddhism seems like the right religion for me"
Not that long ago science thought the world was flat and that seemed like the right thing for them.
Years ago Dr's used to put leaches on patients 'cause that seemed the right thing to them.
You may be completely sincere in your beliefs and you may also be sincerely wrong. And your eternal salvation may depend on it.
If you want to practice Buddhism you can when you are on your own.
What do you do with the man Jesus???
You may also say Buddhism is the truth for you. I've heard that statement before. But There is no "The truth for you."
2+2=4 is a truth. This is not subject to interpretation.
One can say I don't believe you have the truth but truth is just what it is, truth.
Christianity has a rich history which started with the Jews at the beginning of time. The bible is filled with historical facts that Archaeologists use and has been proven very reliable. We have over 5000 documented ancient findings of scripture, many in different languages, all the same. WE have the dead sea scrolls to prove this also. The Vatican just bought 2 gospels dating 90 ad, the same as we have today. There is prophesies that has come to pass from the bible that proves it's reliability. Over 300 just for the man Jesus.
We have non christian evidence of Jesus from Tacitus and Josephus both historians. And a Governor named Pliny the Younger who all wrote about "Christos" and his followers the Christan's.
Archaeologists have found the tomb of Caiaphas who was the Pharisee that brought Jesus to trial.
Jesus WAS a real person who was an historical figure. Even well read Atheists KNOW this.
We have eye witnesses who had every thing to loose by claiming to be a follower of Jesus. Why? When Jesus was killed they scattered. Afraid. BUT when they saw he was resurrected they became bold. Why?
Since the bible is reliable, and Jesus WAS here you must decide.
Was he a nut? A liar, Or who he claimed to be.
Pray about this.
†
2007-09-21 14:45:19 · answer #2 · answered by Jeanmarie 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Not believing in your parent's religion is always a bit of trouble. Still, like others have said, you can still go to church to please your parents. From the little I understand about Buddhism, is it doesn't require that you stay away from the building of other beliefs.
As far as what to do with your parents, that's tougher. You shouldn't lie to them. Maybe you can strike a compromise where you go to church with them but you don't have to say you believe. At some point you have to understand your religion is your choice and not theirs.
If things get really bad, where they say be a Christian or get out of the house, my advice is to lie. If they are willing to coerce you that strongly, then they no longer deserve the truth from you. Looking at it another way, keeping good relations with your parents is more important than winning an argument. Once you are on your own you can practice whatever religion suits you or no religion if you choose.
2007-09-21 14:52:38 · answer #3 · answered by DogmaBites 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it were me, I would practice Buddhism in secret. They are your parents and they obviously think they are doing the right thing for you, but that does not mean that they are right. When it comes down to it, you have the right to religious freedom, even as a child, but if you publicly rebel against your parents, they could make your life very difficult for you.
If you are Buddhist, then going to a Christian church and pretending to worship is not going to change the fact that you are Buddhist in your heart. When you are old enough to be on your own, then you will have the complete freedom to practice your religion any way you wish.
2007-09-21 14:57:01 · answer #4 · answered by Tea 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You must follow your heart , honor your parents but ask them to respect your decision . Doing what the heart says is important to your well being just as living a good and honest life is just as important . Gather your research on Buddhism and sit down with your parents , ask that they keep a open mind and teach them about what your hope to devote your life to . Show them the common ground , what Buddhist have in common with Christians . Hopefully even if they do not want you to do this they will respect you for your honesty and your understanding of your religion . Most people fear what they do not understand . So teach them and help them to understand .
2007-09-21 14:51:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe show them ways in which Buddha's and Jesus' ideas of morality are very similar. Educate them on how you are not straying that far from the Christian path of salvation; then again, you are 14, and your beliefs may change many times. Also, ask yourself an honest question from a Buddhist mindset: does it seem like Buddhism is the "way" to you, or are you just trying to rebel? Is this a sincere belief, or merely your ego acting out?
2007-09-21 14:59:04 · answer #6 · answered by Joez2103 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well certainly they must realise that forcing you into something will only turn you away from it, but either way you are 14 and you "live under their roof by their rules" You don't need to practice christianity if you don't want to, but you can still bow your head in respect if you all say grace or pray together or accompany them to church if they insist while still following buddhist teachings and living your life as a buddhist.
2007-09-21 14:53:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
get buddhist books and read them, show your parents you have your own mind. Just because you do not believe what your parents think is right for you doesn't mean you cannot follow what you feel is right! It will be hard to deal with while you are young and living with them...but when you get out on your own you'll have freedom!!! Yayyy!! You can be and do what you please but until then try to talk to them adn ask them why they feel the way they do....explain to them that forcing religion on anyone isn't right!
2007-09-21 14:48:06 · answer #8 · answered by ~MEEEOW~ 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Welcome to adolescence.
Nobody can stop you from practicing the religion of your choice, but parents are notorious for demanding that you practice the religion of their choice. The delicate. eternal, problem we all face when we turn from our parents beliefs is to continue to have a loving relationship with our parents, but be true to ourselves.
Perhaps you could placate your parents by telling them that you are studying Buddhism as a means of comparing it with Christianity. In reality you are probably already doing this, so this would not be a lie. You would merely be diplomatically deflecting criticism by not fully informing them of your beliefs.
2007-09-21 14:48:04 · answer #9 · answered by djlachance 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Wait until you are old enough, then go be a Buddhist.
In the mean time, there is no reason why you shouldn't start living according to Buddhist principles.
2007-09-21 14:43:59 · answer #10 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋