My elderly, dying father is an atheist. I am not the most religious person...however, do I "agree" with him to keep peace or stand my God ground? It's not that I "agree" with his views, I just nod (with teeth gritted) when he calls Christians kooks, etc...I do believe everyone has their right of opinion and beliefs...as he does not.
2007-09-23 08:56:09 · 19 answers · asked by miliri2000 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Try to read the books he read, think as criticially as he does and open your mind to the truth the way your father courageously has.
Then you will do his memory proud.
2007-09-23 09:01:19 · answer #1 · answered by Leviathan 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry some have chosen to attack your desire to share your faith with someone you love. If they could only understand that your belief makes it impossible to simply ignore the differences and "let you dad die in peace." Because in your faith he will not die in peace, that is why you're asking the question.
The Bible has an answer, try 1 Peter 3:1. I know this speaks of a believing wife and unbelieving husband but the underlying truth is the same. The best way is to live what you say you believe in front of him as best you can. Also remember only God can save your father if he calls. You must rely on God's Word to speak to your father's heart.
Matthew 17:21 speaks of prayer and fasting as an important aspect of seeing impossible things happen too.
Also do you know someone who you can bring to your father that might be able to talk more fully with him, IE a pastor or stronger Christian? Just a thought.
Finally, as a question to those who post here to lash out at someone's religion and faith - Why do you feel it is necessary to attack someone that is clearly looking for an answer, within their faith community to a difficult question? Many say Christians are intolerant but who is the intolerant one here?
2007-09-23 09:19:11 · answer #2 · answered by Shawn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What's there to handle.
He's dying, let him enjoy what he has left of life. Why do you have to argue, or stand your ground. It his opinion, his life and his death.
Go and be with him, soon you won't have the luxury of being in his presence and just talking about the little things in life. Enjoy what time you have left with him.
And don't try to use his death as an opportunity to prove he's wrong, and you're right, he's not looking for a conversion. Chances are those "kooks" he's talking about, probably come up to him, and tell him to "trust in the lord", and that they're praying for him. I know I encountered them, daily, in the hospital I was in. I got pretty sick of them too.
2007-09-23 09:07:27 · answer #3 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because one says so does not make it so. What is wisdom? Proverbs 8. Jesus said wisdom is justified by her children. So you are justified by the knowledge and wisdom of what you know about God.
How do you handle your Father. Prayer. James chapter 5. When you began to form relationship with God. God takes care of all of your cares. You may not be the most religious person? God is not looking for a most religious person. He is looking for and obediant person. God is where the heart is. Where is your heart? Psalms 33:13-22. God looks down from heaven and sees all mankind. From his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth. he who forms the hearts of all. He considers everything they do!
2007-09-23 09:33:40 · answer #4 · answered by God is love. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you believe that everyone has the right to their opinion and beliefs ... then you have to support his right, as well. You two don't have a lot of time left on this earth together ... try focusing on happy conversation and steer clear from argument starters.
2007-09-23 09:06:32 · answer #5 · answered by ◦Delylah◦ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your father is dying and all you can think about is to complain that he doesn't have the same religious beliefs that you do? Go tell your father that you love him and make the most of the time you still have with him
2007-09-23 09:03:52 · answer #6 · answered by lindsey p 5 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps by the time you reach his age you will have matured enough intellectually to see that he is probably right. It's a bit sad that he won't live to see that day, isn't it?
Imagine for a moment that you are still a Christian, are 90 years old and about to die...how will you feel if you have a Muslim daughter by then, and she keeps badgering you accept Allah?
2007-09-23 09:10:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Why do Christians feel the need to "handle" people who don't agree with thier views? Sheesh...just get over it and try to spend some quality time with him while you have it.
2007-09-23 09:13:42 · answer #8 · answered by Uliju 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love your father the same way Jesus does, unconditionally. And pray for your father without ceasing. Only the Holy Spirit can quicken the heart of your father, so call out for that. There's no need to really discuss this issue with your father unless God tells you to. Just love him.
2007-09-23 09:06:17 · answer #9 · answered by The Apple Chick 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Oh honey, let him go with what he believes. You can't change it and God is going to gather him up no matter what Dad says. God is a loving Father and knows Dad's mind...and He will forgive. Just enjoy your last times with him.
2007-09-23 09:04:10 · answer #10 · answered by red 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋