Please help me I need to know if this is correct?

Question

I am 13 and am orthodox. My mom and my sister are non denominational christians. My dad is also orthodox christian just as I am. I talked to my mom about my baptism. She said that she doesn't like religion because its not wat the bible says. I said then why did she baptize me in the orthodox church if she doesn't like religion. She said that she didn't know Christ and that evry orthodox around her told her that I was supposed to be baptized because they knew the Orthodox church rules. She said that I had a Godfather and mother. She said the whole religion thing is stupid and that since it doesn't say that in the bible then it's not right. She always does that. It pisses me off because she's trying to contradict catholism and orthodoxy just because she doesn't believe it. I believe all the rituals devoutly and dont believe her faith. Do you think she has a right to say those things about my faith? What should I do?

Answer 1

Of course she has a right to say those things about your faith. You also have a right to believe whatever you believe and to express those beliefs.

You say "she's trying to contradict catholism and orthodoxy just because she doesn't believe it". What better reason is there? Her beliefs (or lack thereof) are just as important to her as your beliefs are to you.

Try to see it from her viewpoint. Some understanding on both sides is all that is needed. You don't need to change your beliefs, your mom doesn't need to change hers either.

Answer 2

If your mother knows Christ, I am sure that she knows His commandments concerning baptism. The bible has been around for a long time, and is the basis on which our christian faith is based. I believe that you can wholly trust what it says. You sound like a person that is trying to do what you believe is right. The bible says that you should honor your mother and father. God gives us parents to love and guide us. It sounds like you are fortunate enough to have two parents that care. I encourage you as a fellow believer to ask God to guide you through His word and prayer. Try to find common ground concerning your beliefs and your mothers so that your family won't be divided. I would imagine that both the orthodox and the non denominational churches would agree that the holy scripture of the bible is a place that both of you can find the answers that you are looking for. I'm sure that your mother loves you and only wants the best for you. I will pray that God will show you what you need to know, and helps your family. You are a courageous young man. May God bless you.

Answer 3

Your mom is wrong. Christ founded His Church (Matt.16:18-19, Acts 2, etc). The Orthodox Church is the only true Church. Christ and His Church must be obeyed over anyone else. Listen to the saints and Holy Fathers. don't listen to your parents if they contradict the Church. To reject the authority of the Orthodox Church, is to flirt with the heresy of ecumenism.

Answer 4

Well, on a personal level I actually agree with the gist of what your mom is saying. I believe the best way to learn about Jesus is in the bible on your own...the bible even suggests that quite a bit.

But, you should do what feels best in your heart, and if you feel the Holy Spirit on you in church...than that is what you should do.

As a kid, I really didn't see how the service had much to do with establishing a relationship with God...it was a lot of bad singing and blathering....at the same time, I met a lot of lifelong friends in my youth group.

I didn't come to understand the true meaning of Jesus until I was a born-again adult. Then I started really understanding by reading the Bible and growing in faith.

More or less, your mom is older, and it sounds like she went through much of the same experience that I did...Boy would we be big hypocrites if we said not to go to church when you are 13....we did.

Answer 5

My dear young brother David, As father k told you "stick by what was handed down to you from your father" but also must always love and respect your mother and sister, most importantly pray for her and your sister that GOD may guide them to the true faith, but "you also must learn from the orthodox church you go to, and then share with your mother and your sister what you have learned" however, here's some facts about who the Orthodox Church is ...
Jesus established His Church..."Matthew 16:18
... I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.(Orthodox means the right belief).
The Orthodox Church is the one who gave us the Bible the way we have it today in the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage, (397 AD).
Also the Orthodox Church is the Oldest Church(the one was established by Christ and His Apostles) ...Roman catholic, most Protestants, Muslims and Jewish cannot deny this. And now go and grow in your orthodox faith and I will pray for you, as you also should pray for me too and to all, GOD bless you, keep and Cover you in His Mercy , Love and Grace †††Amen.

Answer 6

When people 'quote' the Bible, I ask for the reference. Actually, there is no indication of infant baptism in the Bible. It follows a personal decision to trust Christ as Lord and Savior.
Check out the 'rules' with God's Word to see if they follow His teachings. Then, decide for yourself.

Answer 7

I am very anti-Catholic, but I believe that you both have some very valid points. What it boils down to is that is what you feel and believe, and you are entitled to practice it. Now, having said that, you may have to wait until you're old enough to do these things on your own. You could also explain to your mom that this is what you believe and that you feel strongly about it, and you want her to support your decisions. Something could have happened to her that made her distrust the Catholic church, which is why you may have to make do until you're 18. I wish you well.

Answer 8

I endure a situation similar to yours along denominational lines. I am the only Orthodox Christian in my family, both immediate and extended. They have all expressed their opinions on Orthodoxy to me, some tolerant but not accepting, some critical and a little hurtful. It is very difficult to be Orthodox without the support of one's family. Especially when their form of worship conforms with such doctrine as allows them so much freedom from any kind of tested and proven doctrines such as we are blessed with in our Faith. I know very well how you feel; my parents, especially my father, reject my faith. They fail to understand why I parted from my protestant roots. It's not easy, but I can no more condemn them for their beliefs than I can could condemn them for expressing them. Only God can judge in any case. Sometimes God gives us a trial to endure. This more often than not comes from someone near and very dear to us. Yes, she is entitled to say what she wants, but not solely because she is your mother. Anyone may have their say. You sound very secure in your beliefs and in our Faith. Let that stand on its own merit. No one can damage that faith by expressing an opinion. Do not be provoked. You should merely ignore the weakness of any such argument and accept it as merely an opinion. It holds no more authority than that. The real authority is in God, your heart, and in our faith.

David

Answer 9

Your mom is doing you a great service! She is teaching you to question what you are told rather to follow blindly. Of course she has the right to say those things about your faith, she has a duty as a mother!

Answer 10

Stick to your roots, stick by your dad, stick by Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother the Theotokos.

The prayers of the saints and all your fellow believers are with you, my young brother.

Keep the faith "once delivered unto the saints".