Alright, I need some advice from all you parents out there.
I was raised in a very religious household. I've attended church regularly my entire life with my parents, and I still do (I'm 23, btw). My parents are devout Christians and they have always wanted me to be saved. They don't put pressure on me, but I know that they wish I was saved and it bothers them that I am not.
Here's the thing, I don't really believe in God. I continue going to church with them just to avoid conflict. I find myself listening to the sermon, only to find myself listening holes or flaws in the pastors point that he is trying to make. My parents do not know how I feel or my beliefs. I have chosen not to tell them b/c I know that it will break their hearts and I am afraid that they will not accept me as well as my saved brother and sister. I love my parents. My entire family has always been very close and I don't want that to change, but I refuse to become "saved" just to satisfy my parents.
A part of me wants to become a Christian, partly to avoid conflict with my parents, that other part wants to believe that there is something after death. I mean, who wants to believe that when they die...they just die? Thats a grim fate, but everything about God just defies logic to me. I know it's called "faith", but still, my brain just cannot comprehend "God".
I have so many conflicting views and beliefs about religion with my parents, and I have been feeling this way for several years now, but I'm just too scared to discuss this with my parents for fear of ridicule.
So I have to ask. What would you, as Christian parents, do if one of your children confronted you with these beliefs? How would you react?
I would not discuss this issue with your parents now. They are not likely to understand and I do not think there is any obligation for an adult child to discuss religious matters with parents or siblings.However, I grew up in New England where religionmay be a more personal and private matter than it is in your part of the country.
You should not feel guiltybecause you do not share your parents' beliefs. You can not will yourself to believe something that simply does not have credibility for you. You have given your parents' religious beliefs ample opportunity by going to church for years, listening tocountlesssermons andcarefully thinking aboutthem. You just did not find what the pastor was saying to be convincing. I think that your parents will eventually come to the realization that religion is not an important part of your life and hopefully yourfamily will alsoeventually understand that your rejection of religion is not meant to hurt them but is simply a reflection of the way you are.
Okay maybe this will help. Ilove my kids very much and I have faith that God does exist and also heaven. Naturally believing in hell also, and because I believe in hell I want my kids to accept Christ and more importantly because I believe in heaven I want them to all the more because of the wonder of it all. But I need to tell you that if my children don't want to accept Christ I am still going to love them and always will.
As far as the holes part here is my opinion. One you need to factor in that Pastors are human and make mistakes thus the message isn't always the best way. Then factor in that we all have our own perspective of things, and to top it off you feel highly pressured even with your parents attempt to do their best not to make you feel that way.
I would say that your best bet is simply to talk to them about how you are feeling. Maybe it is something as simple as you attending a different church and a pastor who speaks your language as long as he is preaching the bible and not man. But ultimaltley it is your decision and they will love you no matter what you decide.
I'll be honost with you are there days I have doubts? Yes. But here are some things that I think about during those times too. Do the 10 Commandments tell me to do anything wrong. Since the New Testament does the Bible tell me to do something I shouldn't? For me it is also a moral compass.
Help
