I was raised in a southern Baptist church with my grandmother.  My father never attended any services and my mother would occasionally.  I don't attend church services but, I consider myself to be a spiritual person and I do believe in God and heaven but I don't want to force any of my beliefs upon my son.  I would be more than happy to explain how and why I believe what I believe with my son but I just don't want him to feel like he has to share those beliefs.  Should I find a church that I feel comfortable with and force my son to attend services? Or, should I wait and let him study and discover his own beliefs?
201328
Good for you! It is not wrong but remember to start exposing him to those different type of religion now so he will be able to look back to make his choice
262862
the person proable does not have a relationship with Christ. being a Christian is not based on what you have on the outside but a faith on the inside. we are suppose to shine Jesus to others. am sorry about the hard life that you have lived so far. it is very hard to live without parents to support you. like to tell you Jesus said come you  that are heavy laden and I will give  you rest all of you who work so hard beneath a heavey yoke.wear my yoke for it fits perfectly and let me teach you.for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens. Matthew 11;27.    then Jesus said I come to give life and life more abundly. would you not enjoy that type of life? the yoke you are caring is much to much for you. you are caring a full adults plate. am sorry for your situation.
644112
The best advice I will give is to live your Christian life openly. Don't be judgemental or intolerant. As my youth pastor used to say "you may be the only Bible some people ever read." So keep that in mind as you go about your day. Stay focused on practicing your religion. Take the time to listen to your family members about what they believe and how they experience God. Just listen. There is a great value to listening, so many people forget that. A lot of people have more respect for people who take the time to listen and get to know what they believe. If you don't understand something they are saying, it is okay to ask for clarification, but don't judge or put down their beliefs. Just listen. Keep doing this. Eventually they'll start to ask you what you believe if they're curious. If they've been watching you and how you live and go about your life, they may start to get curious. When beginning to start to tell them what you believe (when they ask...remember no one likes to have someone tell them information they haven't asked for) make sure you make it clear that this is what you believe. What I mean is, don't make references to what they believe. Just state what you believe. This keeps you from showing signs of intolerance, disrespect, or that you are judgemental. Continue to take the time to listen to them. Ask them about their beliefs, why they believe it. Ask them about their spiritual experiences. That sounds odd, but all of us have them in some form or another. Sometimes we can explain them through our religion, and sometimes we cannot. You are getting personal with them and building trust between them and yourself. Be willing to answer questions about yourself, but never feel like you have to defend your believes or offend others. If all goes well, they will start to inquire more and more, they may start to go to church with you, they may want to read the Bible and that will open even more questions for you to answer from them. Don't always be so quick to answer questions. Sometimes you'll be asked questions that if you answer right away you might later regret answering the way you did. If you feel like you need more time to ponder a question, be honest and let them know that you'd like to think of how to give the best possible answer to their question. Most people will be understanding. DO NOT GET INTO RELIGIOUS ARGUMENTS. I can't stress this enough. Most religious arguments are not actually about spirituality, they are about ego. Be strong enough to step away from them.\n\nThis is my advice to you as a former Christian missionary turned Hindu (coincidently). What I have told you I have found to be much more effective at helping people in their spiritual life and helping them look more closely at what they actually believe. As a Christian I'll admit that I did get into trouble with my church who was more interested in gaining more members for revenue than it was about truly helping people spiritually (I took the words of a pastor there to heart when he said that "a hospital is a place where people go when their physical bodies are sick to get treatment, a church is a place where people go when their spiritual bodies are sick to get treatment.") I also still am friends with a great many Christians. They are all very tolerant and respectful of other people's beliefs. It is not that they do not want to 'save' people, they just have realized that being judgement, intolerant, and condemning people or even trying to provoke fear in them doesn't really seem to very effective. Respect, patience, and tolerance seem to work a lot better (remember tolerance means that you acknowledge their religious beliefs, it does not mean that you accept them).\n\nAnd most importantly, pray for your family. Be thankful for them, but also ask Christ to help you. Take time to not just pray in the sense that you do all the talking, but also take time to sit
10782
Hello.  I was raised Southern Baptist in Texas.  I'm not sure which branch of the Baptist church you are attending, but the basic tenants of all Baptist churches are: 1) Jesus Christ is the human incarnation of God; 2) He was crucified and died for the forgiveness of the sins of all humankind; 3) He was resurrected on the third day after His death; 4) He ascended to heaven where he sits with God; 5) His gift to us when he departed was leaving us with the Holy Spirit; 6) Christ will come again at the end of the world; 7) God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are three-in-one - the Trinity. 7) Baptism is a voluntary external demonstration of an internal acceptance of Christ as your personal savior.\n\nAfter those basic facts, churches can vary widely on their interpretation of Biblical events and on their doctrinal beliefs.  The book of Revelations provides great material for debates in the Baptist church.  Baptist churches are also largely evangelical - they believe in sharing the word of God with others and inviting outside people to visit the church and worship with them.  The Baptist church is not generally a place where you will hear a pastor say "our denomination is the only one that has it right."  Baptists generally believe that all denominations of Christianity are worshiping the same God and the same Christ, but that there are ceremonial and some doctrinal differences in the way the worship services are conducted.  I hope this information helps!  Please let me know if you would like to discuss the topic further.  \n\nBy the way, one of the previous respondents mentioned that women were treated as second-class citizens.  I have to say that I wonder what Baptist church this person has visited.  I taught Sunday School at my church from a very young age and was a very respected person (regardless of gender) there.  Women and men held equal positions in the church council, and were given equal voice.  While I'm sure that there are unfortunate areas of the United States where gender discrimination occurs in and out of church, I am proud to say I have not encountered it. Also, I am Mexican-American.  I never encountered racism in my church.  I did encounter racism in my public high school, and even in the work force, but the church was always a haven where everyone was welcome and treated with respect.  I hope and pray that you find a church home that follows the most basic teaching of Christ: "Love one another".  -Amy
7849
Remember that there will always be people or messages that will challenge your beliefs.  If you believe God and in his only Son Jesus Christ in your heart, then nothing or no one can change that.  Don't let them doubt yourself, or even make you angry.  Try to show them how what you believe has affected you, but don't get in a fight.  Most of all, don't let anyone make you doubt your faith.
648152
I, myself, am a baptist.  In order for you to be baptised you must talk to the pastor of your church.  He will want to hear your testimony (how you know that you are saved).  If you know for sure that you've accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, a Saviour that died for your sins and rose again so that you might have life, you have a testimony.  After this he may want to counsel a bit with you or he may set up batismial serivce in which he will baptise you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Baptisim is a picture of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.  He should take you into the batismial, immerse you under the water, and raise you back up, and out of the water.  If this is not the way he does it, he is not doing it the way the Bible commands and you might consider finding a baptist church who does it the way it is commanded.
537363
I'm a lifelong atheist with two young children, and my wife is an agnostic with spiritual leanings. \n\nI learned from being a teacher that most people are fairly ignorant about their beliefs, and very sensitive. I discuss whatever my older (6) son wants to talk about, and I'm careful not to commit to any point of view. \n\nI do tell him, when we're discussing anything supernatural, that I don't believe in it, but that many people do. So for instance, when we're near a church, he's sometimes interested in what the building is for, and I tell him enough to satisfy his curiosity. \n\nI've actually recently been considering taking my kids to religious services of a fairly wide variety in order to give them the opportunity to compare and contrast for themselves. If they want to believe differently than I do and I repress that, they will simply resent me. \n\nI would draw the line at hate groups.
393586
There is the route of reason that anything you said or did before the age of reason doesn't really apply. Still, I understand your situation and that it would make you feel uncomfortable, since there are certainly plenty of examples of God taking a child pledged to him at or before birth for various things.\n\nHmm...if you're not averse to the idea of a ritual to reverse a ritual, drop me a message...I'm getting a few ideas.
146169
ns_360,\n\nMy father was a Baptist minister, so I grew up in church. About 12 years ago, I was “baptized in the Spirit.” That is what makes me “Pentecostal.” The Holy Spirit first came on the day of Pentecost, and so we are called “Pentecostal” because we believe that the Christian experience and practice should be the same now as at the beginning. Years ago there was a strict adherence to some biblical instruction regarding our “outward appearance,” but in the 12 years that I’ve been “Pentecostal” I have never seen any of those practices encouraged or enforced.\n\nThe rules I follow are:\n\nLove God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.\nLove my neighbor as myself.\nThe Great Commission: to go into all the world and make disciples\n\nPersonally, I feel a need to pray and read my Bible and attend church, etc., but there are no rules concerning these things. I just feel that God is important to me, and frankly, I need His help, so I do these things by my own choice.\n\nI hope this helps.\n\nGod bless.
16245
First you both are Christian because you both believe in Christ as your savior...now going back to the type of Christianism you want to teach your child...go safe, baptise him catholic now, so he'll have a direct way into your heaven (just in case) and let him decide later on what he want to be.  Alternate between his church and yours, but not yet (he is too young).  In time HE will answer your question.
638233
Its all about Faith.  \n\nI was not born into any religion, both of my parents always talked about God to me as a child, usually to their benefit, like " God says " Honor thy Father and Mother".  As a kid my babysitter took me to Jehova Witnesses gatherings, I went with that family every other day for about 3 or 4 years, however i never believed in thier teachings.  I fell asleep everytime i went.  When I got a bit older, I remember my parents taking me a few times to a pentacostal church, the amazing thing about that is that to this day i still remember a little hym that we sang in sunday school.  I was about 8 years old when I stopped listening to the word, or visiting churches.  My Mom and Dad were both pretty much on their own about that, they never went to church, they never talked about God.  My mom would read the bible every once in a while, but she never did anything to demonstrate any change. My dad was an alcoholic, and us kids, were just kids.\n\nLast year my dad got saved, unfortunately my mom and him had already divorced, but my dad got saved, and i noticed the biggest change in him, he was no longer violent, he was no longer drinking, he was no longer smoking, no longer wasting his money, he was no longer a demanding person from me.  I began visiting the church he attendent and I came to Christ within a month of visiting.  Honestly the day i accepted Christ, I was preparing my speech to reject the Lord.  But God is bigger than that.  I belong to an Apostolic Church, there is a lot of discipline and rules involved, but I think that what I enjoy about it.  That it is something that changes you, we have prayer services almost everyday of the week and have regular services on the weekend.  I have gotten to know God on a personal basis, he has done miracles in my life and in the lives of other members right before my eyes.\n\nI never believed in Catholic Faith, buddist or anything else, simply because that wasn't my place.  I think living in the united states we are free to worship what ever we want, and If I would have wanted i would have visited other churches when I was younger and would of known that those other religions were not for me.\n\nReligion's should not be found on basis of Statistics and strategies.  Faith is found when the church you go to practices what they preach, when you read that Scriptures and it all makes sense to you.  The Holy Spirit moves with in you and tells you right from wrong.
664839
something i read really helped me with this same question...i believe the god/s that every religion worships is the same one..i just didnt know how to be close to a god with so many personalitys...and when i read this \n"God is love and he respects love, whether its between a parent and a child, a man and a woman or friends. i dont think he cares about religon one little bit. live your life right. love with all your heart, dont hurt others and help those in need. dont worry about heaven. if it exists you be welcome."  i knew that just talking to the big guy upstairs and following my heart and what i think is right then ill be ok...and i consider myself close to god because i can have a conversation with him anytime and feel like hes listening. but i dont have to go to church or practice religon i just have to believe and ill be ok....
655026
I have no problem with non-believers here.  I am not insulted by your presence; in fact, this may be the perfect setting for you.  I pray that God would speak to you in some way that you would believe in Him.  True Christians do not condemn others, however, love them and avoid saying hurtful things. However, I will not refrain from expressing how I feel about my personal relationship with God and how He has carried me through many difficult times.
378331
Actually, I agree with the guy who was mentioning the Good Morning America tv program, and the scary movies.  I know it's scary, and it may sound a bit too spooky for someone who isn't religious, but it's something truly to be concerned about.  God does not harm the body, or cause you to harm the body.\n\nIt's great that you're asking questions about this, and you're looking in the right direction.  It's a warning, for sure.  Whether you're exposing your child to the wrong types of movies, or whether it was some type of spiritual possession (trust me, it happens), it's a clear sign that something needs to change.  The best way to do this is to have an open dialogue with your daughter.  Kids are incredibly honest and very self-aware, although they may not have the vocabulary to articulate themselves.  Secondly, it would be a great idea to try to go to church.  I know that you may find it as a waste of time, but it's clear that your daughter needs some spiritual guidance in her life, and it's your responsibility to see to it that she's safe, not just physically but mentally and spiritually also.  She's of an age where she's not able to protect herself in any way, and being in an environment where others are spiritually safe will safeguard her.  If you just drop her off at Sunday school, and don't go yourself, it's important to provide her with some type of spiritual foundation-- because it's clear that she's vulnerable to spiritual awareness.\n\nIn closing, it's very good that you're aware that this is not a normal, passing thing.  It's very concerning, indeed.  Now, please have the courage and flexiblity to do what's best for your daughter-- which is start her in some type of spiritual environment so that she learns the keys to protecting herself from possessions.\n\nI hate to sound spooky, but it's really much the truth.  I wish you well.
526129
There is a reason why they open up to you. It is because you are 100% honest with them and use your own experience. What they are looking for is someone who is real, not some dull dry outlined bible study. Although there is a time and place for bible studies, God has you where you are for a reason. \nBefore answering this question, I read someone else's response saying you're still a kid yourself. To this I say GREAT! All the more reason for you to keep teaching these kids. Oh my goodness, if people only realized the character of Christ and how he loved to relate to the childlike and not to the religious Pharasees, you'd be getting more response like mine telling you not to change a doggone thing. They need you and it sounds like you're Pastor has enough wisdom to put you there.
585073
The Bible does say 'Honor your father and your mother.' It also says 'Obey your parents in the Lord - for this is right,' and even 'Obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.'\n\nHowever, it also says we must listen to God more than man. This does mean that if you are planning to disobey your parents (particularly if you are still under their roof), you must have a very good reason, preferably one straight from Scripture. And that means you need to know your Scripture, know exactly why you believe being with him is the right thing, why it would be wrong to discount him. And if you are still living under their roof, and you attend a church or other place of worship, you should probably consult with the pastor or other leader before you do anything.\n\nBut I absolutely agree that before you even do that, you need to get your parents' side of the story. And you need to listen without judging them in any way. Just to find out their opinion in detail. No arguments afterwards, just 'Thanks for sharing that with me.' If you don't do that, you will have a much bigger problem than whether to see this boy.\n\nDepending on your age, it may turn out that the problem has nothing to do with him at all, and plenty to do with a perception on your parents' part that you are not ready for a serious relationship. They may believe that you should not be 'serious' with someone until you are ready to be married.\n\nQuite frankly, if you aren't ready for a permanent relationship yet, I agree. You should stay just friends. Be faithful to each other, if that's how God is leading you, but keep it platonic and see what happens later when you are ready for something permanent.\n\nAnd yes, that something permanent does involve 'leaving father and mother.' But that does not mean 'leaving mother and father when it's convenient for me, and running to them and expecting them to provide for me when that's more convenient.' But once that moment comes, then, yeah, your husband absolutely does take priority over your parents.
256123
The answer to your question *must* be prefaced by a question:  Do you want to follow the Bible, to obey what is written in the Bible for our admonition?\n\nIf so, then you must seriously consider, as was pointed out above, 2 Corinthians 6:14\n\n(2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?\n\nJust yesterday, I think, I was speaking with my unmarried, almost 26-year-old son.  He is considering taking master's work at a college/university.  He suggested some private, Christian colleges, and he also suggested a public college.\n\nI cautioned him that even though right now he has decided to remain unmarried, that attending a public college may bring him into a situation where he is attracted to a woman who does not have the same belief system, is not a Christian.\n\nThis I also, since you asked for advice, or an "answer," ask you consider.  Linking up with a person who does not have the same belief system as you, especially of that belief system is important to you, can be very problematic.\n\nCase in point:  My mother was a Christian, my father was not.  Whereas he was tolerant, there were situations where she did not feel she could fellowship with other believers.  It was a very unhappy situation at times.\n\nSo, marriage is tough enough without this added burden of being unequally yoked....and I think that with nearly 30 years of marriage to the same woman, I *may* be in the place to make that determination.  :)\n\nLawrence\nhttp://www.truebiblesermons.com