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I feel guilty. I took my kids to church regularly for years. We haven’t been in the past two years and my daughter says we need to go to church or we are going to hell. It’s my fault that she said that because I believed it for a long time. I just told her that’s not the case and there’s no proof that hell is real

abyers1970 7 July 23
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30 comments (26 - 30)

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1

Inform her that she has the right to participate in organized religion and attend a church if she chooses to do so, but that you will not be joining her because you have thought it through, changed your mind and come to the conclusion that organized religion is nothing more than a sham to take your money.

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Asking questions can be one of the most effective ways to help kids reconsider their position. Telling them they are wrong often causes them to just dig in, particularly if they are older. I also find it helpful to find something we agree on in a conversation and expand on that. I've derailed so many condescending, passive-aggressive jabs from my daughter that way. It feels really good because I don't make her feel bad and she is often impressed by what I said. I don't have custody so I'm hoping I'm planting enough respect and trust in her that she will feel safe coming to me when she's ready to ask questions.

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I agree with the comment written by UUNJ. Because your daughter has expressed belief and a need for church I would assist her in meeting her need. I would also attempt to have some discussions centered around hell and her ideas about it, that would help her form constructive ideas about the importance of living a moral life versus the fire and brimstone mentality taught in many churches. I read a post recently on an unrelated matter that talked about how the transition from the teen to mid-twenties is one of the most stressful in a person's life. Maybe your daughter needs her belief in God at this point; I personally would not attempt to dissuade her from it. You can discuss your personal beliefs with her, but ultimately this is about HER beliefs, HER spiritual needs. How can you help her?

Additionally, of all the things a teen can be pursuing or interested in at her age I would personally feel it an expression of a good upbringing, a wholesome character, to see her seeking a spiritual path. I feel there is a larger societal problem at play in many homes, a neglect, if you will, of a human's innate need for connectness, community, understanding of oneself; experiences that can be present in some churches. At church you can hopefully find positive social experiences, a place that fosters love of neighbor, and righteousness.

That's my two cents anyway.

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You have to fix your mistake, I believe.

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Rough one

bobwjr Level 10 July 23, 2019
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