One of my son's friends revealed that he no longer believes in God. His parents told him that while he lives under their roof, belief in God is not optional.
That story reminded me of the time that my Jr Hi age daughter anounced, at the dinner table, that she believed in astrology and regularly read her horoscope. Being a Fundamentalist (as your son's friend's parents may be) I overreacted and pushed my girl away. I have spent the last several years repairing the damage resultant from my legalistic theology. My 22 year old daughter now asks me questions about things like tatoos and body piercing. Her wiser dad no longer speaks in the absolute when he answers and always tries to communicate his deep belief in his daughter and trust in her decisions. Hard for me to believe some times.
I just have to shake my head and laugh at that line, Julie. Whatever it is the parents are trying to impose on their children, it certainly isn't faith!
Instead of embracing their son and his whole being- they have rationalized a complete new being, in their image....and I'm sure that when they lay their heads down on their pillows at night- all is right with their world.
Our children are only on loan to us for a very short period.
I have to agree with Bob, Dave, and Isaiah here -- and can only add that not only are they imposing their own will and belief system on their child, but they are robbing him of the ability to experience the same angst and doubts that every teenager experiences, and the survival/overcoming of which adds to the growth of their character and belief system.
I had my doubts, but Mom and Dad certainly didn't say, "Believe or else." Do the parents not realize that even God doesn't require that people believe in Him? Free will doesn't seem to be very present in that home....
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That story reminded me of the time that my Jr Hi age daughter anounced, at the dinner table, that she believed in astrology and regularly read her horoscope. Being a Fundamentalist (as your son's friend's parents may be) I overreacted and pushed my girl away. I have spent the last several years repairing the damage resultant from my legalistic theology. My 22 year old daughter now asks me questions about things like tatoos and body piercing. Her wiser dad no longer speaks in the absolute when he answers and always tries to communicate his deep belief in his daughter and trust in her decisions. Hard for me to believe some times.
I just have to shake my head and laugh at that line, Julie. Whatever it is the parents are trying to impose on their children, it certainly isn't faith!
Well there you have it! Simple as that.
Instead of embracing their son and his whole being- they have rationalized a complete new being, in their image....and I'm sure that when they lay their heads down on their pillows at night- all is right with their world.
Our children are only on loan to us for a very short period.
Isaiah, I love your blog! I had not seen it before. I'm going to add you to my blog roll. Welcome. :)
Julie
P.S. I know you've commented before and forgive me for not saying hi sooner.
I have to agree with Bob, Dave, and Isaiah here -- and can only add that not only are they imposing their own will and belief system on their child, but they are robbing him of the ability to experience the same angst and doubts that every teenager experiences, and the survival/overcoming of which adds to the growth of their character and belief system.
I had my doubts, but Mom and Dad certainly didn't say, "Believe or else." Do the parents not realize that even God doesn't require that people believe in Him? Free will doesn't seem to be very present in that home....
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