Conservative Christians...What would you do if? (tradition, elders, choice)

Bishka · #1 06-12-2007, 02:30 PM

Your child decided to become a Mormon?

Your child decided declared their love for someone of their own sex and declared themselves GBLT?

Your child decided God did not exist?

Wanted to get married to a Mormon?

Wanted to become a Hindu?

Wanted to become a Muslim?

In your household what is something that you would kick your children out for? Would you ever kick out your children?

Victor · #2 06-12-2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Your child decided to become a Mormon?

Your child decided declared their love for someone of their own sex and declared themselves GBLT?

Your child decided God did not exist?

Wanted to get married to a Mormon?

Wanted to become a Hindu?

Wanted to become a Muslim?

In your household what is something that you would kick your children out for? Would you ever kick out your children?

Disagree with them and love them. Nothing else I can do. I had 18 years to impact their lives. If I didn't make an impression then, all I can do is love them and hope for the best.

Although, it would make for good dinner conversations.

Bishka · #3 06-12-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor

Disagree with them and love them. Nothing else I can do. I had 18 years to impact their lives. If I didn't make an impression then, all I can do is love them and hope for the best.

Although, it would make for good dinner conversations.

That's what I was hoping that most of the conservative Christians on the board would say; but we'll see where it goes from here.

ChristineES · #4 06-12-2007, 04:38 PM

No, I wouldn't throw them out. I do hope my children retain the values I teach them. I also hope they can think for themselves.

FerventGodSeeker · #5 06-12-2007, 04:51 PM

[quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Your child decided to become a Mormon?

Your child decided declared their love for someone of their own sex and declared themselves GBLT?

Your child decided God did not exist?

Wanted to get married to a Mormon?

Wanted to become a Hindu?

Wanted to become a Muslim?

I would ask them Why, first of all. I would try to probe a bit into their reasoning for making such decisions, attempt to reason with them and explain to them that they're making a poor choice, and try to explain why.

Quote:

In your household what is something that you would kick your children out for?

I think it would depend on the situation, but probably not. If one of these things happened it would be my guess that there are some underlying issues involved that go deeper than simply a theological dissatisfaction with Christianity, which I would immediately seek out and attempt to resolve. I would of course regularly pray for my child as well.

Also, obviously this would depend heavily on the child's age...if they actually were still a minor, I wouldn't force them to leave unless they were a danger to themselves or the rest of the family, and I would ensure that they had the treatment that they needed and visit them regularly until they were prepared to peacefully move back in. Also, if my child was a teen at the time it would be quite possible that they are simply "going through a phase," the rebellious teen years, where children do things simply because they know their parents disapprove, they want to test the waters beyond what they've been taught, they want attention, etc.

Quote:

Would you ever kick out your children?

If I had to, but I would do everything possible to avoid it.

Special Revelation · #6 06-12-2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Your child decided to become a Mormon?

I would call a meeting with the church elders and have a secret trial. If my son was deemed a heretic by the church elders, I would burn my child at the stake for being a heretic. You know, American conservative Christianity is rooted in the Calvinist Puritan tradition. I'm just kidding Becky. I guy named *Saul* inspired me to say it.

mrsk · #7 06-12-2007, 06:34 PM

I agree w/Victor. I would disagree and love them, and have some interesting conversations!
I would (and did) throw a child out. It broke my heart but her actions and attitude were effecting her siblings. She straightened up and came home quickly when she knew I was serious!

Reverend Rick · #8 06-12-2007, 06:42 PM

The love a parent has for their child should be unconditional.

Children should respect their parents as well.

If they are grown up and on their own, they can make their own decisions.

If they choose another religion, that is their right and should be tolerated.

As far as sexual preference goes, I fail to see how a parent has any control over that as well, but while they live under their parents roof, sexual partners of any sexual preference do not have free reign in the parents home.

Just because a child is of legal age, does not entitle them to make the rules in their parents home. If they live under their roof, they must abide by whatever rules are applied. If they are under age, they have no choice but to comply with the rules.

No parent should kick their child out of the house.

James the Persian · #9 06-13-2007, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor

Disagree with them and love them. Nothing else I can do. I had 18 years to impact their lives. If I didn't make an impression then, all I can do is love them and hope for the best.

Although, it would make for good dinner conversations.

I agree. I'd be very disappointed, but I can't imagine anything making me disown my kids. I'd never stop praying for them to return to the Church, though (all of those things being things that would require their leaving). To be honest, the one I'd find most difficult and most disappointing would be the conversion to Islam - that would seem like a betrayal of their forebears as well as an apostacy. Not sure I'd even be able to talk to them calmly about that.

James