Can All Christians Learn to Turn it Off


It was refreshing to read the commentary of a father, a devout Mormon, whose three adult children have lost the faith. His instinct is to argue with them. But he says he does not.

One thing of the many things about our times different than those 50-75 years ago is the frequency of people switching branches of the faith or leaving all of the faith. It was always happening but today it is more common. Reading statistics about it is one thing, dealing with friends and family changing is something else.

My wife and I have two adult children. When they became young adults we discussed between us how we would react if either of them had a spouse with religious views than ours and our own child went in that direction. We both agreed we would not object. It didn't, or hasn't yet, happened so that has made it easy. Our extended family has seen a little of it without unresolvable problems. 

The Mormon link author points out a mistake many in his faith and those in other faiths make. It is to assume part of "good parenting" is having children who stay in the faith. By implication, bad parenting is children who leave the faith. He points out children grow up and make their own decisions and the decisions mostly have nothing to do with you. In fact, it is a notable accomplishment to have a good relationship when after they have left your faith. 

It has always seemed peculiar to me that so many Christians believe they are commanded in the Bible to bring up the faith and "sell it" to others around them. Keeping your religious views to yourself is a better way navigate relationships with those around you.  

   


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