For the first 16 years of my life, my parents would force me to go to catholic mass and a Sunday school every week. The more I was forced to go, the less and less I stopped believing. As I reached age 14 and beyond, I started questioning everything about God and creation but I just couldn't let myself believe the stories. I think because my parents forced me to go led to my curious questions. My parents continue to go to this day, along with my 9 year old sister, and I cannot allow myself to attend for reasons I don't want to offend anyone. So my question is, is it right to force your child to go to mass with you? I know every family is different, but shouldn't there be a time in some childrens life where the parent realizes their child isn't showing an interest and just let's it go for the child to develop and grow into their own individual uniqueness?

Although, I am grateful because I am actively pursuing an astrophysics degree and I thank my parents for making me attend church every week.

This post was edited by jimtheflow on Jul 27 2014 06:44pm

Advise yes, never forcing.
Parents have a key role in the moral development of their children.
is the parents' responsibility to advise and direct the best way for their children to have unblemished moral conduct.

Your parents are doing what they believe to be in your best interest. They probably believe in God, and the other figures often made the object of faith. It could be considered about a lot of things like salvation or about morality.

Some might be consider it wrong to indoctrinate children, and to subject them to the faith. Some will think that is appropriate, as they are living a God-centered life.

You can talk to your parents.

You will reach an age where you can make a choice.

It's the duty of the Christian parent to do everything they can to encourage their children to have faith. We force our kids to do a lot of things.

in my opinion, The Church vs Faith are 2 different things.

You shouldn't be going to Church because you are forced to. You should be going to Church because you WANT to.

One of the 10 Commandments is to honour thy Mother and Father. So if they want you to go to Church then you should.

So are you telling him that he should not be forced to go or are you telling him he is obligated to go because it's what his parents want?
You're telling him two different things

I remember the final straw for me. When I was 16 my mom took me to my first confession (face to face) and I was assured by my mom and the priest that its all confidential. Surely enough, I told the priest all the sinful acts I've done in the past few months and the next day my mom started bringing up everything I told the priest. Coincidence? I was in trouble for a few weeks. I had then lost all trust for the church.

Both are true. You should indeed honour thy Mother and Father. Jesus himself did that with his physical parents.

However, you shouldn't be going to Church just because your Mother and Father want you to. You should be going to Church to praise The LORD because you want to.



Is it the Church or is it your Mother?