Shocked at stepson's lack of faith

[RobinB]

This is awful. My 23 year old stepson just shared with us that he has a blog for his music--which is fine, and although he lists way too much personal info it's not too bad.

Until you get to the personal stats and he lists his religion as "atheist." :faint

I can't believe it! We raised him to believe in God. Now, we didn't encourage the close relationship we now have with Him because my dh and I weren't there yet, and I regret that, but we certainly taught him there was a God at the very least!!!

His birth mother was very devout and would be horrified as well.

Thanks for listening. I know there's not much I can do but pray.

[RobinB]

Does anyone have the link to the recent thread on the school that banned student blogs? It talked about how dangerous it is to post personal info on the 'net and I can't find it.

:(:

[Paul]

:hug

Is this the story you're thinking of?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9830949/

[peoplz266]

I'm so sorry, I'm praying for him. :(:

[ImForgiven]

Just said a prayer for him, RobinB!

:pray

[cinlynn]

:hug Praying for your stepson Robin. :pray

[Franklin]

twenty-three years old? Atheist? I wouldn't beat yourself up too much about his apparent lack of faith or that you failed in raising him to be the man you wanted him to be. He's 23 and probably looking for meaning in his life. In all liklihood, you've probably planted the seed.

In fact, this might be a good opportunity to challenge him in his faith with responsible and fun debate. If you get some time, strike up the conversation and try to find out why he believes exactly what he believes. Chances are, he doesn't even know why he's an atheist. He'll probably answer with the typical responses that there is no tangible evidence for God or maybe emphasize that God has done nothing in his life etc. Again, this is a good discussion to get all the facts out on the table.

In response, you can lay out why you believe what you beleive. Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Why do I believe in Christ?" Obviously you do believe and I'm sure have sufficient reason or evidence, but maybe by working through the question, you can come up with a means to express it that will be more convicning for your step son.

There's all kinds of good "media" out there (books, videos, etc). Even a video of childbirth might set a good foundation for such a discussion. Obviously the miracle of birth should give most people reason to at least think about the possibility that God exists. You might even try to investigagte a few prophecies that are slam dunk evidence. The reunifiction of Israel...Daniel's 70 weeks, The vision of a statue in Daniel. The list goes on and on.

By the way, if there is no GOd...where does love come from? Obviously an atheist is partial to evolution, so did LOVE evolve? What about art, did that evolve too? Am I to believe that a mother's protective instinct for her young just evolved? Oh,,,,and one of the best. Why do I laugh hysterically at something funny? Surely that's a gift!!!

In regards to prayer, don't fall under the misconception that prayer will suffice. If you're truly intent on bringing up these discussions and having an impact, you'll actually need to make yourself an "expert" on some key topics. Obviously you're going to be asked the question, "Why do you believe?" be ready with an answer that will make sense. If you stay with the "It's all about faith" mantra, I doubt it will do any good. Hence, you'll need to do your research etc beforehand.

One more thing, if you're fortunate enough to engage in the discussion, be sure to listen more than you talk and don't correct him for what he believes (or doesn't believe). Let him know you respect his belief and say things like "AHhh that's a good point."

I used to teach high school Bible to juniors and seniors and found that best way to "spread the truth" was by getting the students to qualify what they believe. Probably nine times out of ten they only believed what they had heard from parents, friends, or associations. But when they investigated for themselves why they believe (that is, when I was able to get their interest in examining their own lives), it was hook line and sinker. Obviously the truth is hard to deny when one has an open mind.

Keep us posted

[walkbyfaith]

Great input, Franklin! :thumb

First, Robin, a big :hug to you. And second, God has just given you a new mission field, sweetie, one that will grow you and stretch you and bring you to greater knowledge and wisdom. :nod I would do what Franklin suggested, exploring inside yourself why you believe what you believe. Study and grow, but especially pray for our Lord's guidance and direction. And allow your step-son to see the Christ that resides within you without any thought to what he thinks.

When the boss' daughter (whom I love very much) said that she didn't believe in that "Jesus garbage", it felt as if I had been stabbed in the chest with a knife. But, God had given me a great tool, the knowledge of how to pray for her. He has also given me opportunities to live my faith walk in front of her, and now that the office is gone and we have moved on, He has given me a friendship with her. I know He will give me opportunities to share why I believe what I believe. And it will be the same with you. Let your step-son see that you are unafraid to walk the walk, encourage him to be your friend, show interest in what he has to say, and as your relationship grows, the Lord WILL give you the opportunities to share Whose you are and why you are His.

Even with the difficult circumstances, sweetie, I am excited for you, for the growth and opportunities our Lord is blessing you with! :hug :kiss

[RobinB]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the feedback. Last night I was just in shock, I think. Franklin, Barb, very good points. I can't get him to read "Left Behind" so the next time he comes to dinner we can just talk. I know I can't attack the way he's thinking so I will have to be prepared. I also know he's very young and will most likely change over the years--but I want him to know what could happen if something should happen to him and he's not ready. :(:


THanks for the link, Paul, that's the one I was looking for.:):


:hug

[lbevis]

This is awful. My 23 year old stepson just shared with us that he has a blog for his music--which is fine, and although he lists way too much personal info it's not too bad.

Until you get to the personal stats and he lists his religion as "atheist." :faint

I can't believe it! We raised him to believe in God. Now, we didn't encourage the close relationship we now have with Him because my dh and I weren't there yet, and I regret that, but we certainly taught him there was a God at the very least!!!

His birth mother was very devout and would be horrified as well.

Thanks for listening. I know there's not much I can do but pray.

Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

joining in prayer, Sister :hug