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Mommy, Can I become a Christian?

lboy8003's picture
Christian lboy8003 - Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 11:40am

Believe it or not... my answer was No.

To expand... Ricky was showing a medal (plastic) that he got a Sunday school years ago saying he got it when he became a Christian (he didn't, he just doesn't remember when he got it)... so Katie replies, "ooooo, Mommy, can I become a Christian today?" Katie has been asking this question often, but it seems to always correlate with wanting to receive a lesser consequence for a bad choice made, or that she thinks she can get something cool for doing it (ie. our approval and attention or things like necklaces, ect).

Anyway... we have discussed here kids getting saved at early ages for various reasons (VBS, a parent's overzealousness, etc). I wonder how many people other than dh and I would actually tell a child they are not ready to make that decision yet? Have you told your own children to wait on making decisions dealing with religion? What are some reasons you would have to have them wait? With Katie it's simply that she is not emotionally mature enough right now... when her emotional maturity catches up to her chronological age then she may be ready to make such a serious decision. And the simple fact is that God knows her heart and will know when she truly believes. Ricky was probably "saved" long before we recognized him as being ready. As their parents though we have to be sure before letting our children go ahead with things like being baptised and receiving communion (neither of which have anything to do with her salvation).

I'm not sure where this topic will go, but it's what I've been thinking about a lot lately and thought it mught be an interesting topic.

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IntricateGirl's picture

Well, I personally wouldn't

IntricateGirl; Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 11:48am

Well, I personally wouldn't say they "couldn't" become a Christian. But I would probably tell them it isn't up to me, and then ask why they want to be.

The reason I would ask is because I want to know what is inspiring her to make this change. For example, with your daughter, she may want a medal. Or she may just feel left out. If you talk to her and she seems genuine, and it fits with what your family believes, then I would encourage you to not dissuade her. If it's some reason that doesn't really have anything to do with becoming a Christian, tell her as much. For example, with the medal, I would tell my kids, "You don't need to become a Christian just to get a medal, sweetie. If you want something to wear, we can pick up a nice necklace the next time we are at the store." If it's being included in what she views as an elite group that includes her whole family, I would say, "Someday you will decide what you think is right, but you don't need to make that decision today. You're still an important part of our family." If it is something about her friends going, I would tell her, "You can go to church with your friends, but that isn't what we believe makes you a Christian." Then you get to talk with her about your family's spirituality.

But if you want to be like them, you'll have to emulate. -Ayria

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BohemianBabe's picture

I like that... Letting you

BohemianBabe; Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - 3:59am

I like that... Letting you child know it's ok if it's what they believe but they need to be at a piont where they can make that choice.I wouldn't say "no", but I would teach them more about the faith and explain the difference of choosing what you believe vs getting "fun stuff" for pretending.

So many families are so set on their children believing exactly what they believe.

I, too, believe it is a choice each person must make for themselves. They will change beliefs untill they find what suits them best.

As for my own children, I am teaching them about many religions, though I myself am not really "religious", but spiritual. I have explained to them what I and other "parent types" believe, what grandparents believe (Catholic, Born-Again Christain and Wicca), and some about what some extended family believes (Jewish). I want my girls to be well informed, so that when they feel they are ready, they can make a choice that suits them best and fills their heart with joy.

Viva La Vie Boheme!
Blogging about Bohemian Living

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