A straying Christian?

Yes, if they going astray need to warn them but also be gentle..ie. Remind them thatvthey are a christian so should act like one. God will judge their hearts though, they need to get that right with Him.

Its called chastisement or admonishment. You can also exhhort or encourage when they doing something right.

Pray first and ask God to soften his heart. And also ask Him for the words to say to your dad. Sometimes men need to hear it from an elder or a friend not their own offspring.

I wouldn't say not wanting to read the scripture or going to church meant going astray.
That's like saying, I don't eat pizza everyday doesn't make me hater of pizza.

I don't read the scriptures everyday, because I believe it is God's will that he stopped me.
Every time it happens, I gain new insight as to what I read previously.

I admit that I don't read the scriptures everyday or go to church often.
But deep down I keep Jesus's in my heart and my mind.
Not only that, I follow Jesus's example rejecting all temptations, fasting, helping, etc.

It is better to DO the part than BE a part.

Start by asking him why he is angry and vulgar which is the root of the problem.
Be around him and show him YOUR example and don't bombard him or question his faith.

Pray that he will return and slowly open his heart up.

God Bless

The bible says that you should honor your father and mother so that it may go well for you (the first/only commandment with a direct promise). There are no stipulations that you should only do so when they "behave". I understand your concern - I have similar concerns for my own father. But remember that you are in no position of authority over him. Which means you can't really tell him what he should do. You can pray for him. You can live out your own faith in front of him without passing judgment of his lack thereof. You can invite him to opportunities for faith building and make suggestions. But you can't preach to him.

I've been told by pastors that the hardest form of witnessing is witnessing to a parent.

Have you talked about this matter with your
dad's minister?
I mean, he did at some point in time go to
church...would that be correct?
You could talk about this matter with
your own minister and have him talk to your
dad....

Can you get in touch with the minister who married your mum and dad?

First and foremost, pray, pray and pray for him. I would ask him to bless the meal, it will help him get back into praying. You can also ask him to pray with you at night. Let him know, it would comfort you. You can also ask him to clarify Bible verses with you. Take things slowly. It isn't your job to condemn him. It is your duty to encourage him in Christ. Love him with the love of God. We all fall short, you, me and your father. Keep this in mind as you encourage him in Christ. My prayers are with you.

In Christ
Daniel

I would tell him that you respect him and love him but it appears to you that he has lost his desire to be close to God. I think if you do this in a loving way, it will benefit him. I wish someone had done this with me when I went astray.

Just ask your father about it if it bothers you so much. He may be your father but he's also a person and should be able to answer your question without any problem. He may be having a problem that you can help him with, but you'll never know if you don't ask.

Alan