Being threatened

[elizabeth098]

My mum told me if I ever stepped into a church again she would throw me out of the house. In fact I'm afraid she would burn my bible and devotionals one day out of fury );
She is forcing me to study Buddhism now. I tried to explain that I can't because I don't believe in Buddhism. She didn't get it. In my opinion whatever it is we have to believe before we study the religion right?
I just don't get why it is always about family traditions. I even reassured them like a gazillion times, that I would still pay respects to my ancestors even if I'm a Christian - some don't agree I don't care.
To me Jesus is my saviour, God is my Father. It's not a religion, it's a relationship with God and Jesus Christ.
I actually told my mum this. She said this is crap. Maybe I'm overly attached to God.
In my CG, I'm the only one facing this problem. My friend could happily baptise whole I have to wait for all these to stop. Which I don't know when. I have to wait till my mum dies? This is ridiculous I don't want to disrespect/ disobey her till she dies.
Now who do I listen to? GOD, OR FAMILY? I'm really confused. I know I'm not the only one being persecuted.

 

[Christophercbm]

Now who do I listen to? GOD, OR FAMILY?

God!

Luke 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

I dont want you to get kicked out of your home though. I dont know how serious your mom is about those threats. Ultimately, you have to make the decision as to what to do.

 

[KWCrazy]

Matthew 10
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

The easy answer is that there is no easy answer. As a Christian, those who are not Christians will hate you. In the Middle East, Christians are being persecuted and murdered. Most of the disciples were murdered. Jesus was crucified. We live in a world dominated by evil, and though you love your mother as you must, her master is NOT the Lord.

You are commanded to respect your parents, but that doesn't mean denying your God for them. I don't know how old you are or when you would be able to move out on your own, but you have to abide by her wishes while under your roof. Obviously when the early Christians were in prison they could not go to church, but they could always pray.

Once you can establish your own residence, even if it's with one of your Christian friends, you do not have to abide by her commands. It is not dishonoring her to serve the Lord, even if she sees it differently. You can honor your ancestors without worshiping them. Bhuddism seems to be a peaceful, tranquil religion, but it's a false religion nonetheless. All false religions lead untimately to destruction.

Your mother will never listen to you because she bore you. In her eyes, how can you ever know a truth that she does not? To win your mother to Jesus will most likely require the help of someone her age or older, who she respects and will listen to. Maybe your minister can speak with her and at least give you leave to pursue the truth as you know it on your own terms.

All things on earth are temporary. God's love is eternal.

 

[Brother Alan]

What a wealth of help you have already received. May I add more if that is possible.

The bible talks about winning them without a word (in this case it was unbelieving husbands -in this case it was unbelieving husbands but it must apply to other situations) live a life so well that you will impress your family.

Also, honour your father and mother - go along with them as far as you can but hold the love of Christ always in your heart.

You cannot fall out of the boat - even if you try it for yourself - The gift and calling of God is irrevocable -Rom 11:29

God totally understands if you get submerged by other things for a while but just as a cork will always pop to the surface - so will you in God - treat it as inevitable - which it is. There is even an example in the bible of a foreign king who because of duty -has to bow before an idol when he did- always honoured God in his heart(So he said). I don't totally commend this but it makes you think.

I hope the above helps -every Blessing

BA

 

[DVZ]

Did you ask your mother why she wants you to abandon Christ and embrace Buddhism? Why does she believe Christianity is "crap"? If you have calm, intellectual debate with her, you may be able to find flaws in her argument and articulate your point of view.

 

[suzeequeue]

i see that DVZ has given you very good advice... do try to talk rationally with your dear mom. pray about it. perhaps the Lord will reach her...

we are to obey our parents, unless what they ask of us goes against the Lord. this is a very fine line here in your situation. but many Christians have studied islam (and other religions as well) in an effort to better understand why some muslims do what they do, yet they have not abandoned Christ... they simply were learning about another religion, not embracing it. there is a difference. if that is possible for you, then i don't see anything wrong with obeying your mom in this regard.

i assume you live at home... if you are able to get out on your own, do so as soon as possible so you will be free to worship. pray for the Lord to make a way. carry your Bible with you so your mother cannot destroy it... read it every chance you get when you are away from your mom... do not show her how important it is to you if you truly think she will destroy it.

that being said, i think you should pray about this. pray for the Lord's protection if you study buddhism that you don't get some sort of ill effects from demons, etc., as there are demons attached to every 'religion.'

you are not being overly attached to the Lord, dear. that's not possible! love Him with all your being. that's what we're supposed to do. study the word every day and stay in prayer. much love to you and God's blessings.

p.s. as for being baptized, if i understood correctly, you have not been able to be baptized yet... if so, be sure you get baptized as soon as possible. it's so very important, sweetie. i am praying for you and your family.

 

[Sri]

you will never find freedom in buddhism or any other religion. you are only to obey your parents with certain things, not if they ask you to sin or serve other gods. god will provide somehow it is a journey but take the steps and seek direction. sometimes there are teen shelters provided by government to stay in if you are a teen to find some sort of living arrangement for you. if you live overseas maybe you can find a missionary online or something to live with or something.

 

[Gottservant]

Practicing Buddhism is not against Christianity, it is just not as "developed" as Christianity is

If I were you I would fight to be Christian, but if not, it is not a total loss

As someone else said, you can always pray; if your Mum starts to respond to your prayers, and she is Buddhist, it will not be long before she believes something

Have courage, your reward in Heaven does not change, whether you are forced to believe something else or not

 

[Autumnleaf]

You listen to God and family. Some say God speaks through people. Maybe even people who love you. Some people look for difference so they can say "I'm not like you." Other people look for similarities so they can say, "We have much in common." Its about perspective.