Strange situation

[born2run]

I left a highly legalistic church about 4 years ago (can't believe it's been that long!) I've managed to start building a life free of that, and I'm very happy with the direction everything is headed.

I work infrequent weekends with an almost 16 year old young man that is still in this church. We've had discussions about where I came from, and I admit I kind of harrassed him for staying there. Tonight he called me and told me his dad is trying to get him to quit, because I "am a bad influence on him." While this makes me laugh, it irritates me a bit.

Think I should just keep my mouth shut around him? The kid is obviously not terribly happy there, and I genuinely feel sorry for him. It's hard for me not to comment! Thoughts???

 

[boilerblues]

I would say back off on criticism of the church, engourage him to grow in Grace. I have a number of friends who bash the catholic church. I have some major disagreements with some of their doctrines, but I've learned that when talking with someone who is Catholic that I can do a lot more to encourage them to grow in their faith if I don't bash the Catholic church. My hope is that as they grow in their faith they are naturally drawn away from there. I'll be honest about my thoughts, but I also try to be respectful. That's probably your best approach. Don't bash their church, but help him grow and the Lord will direct him where he needs to be.

 

[Kepa]

my advice runs along side boilerblues.
Don't bash his church, and especially don't harrass him! However, that doesn't mean if he asks you something you're not to give an honest answer. Also, make sure to give an answer supported by scripture.

 

[Silver Speak]

Let him make his own decisions. You can't change someone else's mind for them. Also, it's not very mature bashing the church, even if it wasn't right for you. You needn't keep your mouth shut, I think, but you need to find a better way to approach him on the matter. Why do you think so many different churches have terrible relations these days? It's because they keep bashing each other and pretty much telling the members of the other church that they'll end up in Hell. That's not the right way to discuss things, if you ask me. We are to treat everyone with much love and respect, even if we don't share their beliefs. Keep it cool

 

[Johnnz]

Don't attack the faith of a young Christian. You have placed him in a situation where he has his father, who probably is committed to that church, on his case, and you, who has attacked some apsects of his beliefs. Apologise. That may calm things down.

It's OK to share why you left, and where you are now, as that is less pressured and "judgemental".

John
NZ

 

[tamtam92]

You should be careful also that he's younger than you and thus probably less mature. I agree that you shouldn't bash his church, try to be constructive instead.

 

[SoulFly51]

Leave him alone unless the church he attends is leading him away from Jesus.

 

[born2run]

Leave him alone unless the church he attends is leading him away from Jesus.

It is, in my opinion. But how this really all came to a head was this. The boss bought us all rodeo tickets, including this guy. My boss is nice enough that he called his dad to make sure it was ok. Well the dad said 'no!" It disturbed this character greatly, because he really wants to go. I'm not sure if that's why he called me, or if it was for other reasons. He told me last night he wants to leave, and I told him he'd better make for certain that was what he wanted to do, because it has very long reaching effects.

I kid him...I don't directly tear him down. But even that probably wasn't in order considering the situation.

 

[SDA_ZA]

I kid him...I don't directly tear him down. But even that probably wasn't in order considering the situation.

the poor kid needs help and all you can do is kid him!! rather pray for the fellow and ask God to keep him close to Him. PLEASE, dont make the kid stray...

lands

 

[Kepa]

Just a thought... let's not go searching for the speck in our sister's eye while a plank is protruding from our own.

 

[born2run]

Just a thought... let's not go searching for the speck in our sister's eye while a plank is protruding from our own.

Thanks!

 

[Waylon]

Just a thought... let's not go searching for the speck in our sister's eye while a plank is protruding from our own.

oh snap! Amen!