So as of a few days ago I had a conversation with Ashley and somehow the topic of religion came up. As it progressed she said that she doesn't see why there is a reason to choose any one set religion and asked if it was even important. As I was talking I came to the conclusion that I might need dad's help on it so I asked him to come and joint the conversation. He was asking her questions back and then the dilemma came out. Ashley said that she does not even believe in God. I am not sure what to think or do with this situation. I feel that it is totally up to each individual to believe what they see fit for themselves and to choose whatever religion that they want but to hear that she does not even believe in God caught me off guard. All this time she would say different things that she believed in and now she is saying that she only said that she believed in those things to get people to stop talking to her. She only thinks about religion when someone is talking about it otherwise, she doesn't think about it or care about it. She thinks that when you die your body just rots (her words.) She said that it is not an important thing for her to have beliefs in things and now she feels that it is just brought up to her all the time. She thinks that since she has gone through life thus far without the belief, why should she start to believe anything now.
I have suggested that we have scripture study and family prayer and she said to let her think about it and then never does, do I force her to do these things with me or just continue to bring it up every few days?
What my question's are to anyone that would like to maybe help in this situation is do I continue to talk to her about religion? Stop bringing it up at all? She says prayer at dinner time, should we still ask her to do that if she doesn't believe that she is talking to anyone?
So if anyone has any advice for me to help with this situation, please give it to me.
3 comments:
Hmmm...that is a tough one. I think if it were me in the situation I would continue to let her pray if she's willing. (And pray for her every day). And as far as how often to bring it up, maybe just for awhile let your example and experiences do the talking. You might mention something that you've learned or something that has touched you without putting pressure on her to believe everything. She's young and I'm guessing that at some point in her life she will be faced with something that really gets her wondering about God's existence and at that point all the things you've taught her can come into play as she searches for her own answers. I don't know if that helps or not but you are right that you can't force her to believe. Just live your beliefs and hopefully that can speak volumes to her and eventually help her come to her own understanding.
I agree with Amy. You can continue to let her pray at dinner etc, but I wouldn't force her to pray or read scriptures with you if she is not wanting to. I think that would just push her in the other direction. I think what Amy said about her wanting to know more at some point and you just have to let her get there. I obviously don't know a lot about her past, but from what I do know, I would guess that may have some influence on what she believes or in this case doesn't believe.
I agree. Definitely don't force the issue...considering her past I'm not surprised she doesn't believe right now.
But, since she is a member of your household, I would expect her to pray when it's her turn and attend church and church activities. (I certainly plan to make my kids go whether they want to or not as teens). Beyond that, I wouldn't force it much.
However, some of the most spiritual experiences you can have as a teen are in activities such as Especially for Youth (I would definitely look into that for next summer if I were you), girls camp, and youth conference. If she is in any way willing to go to these just as a social event, I wouldn't be surprised if eventually she starts feeling the spirit. Also, Adrian can share his testimony and conversion with her. You can share your testimony about the Plan of Salvation and your knowledge of where Kayleigh is right now.
Above all, let her know that we all love her regardless of what she chooses to believe.
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