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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Dealing with loved ones	John A	Thursday, September 25, 2008
Question: I am in a situation where I am going to tell my Catholic mom (a questioning but firm Catholic) and nondenominational Dad (strict solo scriptural guy but is more sermon on the mount than anything else) that I am no longer Christian. I could not stand Church when I was younger because it seemed like there was more hate than love in it. Since that time I have traveled a lot and found Buddhism. Now long story short My Buddhism has allowed me to see Christianity in a new light, as a religion about unconditional love and sacrifice. But I can never go back being one, even as a Christian I could never see Jesus as my sole savior. I would just be watering down its teachings. So I am not sure how to go about telling them there son is going to hell? I can't seem to think of a good way to tell them all of this. Any suggestions?
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear John: Well John I am sorry that you saw the Church in such a negative way that lead you elsewhere. I praise God, however, that now, in your Buddhism, you have come to see Christianity more accurately. As a Christian I pray that you return to Christianity someday, but I have respect for you that you are not returning to Christianity fraudulently. You cannot come back to Christianity for your parents. You are correct that you should not return to Christianity unless you are truly convinced that you should. The Catholic Church teaches that we all have an obligation to follow our conscience. But, John, do not condemn yourself to hell. It is just as wrong to presume hell as it is to presume heaven. God knows your heart and He will judge you according to your heart. I will say that you "risk" losing your soul by leaving Christianity and going to Buddhism, but I cannot say you are going to hell, and neither can you. What you need to do is to inform your parents of your decision to be Buddhist. Be honest, but do not put down their faith. Rather, talk about what you see in Buddhism that fulfills you. If they argue that such and such can be found in Christianity, you can respond with something like, "I understand, but that does not work for me". The point is to explain your decision without putting down their faith and to try to avoid argument. I will pray, however, that you will someday find that Jesus was who He said He was and that you come to a saving faith in Him. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Dealing with loved ones

John A

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Question:

I am in a situation where I am going to tell my Catholic mom (a questioning but firm Catholic) and nondenominational Dad (strict solo scriptural guy but is more sermon on the mount than anything else) that I am no longer Christian.

I could not stand Church when I was younger because it seemed like there was more hate than love in it. Since that time I have traveled a lot and found Buddhism.

Now long story short My Buddhism has allowed me to see Christianity in a new light, as a religion about unconditional love and sacrifice. But I can never go back being one, even as a Christian I could never see Jesus as my sole savior. I would just be watering down its teachings.

So I am not sure how to go about telling them there son is going to hell? I can't seem to think of a good way to tell them all of this. Any suggestions?

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear John:

Well John I am sorry that you saw the Church in such a negative way that lead you elsewhere. I praise God, however, that now, in your Buddhism, you have come to see Christianity more accurately.

As a Christian I pray that you return to Christianity someday, but I have respect for you that you are not returning to Christianity fraudulently. You cannot come back to Christianity for your parents. You are correct that you should not return to Christianity unless you are truly convinced that you should. The Catholic Church teaches that we all have an obligation to follow our conscience.

But, John, do not condemn yourself to hell. It is just as wrong to presume hell as it is to presume heaven.

God knows your heart and He will judge you according to your heart. I will say that you "risk" losing your soul by leaving Christianity and going to Buddhism, but I cannot say you are going to hell, and neither can you.

What you need to do is to inform your parents of your decision to be Buddhist. Be honest, but do not put down their faith. Rather, talk about what you see in Buddhism that fulfills you. If they argue that such and such can be found in Christianity, you can respond with something like, "I understand, but that does not work for me". The point is to explain your decision without putting down their faith and to try to avoid argument.

I will pray, however, that you will someday find that Jesus was who He said He was and that you come to a saving faith in Him.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.