Child having a different faith or denomination than both parents

[Anonymous]

I don't see anything wrong with letting her explore. Ideally she could go somewhere pretty tolerant and where she knows other people. My friend started going to church with her friend as a kid--her own parents were pretty nonobservant--and really enjoyed it...so much so that her parents started going along and became religious as well. Not saying that will happen to you but it could.

To the people saying she's too young to make this choice, in some ways it's better than her going just because her parents do. And in both situations she could change religions or stop doing religion at all as an adult--or sooner, if she likes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At age 9 I would not allow any major religious shifts.

Most kids are indoctrinated as infants into their parents' religion. They may or may not believe in it, but they observe. Then they do whatever they want when they grow up.

[Anonymous]

Can she try out a different congregation with a friend (whose family you trust )?

[Anonymous]

My parents are Catholic and Protestant. I went to both churches. Most of my friends growing up were Jewish. I loved going to synagogue with them. I eventually married a Jewish man and converted. I absolutely knew at age 9 which religion i preferred.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents are Catholic and Protestant. I went to both churches. Most of my friends growing up were Jewish. I loved going to synagogue with them. I eventually married a Jewish man and converted. I absolutely knew at age 9 which religion i preferred.

Some people do. Also, some people at age 9 know exactly what occupation they want to pursue Others change their minds along the way.

Whatever, it's good to have the flexibility and not be forced by parents into a lifelong religion or career choice. Ultimately, it won't work. Kids grow up and do what they want, sometimes following the parental lead and other times not.

[Anonymous]

Op here. It’s been an evolving subject with her. Last year she first mentioned wanting to be baptized and I kind of brushed it as being a mention by friends but she’s brought it up again so I believe it’s something she has taken to on her own.

Is there a good website that separates or breaks down the main belief differences?

Ive seen a few but no standouts.

Thank you all for your advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. It’s been an evolving subject with her. Last year she first mentioned wanting to be baptized and I kind of brushed it as being a mention by friends but she’s brought it up again so I believe it’s something she has taken to on her own.

Is there a good website that separates or breaks down the main belief differences?

Ive seen a few but no standouts.

Thank you all for your advice.

Maybe ask your daughter what she believes in and how she decided that she wanted to be baptized. and what she means by baptized -- assuming she's thought about it -- that are different kinds for different forms of Christianity.

[Anonymous]

Catholic Dad, Congregationalist Mom. I’m Unitarian.

[Anonymous]

Methodist here raised Baptist. Methodist will say hello to you in a liquor store, Baptist won’t.

[Anonymous]

She/you should go to different churches and see which one is the best fit. Churches can sway more/less liberal depending on the minister/location. And, there are splits within some religions - Lutheran, for example, split into a liberal side and a conservative side (leaning more toward Catholic). My Lutheran niece went to school and is now Methodist because that church was her best fit in her college town. Explore and worry less about the doctrine (which can be learned, and which is generally similar) and more about finding a church/structure/youth group where she feels welcomed and comfortable. From a formerly Catholic person married to a non-Christian person with kids baptized in a Protestant religion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At age 9 I would not allow any major religious shifts.

The world is different now. Children at age 3 can choose gender.

And babies in uterus apparently choose suicide quite frequently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Methodist here raised Baptist. Methodist will say hello to you in a liquor store, Baptist won’t.

From "A River Runs Through It":

"Methodists are just Baptists that can read."