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At home I asked religious questions and my parents answered them. We don't go to church as a family. It was my neighbor who felt the need (perhaps the duty) to take me to church. I feel that you need to use finesse if you want to bring someone over to your point of view, his parents seem to lack that quality.

Jumping to the negative conclusion first(it is often more entertaining):
The minor's parents probably feel that they would be failed Christians or failed parents if their child were not also a Christian.

The parents seem to realize that they can't keep their child away from the store, so they are making it your responsibility to keep him away. If you taught in a public place, like a park, would they have legal recourse? What are they charging you with anyway? It sounds like he is coming to you not the other way around.

eek blaugh Talk to his pastor! rofl Find out which church he goes to and bring the situation to the pastor's attention. I bet they haven't. twisted You obviously care about the boy and are concerned for his well being, as a member of the community should be. Point out that if his faith is strong he may just be looking for a way to connect with non Christians. Point out that his parents seem to doubt the strength of their son's faith, and feel the need to punish you for it. Point out that the more the parents try to control the son's religious life the more strongly he will rebel. Tell the pasture you came to him because they boy's parents are not likely to listen to you.
mrgreen mrgreen mrgreen

In the US it is the parents legal right to say what religion the child practices until that child is 18 and legally an adult. This persons mother is well within her rights and the law to bar her child from your institution until the child is 18 and no longer her legal responsibility.

I spent 2 years under 18 and almost 3 more before I moved out of my parents house behaving as if I followed their religion. I didn't believe in it but they did and felt that I needed to follow it as well. So I went through the motions. I still when I visit attend church with them and go through the motions. I do this in part out of respect for their beliefs and in part to keep peace. My mother is very vocal and will "raise cain" until you agree, on the surface, with her.

Legality aside, I believe no parent has a right to tell their child what religion is right or which to follow. I find that law to be completely bogus.

People find God the best on their own. The largest number of my friends that are either agnostic or atheist, have parents that are strictly religious. Forcing someone creates rebellion. It is just a simple fact. It doesn't matter how much moral merit an idea has- if you force it on someone, they will resist.

Religion exists outside of churches. Most of them are to save face and make people feel proud though, and not in a good way. Christianity exists outside the church walls, though some may not like to think that.

There are several faiths out there to be found. I would suggest your local bookstore's new age section, but it's no doubt saturated by Wiccan books to make a few bucks, or some other love and light nonsense.

yes religious chocies i am very much for that, i believe that our parents should not havce control over our religion.i am in the process of converting my religion from catholic to wicca but am haveing trouble trying to do so because my parents are so controling.we should have the choice of our religion for it is only fair considering that we are our own person therefore should be in control of our own beliefs.