Is It Okay Or Even Expected of Parents To Force Children to go to Church?

Question

I'm 16, and my brother is 14. My parents force us to go to church and youth group. The more they force me to go, the less I want to be there. If I go to church, I'd like for it to be my decision. Plus, I've definitely gotten the vibe (especially from youth group) that I'm unwelcome and kind of an outcast. Plus, the people there are really standoffish. What should I do?

Answer

As long as you are under their roof it's their rules. I was made to go to church to. Now I'm older and I choose to go. I will make my child go to church too. 
They aren't being mean, they just want what's best for you.

Answer

When I was 16 my mom used to be like that and I hated to go to church, now that I'm 24 I'm so glad that I follow Jesus.. you might not see it right now because you want to party and some of your friends may make fun of you but over the years you will realized that following God is the best thing that happen to your life and you will see the difference in your between going and not going to church. Trust me.

Answer

I felt and still feel the exact same way about youth group. So cliquey and I just hate the kids. But I still go to church and just sit with my parents and I'm glad my parents force me to go because I probably won't go if they didn't and I think it's important to go to church to respect God

Answer

Your parents are probably making you go because they want what's best for you, even though they may not be right! Every Christian parent wants their children to have the protection and love of God, and some believe that the best way to protect their children is through church, although their passions in doing so may seem constricting. 
Establishing the acceptance or rejection of religion should be a personal, spiritual or unspiritual journey, and although your circumstances likely will not change until you're independent, I urge you not to let the negatives outside of your own control move you to a decision made by hard feelings alone. In time if you decide to walk away, then that's fine. If you stay, that's fine. If you find another church or spirituality that you feel called to, that's fine. Do what is right for you.
If you find that you do believe in God and want to better understand yourself and your beliefs, then this is my advice to you:
This is YOUR walk with God. Not anybody else's. The Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. But I believe that goes into more than just coming to church all the time. The modern church as I've come to learn of it has diluted away from its original purpose as a gathering place to give glory to God, and instead has degenerated into niches of cliques and gossip and prejudices. BUT there are churches out there that break from this mold, and hold to the ultimate purpose: praising God and seeking His presence. When you find your place whether it be in church or in faith alone, don't choose it for fellowship —although love the people God brings into your life for they shall be witnesses to you or you may be a witness to them— choose a church or place where you feel a connection to God and where your relationship with Him can grow. 
Also, not going to church and still being a Christian is alright, and going to church is alright too. I do believe that church does help one to stay on the straight and narrow. Being around fellow Christians can help us to see where we are making mistakes when we overlook our imperfections and help us to be the Christians we were called to be. But realistically, there's gonna be stuff you don't like in every church you find. Don't go looking for excuses to leave, because you'll always find them. Focus on the positive. Focus on God.
Don't let people or hatred hinder your walk with God.
Okay I'm done ranting, lol
I pray you find happiness, whatever your beliefs may be ☺️

Answer

Yes, you are living with your parents! You will be glad one day you went! 😇😇😇

Answer

This is America, where we have FREEDOM OF RELIGION. Parents should respect this and not force their kids into church, especially since most churches I've been to have really idiotic, discriminating beliefs that they are teaching, and we don't need that kind of negativity coming towards the children. Remember, these children are our future and we don't need ancient, immoral ideas in their heads.
And yes, I'm a Christian myself. But I'm not your traditional, conservative, dumb Christian. Let's just say I'm "unorthodox". And I would never force my kid to go to church or force Christianity on them (if I had one). In fact, as soon as I move out, I'm not going to church. I don't need to be surrounded by weirdos to worship God.

Answer

I feel like at your age you can make the decision of what you believe. I think an honest conversation with your parents about it could help. If they still insist you go then you don't have much of an option until you're independent from them. but they may respect your opinion about not wanting to go.

Answer

I think that once you reach a certain age you get to male your own choices but if you are a child still or a young teen I think its ok to force them to, but once you reach 15-16 you shoyld be able to male your own choices

Answer

I think it is fine. The bible says to train up a child in the way you want them to go and when they older tbey will not depart. One day your child will thank you for raising them up in the church. Some people do have negative church experiences, but there are alot of great churches out there!

Is It Okay Or Even Expected of Parents To Force Children to go to Church?

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