Expert: Carl Fuglein - 11/1/2010

Question
All of my family is atheist so I feel I should too. I'm too young to take myself to church, so I feel by not going to church I'm disappointing God. My family took all of my Crosses and my Bible sense they don't believe like I do. I've been doubting so much that God even exists because why would he put me, such a strong believer, in with a family of such strong disbelievers. I don't want to disappoint my family, and I definitely don't want to disappoint my Lord, which I feel I've been doing alot of lately, and I feel like He's punishing me. What should I do?  

Answer
Ayren-

Unless you're 18, there's not a whole lot that you can do except for pray, and try to find Christian friends at school.  Is there an aunt or uncle or grandparent that you can appeal to?  If your parents go so far as to confiscate your Bible, there's not a thing you can do except respect their wishes (the Bible says you must honor them).  You can be the best child you can be - show them that you're responsible, do your chores, do everything they tell you, and gradually ask if you can have your Bible back.  Tell them that you DO honor them, and the Bible's commandments are the reason why.

I would also suggest that you talk to a counselor at school and see what they have to say and suggest.

Other than that, you're just going to have to wait until you're 18.

God is NOT punishing you. and keeping a strong faith will not disappoint Him.

Sorry, I'm probably not much help.

Blessings,

Carl