Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 7/28/2011

Question
My parents are very abusive because they take the fourth commandment seriously. I read Harry Potter and Twilight, which caused them to hit me because we are Catholic and it's the book of the devil according to them. My dad erupts at me when I don't remember to greet him when he comes home from work, causing him to punch my face in front of my sister! I'm 17 and going to college soon. I really want to escape but am I sinning because I'm disobeying my parents? How can I escape my parents and go to college without them?

Answer
Hi Kari,

Thank you for this very personal question.  I am so sorry for what you are going through.  You need help.  If your parents are actually beating you, you should go to the authorities, not just for you, but for your younger sister.  Yes you should obey them... but God has made the government in order to protect you if you are in danger.

Romans 13:1–3 (AV)
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:


If you go to the right authorities (perhaps through a trusted teacher at school) they should get you to the right rescourses for college.

I hope that this helps you.

I will be praying for you your parents, and your sister.

In Christ
Pastor Don