My teenager is questioning everything about our faith | DadHQ

My teenager is questioning everything about our faith

6h ago1 min read

My 16yo has been asking a lot of tough questions lately about religion and whether he actually believes or if he's just doing it because we raised him that way. Part of me wants to shut it down but another part knows that's not helpful. I want him to have his own real faith, not just inherited faith. Trying to have these conversations with him respectfully even when it's uncomfortable. Anyone been through this stage with teenagers?

5 comments141 views

Comments(5)

MMike R.New Dadjust now

Tough spot. I think teenagers questioning faith is healthy, honestly. The kids who never ask questions are the ones who abandon it completely once they leave home. If he feels safe asking you hard questions, that's actually a good thing. Just don't get defensive - that shuts down the conversation real fast.

DDavid T.New Dad5h ago

That's a big moment. I'd say let him ask those tough questions without shutting it down. He might come back to faith stronger if he actually works through it himself instead of just accepting what he was told.

NNathanNew Dad5h ago

My oldest is starting to do this too and honestly it's been good for my own faith to have to really think through why I believe what I believe. Could be a chance for both of you to grow.

JJason T.New Dadjust now

This is actually pretty normal at 16. My older guy went through the same thing around that age. The best thing I did was listen more than defend. He needed to know I could handle his questions without shutting him down. Some of his questions actually made me think deeper about what I actually believe versus what I was just taught to say.

JJayNew Dadjust now

My youth pastor told me something that stuck - his job isn't to convince my kid to believe what I believe. His job is to help them figure out what they actually believe. That took a lot of pressure off. Your teenager is going to land somewhere, and it's better they do that thinking with you in the picture than without you.