When your kid questions everything you believe

Dec 17·1 min read

Our 15yo has started asking hard questions about faith and honestly some days I don't know how to answer without being defensive. He's not being rebellious, he genuinely wants to understand. I want him to have a real faith not just inherited religion. What do you do when your kid is smarter than you and won't accept surface level answers? Should I just point him toward mentors who know theology better?

6 comments313 views

Comments(6)

JJared C.RegularDec 17

My 16yo is doing the same thing and honestly it's made me reexamine what I actually believe versus what I was taught to believe. It's challenging but good.

RRyan G.RegularDec 17

The worst thing you can do is shut down the conversation. Keep the door open even when it's hard. Especially at that age they need to know you still care even if they don't believe exactly like you do.

DDale J.RegularDec 17

This is actually a beautiful stage even though it's uncomfortable. Your kid is thinking critically and that's the point of raising them right. You don't have to have all the answers.

RRay C.RegularDec 18

How old were you when you started questioning your own beliefs? Might help to share that journey with them.

MMarcus L.RegularDec 18

At 15 that's totally normal. I just tell my son when I don't know something and that it's okay to question stuff. Honesty goes further than pretending you have it all figured out.

OOscar D.RegularDec 20

Books like 'The Shack' or just listening to podcasts together can help open up those conversations without it feeling so confrontational.