Originally Posted by jmp
Wow, I'm sorry to hear this. What is the reason for this? Is it because of slight theological differences that your child and spouse take very seriously? If so, then I would probably respect their request and try to work things out with them. On the other hand, is it because your child and spouse have given up the faith altogether (say, by becoming a mormon, atheist, or secularist)?

They have been atheists for several years, but were much more tolerant before.

Originally Posted by jmp
If so, then I would probably talk to your child (and spouse) a bit more. Think of something that might convince them to change their minds. For instance, they might find it persuasive if you tell them that the world won't unanimously agree with them, and their children are going to have to learn to be confronted with new and unfamiliar ideas.

They are aware that the children will run into ideas, but they don't want them to be educated in Christianity while they are young.

Originally Posted by jmp
Or, you could simply suggest that different people believe different things, and that you believe that Christ is so important that you simply must talk about him with those whom you love.

I basically said this to them right after I posted here. Right now there is so much misunderstanding that communication has practically shut down.


Originally Posted by jmp
Etc. In the end, if they are so hostile to the faith that they effectively want you to pretend to be a secularist/atheist when around their children (even after talking this out with them), then you would need to become very creative in how you make an impression on your grandchildren while making sure that you don't cater (in the least) to their atheistical requests.

I appreciate this so much because I was really in tears over this. And this is what I need...some practical advice.

Originally Posted by jmp
I don't know, though. I'll be sure to pray for you in this situation.

Yours,
John

I always appreciate prayer. Every Bible, book, or anything else that has to do with Christianity that we have given the grandchildren has disappeared from the home. The children have said, "I can't find my Bible."