Interesting thread!

I have a question which relates to a point that BW made - that in some faiths the prospect of salvation is intrinsically linked to the following of one's faith (I hope my understanding of this is right, but my understanding is that in Christian faiths one cannot attain salvation without knowing Jesus - is that correct?).

My question is, having raised your child according to your faith - what happens if they, of their own choice, decide to follow a different path, one without faith? A path that still follows the principles and morality that your faith teaches, the only difference being that they do not have faith. How do you reconcile this? Is it possible to reconcile your child's choice and be supportive of it whilst remaining true to one's own faith?

FWIW - I ask this question genuinely out of curiosity, it is not intended to challenge anyone's beliefs. The reason I ask is because I am atheist, whereas my family, particularly my grandparents, are staunch practising Christians. Despite their own strong personal faith and their adherence to the teachings of the Bible, they accept and respect my atheism without challenge, and I have often wondered how they are able to do this within the context of their teachings.
This is where I hoped the thread would go. I am a christian. If my child did not follow christian beliefs, then according to the bible, I would have to conclude that s/he is not saved. This would break my heart and cause much anguish! However, I am aware that I cannot force or cause my child's salvation, I can only share my faith with them and pray. Given this inability, I would love and cherish my child, and do whatever I could to keep them in my life, having them know they were loved, and hope that my life would eventually show them the truth and convert them. What else could I do? Failing to accept them and love them would probably push them further away from the religion I believe to be true, because I have been a bad witness. However, I would have to love and accept them, without accepting their beliefs.

I understand that this is different to the approach that Deb (FC) outlined she has for her children. (No judgement on you Deb, I just have a different opinion here ). I guess this means that at times, the house rules that I set down, and the behaviour that I accept, would clash with my daughters free will (if she chose not to follow my beliefs).

crying baby brb...