Honor thy mother and father question

[Str84ward]

More or less, what does it mean?

From a micromanagement standpoint, does it mean following my parent’ general orders to the letter of the law?

Or does this generally mean “giving honour” to my parents; for instance if one finished school with distinction, this will surely give honour to one’s parents. (Making them proud.)

If my dad told me not to do something, but I do it anyway, does this count as breaking this commandment?

Also, what is the acceptable age that one can be considered an adult to be able to make independent decisions?

 

[Bradski]

I think it would be better interpreted as ‘Give your parents the honour they deserve’.

And you can make decisions for yourself at a very early age. Parents are there to ensure those decisions do not cause harm. You could ask: ‘When can you act contrary to your parents wishes’, but again, you can do that from a very early age as well.

So I guess the question must be: ‘When is it justified to act contrary to your parents wishes’.

Tough call…

 

[pianistclare]

Dozens of threads on this just int he past year.
Use the search function fro more opinions than you probably want.

 

[jcrichton]

More or less, what does it mean?

From a micromanagement standpoint, does it mean following my parent’ general orders to the letter of the law?

Or does this generally mean “giving honour” to my parents; for instance if one finished school with distinction, this will surely give honour to one’s parents. (Making them proud.)

If my dad told me not to do something, but I do it anyway, does this count as breaking this commandment?

Also, what is the acceptable age that one can be considered an adult to be able to make independent decisions?

Hi!

…“honor” not in the sense that we use it in the present day English vernacular–to make proud (as in winning some scholarly/sports distinction or crediting the parents for any personal achievement/s).

…“honor” in the sense of respect and obedience–we used to have such thing in society… I remember as a child that the town’s drunk/hussy, etc. were people to be shun and not emulated because they were disrespecting themselves and dishonoring their parents… when a child would misbehave around the town all that an adult had to do was asked the child if their parents did not teach them to respect their elders–most times the child would self-correct; if the child was persistent in their misbehavior having a familiar warn him/her that they knew their mom or dad and that they would not approve of such behavior would quickly put a halt to the mischievousness.

…this is the type of honor that Scriptures speak about… a child must be obedient to his/her parents’ guidance even when the parent is not present. Clearly, we are speaking of model behavior of both parents and children… sadly, when we look at what is portrayed in movies and shows we can determine that that is not the Scriptural understanding of honor.

…as for age limit… well, there’s none!:

3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ 6 they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

(St. Matthew 15:3-6)
In this passage Jesus is scolding the practice that circumvented the Commandment as Jews would claim that the moneys they had with which to help their elderly parents had been put aside for the Temple; they sought to void their responsibility to their parents by claiming responsibility to the Temple–by “serving” God they “dishonored” their parents but claimed that they in deed upheld the law; basically double-speak and circumvention with a little “not my fault” to boot!

In effect, both God and the parents were not being honored!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[E_7]

More or less, what does it mean?

From a micromanagement standpoint, does it mean following my parent’ general orders to the letter of the law?

Or does this generally mean “giving honour” to my parents; for instance if one finished school with distinction, this will surely give honour to one’s parents. (Making them proud.)

If my dad told me not to do something, but I do it anyway, does this count as breaking this commandment?

Also, what is the acceptable age that one can be considered an adult to be able to make independent decisions?

It’s pretty clear in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2215 Respect for parents (filial piety) derives from gratitude toward those who, by the gift of life, their love and their work, have brought their children into the world and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom, and grace. "With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother. Remember that through your parents you were born; what can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?"19

2216 Filial respect is shown by true docility and obedience. "My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. . . . When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you."20 "A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke."21

2217 As long as a child lives at home with his parents, the child should obey his parents in all that they ask of him when it is for his good or that of the family. "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."22 Children should also obey the reasonable directions of their teachers and all to whom their parents have entrusted them. But if a child is convinced in conscience that it would be morally wrong to obey a particular order, he must not do so.

As they grow up, children should continue to respect their parents. They should anticipate their wishes, willingly seek their advice, and accept their just admonitions. **Obedience toward parents ceases with the emancipation of the children; not so respect, which is always owed to them. **This respect has its roots in the fear of God, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

2218 The fourth commandment reminds grown children of their responsibilities toward their parents. As much as they can, they must give them material and moral support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness, or distress. Jesus recalls this duty of gratitude.

**2230 When they become adults, children have the right and duty to choose their profession and state of life. **They should assume their new responsibilities within a trusting relationship with their parents, willingly asking and receiving their advice and counsel. Parents should be careful not to exert pressure on their children either in the choice of a profession or in that of a spouse. This necessary restraint does not prevent them - quite the contrary from giving their children judicious advice, particularly when they are planning to start a family.

From the legal point of view in the USA:

When the word emancipation is used in a legal context, it typically means that a minor child has been freed from the control of his or her parents. Before children reach the age of legal competence they are subject to the control and custody of their parents - parents even have a right to minors’ earnings. Emancipation before a child reaches the legal age of majority is most commonly achieved through a minor’s successful petition in the proper state court. However, in many states emancipation is not available through court petition, but only through automatic emancipation.

Automatic Emancipation

About half of the states do not provide a special court procedure for emancipation, so emancipation can only be achieved automatically, if a minor does one of the following:

• Gets married - Each state has a different minimum age before you are able to legally marry. To find the minimum legal age of marriage for your state, go to FindLaw’s State Marriage Age Requirements and select your state. You’ll find a chart showing all marriage age requirements for the state, and whether or not you’ll need parental consent to marry. Here are the marriage age requirements for Michigan and New York.
• Joins the Armed Forces - You must be 17 to join, and if you are below the age of 18 you need your parent’s permission
• Reaches the age of majority – The age of majority is 18 in most states, but varies. To find the age of majority in your state, go to FindLaw’s State Legal Ages Laws and select your state. For example, here are the legal age laws for Louisiana and Hawaii.
  Remember that even if your state does provide a court procedure for emancipation, you can still reach emancipation automatically through one of the above options.

States with Unique Regulations

In Alabama and Nebraska, the age of majority is 19. In Mississippi majority is reached at 21, but emancipation can be granted by court decree at any age. The state of Michigan allows for a temporary automatic emancipation when minors are in police custody and emergency medical care is required. The minors are considered emancipated and allowed to consent to such care. This emancipation ends when the medical care or treatment is completed.

 

[jcrichton]

It’s pretty clear in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2215 Respect for parents (filial piety) derives from gratitude toward those who, by the gift of life, their love and their work, have brought their children into the world and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom, and grace. "With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother. Remember that through your parents you were born; what can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?"19

2216 Filial respect is shown by true docility and obedience. "My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. . . . When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you."20 "A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke."21

2217 As long as a child lives at home with his parents, the child should obey his parents in all that they ask of him when it is for his good or that of the family. "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."22 Children should also obey the reasonable directions of their teachers and all to whom their parents have entrusted them. But if a child is convinced in conscience that it would be morally wrong to obey a particular order, he must not do so.

As they grow up, children should continue to respect their parents. They should anticipate their wishes, willingly seek their advice, and accept their just admonitions. **Obedience toward parents ceases with the emancipation of the children; not so respect, which is always owed to them. **This respect has its roots in the fear of God, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

2218 The fourth commandment reminds grown children of their responsibilities toward their parents. As much as they can, they must give them material and moral support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness, or distress. Jesus recalls this duty of gratitude.

**2230 When they become adults, children have the right and duty to choose their profession and state of life. **They should assume their new responsibilities within a trusting relationship with their parents, willingly asking and receiving their advice and counsel. Parents should be careful not to exert pressure on their children either in the choice of a profession or in that of a spouse. This necessary restraint does not prevent them - quite the contrary from giving their children judicious advice, particularly when they are planning to start a family.

From the legal point of view in the USA:

When the word emancipation is used in a legal context, it typically means that a minor child has been freed from the control of his or her parents. Before children reach the age of legal competence they are subject to the control and custody of their parents - parents even have a right to minors’ earnings. Emancipation before a child reaches the legal age of majority is most commonly achieved through a minor’s successful petition in the proper state court. However, in many states emancipation is not available through court petition, but only through automatic emancipation.

Automatic Emancipation

About half of the states do not provide a special court procedure for emancipation, so emancipation can only be achieved automatically, if a minor does one of the following:

• Gets married - Each state has a different minimum age before you are able to legally marry. To find the minimum legal age of marriage for your state, go to FindLaw’s State Marriage Age Requirements and select your state. You’ll find a chart showing all marriage age requirements for the state, and whether or not you’ll need parental consent to marry. Here are the marriage age requirements for Michigan and New York.
• Joins the Armed Forces - You must be 17 to join, and if you are below the age of 18 you need your parent’s permission
• Reaches the age of majority – The age of majority is 18 in most states, but varies. To find the age of majority in your state, go to FindLaw’s State Legal Ages Laws and select your state. For example, here are the legal age laws for Louisiana and Hawaii.
  Remember that even if your state does provide a court procedure for emancipation, you can still reach emancipation automatically through one of the above options.

States with Unique Regulations

In Alabama and Nebraska, the age of majority is 19. In Mississippi majority is reached at 21, but emancipation can be granted by court decree at any age. The state of Michigan allows for a temporary automatic emancipation when minors are in police custody and emergency medical care is required. The minors are considered emancipated and allowed to consent to such care. This emancipation ends when the medical care or treatment is completed.

Hi!

…so are you intimating that the Commandment is superseded by state law?

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[E_7]

Hi!

…so are you intimating that the Commandment is superseded by state law?

Maran atha!

Angel

Huh? No. Just to show what emancipation meant.

 

[3_Dog_Night]

I think a whole lot more information is required than what the original poster gave us to be able to answer the question in any reasonable or responsible manner. What is the age of the poster? What is being asked of him or her?

Is this a matter of make your bed and clean your room? Take out the trash on garbage collection night? Empty the dishwasher? Set the table? I don’t want you to date until age 15? The curfew is 10 pm on a school night? 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday?

Or is this something that is illegal (help dad roll joints or make meth in the kitchen so he can sell them on the street)? or dangerous (a ten year old up on the roof putting down roofing shingles)? or age inappropriate? or abusive? or otherwise improper?

 

[Str84ward]

Ok basically, I’m planning to go to law school. My dad wants me to stay in the city, but I want to move a few hours away from my city to take a joint Canadian/US program. I really want to do the latter.

Would I sin if I went against his wishes?

 

[Str84ward]

I think a whole lot more information is required than what the original poster gave us to be able to answer the question in any reasonable or responsible manner. What is the age of the poster? What is being asked of him or her?

Is this a matter of make your bed and clean your room? Take out the trash on garbage collection night? Empty the dishwasher? Set the table? I don’t want you to date until age 15? The curfew is 10 pm on a school night? 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday?

Or is this something that is illegal (help dad roll joints or make meth in the kitchen so he can sell them on the street)? or dangerous (a ten year old up on the roof putting down roofing shingles)? or age inappropriate? or abusive? or otherwise improper?

Ok basically, I’m planning to go to law school. My dad wants me to stay in the city, but I want to move a few hours away from my city to take a joint Canadian/US program because I do believe it will pay off more in the long run. I really want to do the latter. I’m still trying to convince him that the latter option is a better one, so please pray for me!

If he’s still not sold on the idea, would I sin if I went against his wishes? I’ll also be a married adult by then. (My parents would be financing a considerable chunk of the tuition; but I am working on other means of financing such as working an extra job, etc.)

 

[Str84ward]

Ok basically, I’m planning to go to law school. My dad wants me to stay in the city, but I want to move a few hours away from my city to take a joint Canadian/US program because I do believe it will pay off more in the long run. I’m still trying to convince him that the latter option is a better one, so please pray for me!

If he’s still not sold on the idea, would I sin if I went against his wishes? (My parents would be financing a considerable chunk of the tuition; but I am working on other means of financing such as scholarships, working an extra job, etc.)

 

[3_Dog_Night]

That changes everything. Law school and married is a whole lot different than 16 and living at home. If your father is paying for your education, then he would be well within his right to say, “I will pay for this school or this program, but not that one.” In other words strings attached. That isn’t a matter of the 4th Commandment. That’s a matter of return on investment. Do not be so sure that you will be able to work while in a new marriage and go to school at the same time. Law school has copious amounts of reading and writing. The first year is literally learning an entirely new language and a new way of thinking. It is not easy. Have you researched your options and given him cold hard facts about each program?

When I wanted to go to law school, my mother was horrified by the very thought of it. Absolutely not! My father thought it was a great idea. I went. My father was right. I honored both parents in my decision.

 

[jcrichton]

Huh? No. Just to show what emancipation meant.

Hi, E!

…sorry, I just thought that you were making a comparison on the liberties afforded the Believers…

I’ve come across some arguments against the Command to honor our parents… it seems that people are more interested in “freedom” than in compliance with the Commandments (much like that issue with the woman having the man as her head–St. Paul’s).

…sorry, again for the misunderstanding!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[jcrichton]

I think a whole lot more information is required than what the original poster gave us to be able to answer the question in any reasonable or responsible manner. What is the age of the poster? What is being asked of him or her?

Is this a matter of make your bed and clean your room? Take out the trash on garbage collection night? Empty the dishwasher? Set the table? I don’t want you to date until age 15? The curfew is 10 pm on a school night? 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday?

Or is this something that is illegal (help dad roll joints or make meth in the kitchen so he can sell them on the street)? or dangerous (a ten year old up on the roof putting down roofing shingles)? or age inappropriate? or abusive? or otherwise improper?

Hi!

…I think that part of the problem that we have is that we continue to view things from man’s perspectives…

When the issue of divorce came up Jesus rejected the practiced and adamantly defended the insolubility of the Sacrament of Marriage–when even His Disciples grumbled in dismay (‘better for man not to marry’) He did not relax the Command! Further, Jesus did not speak on homosexual unions because it was clear from His Words that marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman, in God.

Conversely, the Commandments are not hinged upon man’s desires or behavior but upon God’s Salvific Plan–God would not Command children, of any age, to be obedient to parents who are unrighteous and command them to engage in unrighteous acts.

The expectations cannot come from man’s perspectives but from God’s since man often engages in behavior that is contrary to his wellbeing (temporal and spiritual).

“…go clean up your room.” is quite far from “…go beat up “x” person;” God cannot, by definition, be party to the latter.

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[jcrichton]

Ok basically, I’m planning to go to law school. My dad wants me to stay in the city, but I want to move a few hours away from my city to take a joint Canadian/US program because I do believe it will pay off more in the long run. I really want to do the latter. I’m still trying to convince him that the latter option is a better one, so please pray for me!

If he’s still not sold on the idea, would I sin if I went against his wishes? I’ll also be a married adult by then. (My parents would be financing a considerable chunk of the tuition; but I am working on other means of financing such as working an extra job, etc.)

Hi!

…here you have two considerations:

• manhood (independence)
• financial support

In both cases it is a difficult conversation… parents are never quite open to the idea of a child coming to his/her own… a good parent wants to hold on till death…

…as a young man/woman coming of age it is necessary to expand beyond parental control…

This battle is not one of committing sin/disobeying the Commandments…

You must work on this… let your parents know how much you appreciate everything they have done for you (and continue to do); let them know that their opinion counts… that their counsel is necessary for your to come into a wholesome decision… but, with love and respect, let them know that you must make decisions on your own in order to fully develop as an adult. Some decisions might be based purely on their counsel… some upon your own determination… offer them a compromise–‘if, my idea does not work out within “x” time, then we can try it your way…’ (or something to that effect)

Notice Jesus’ take on the prodigal son… Jesus did not infer that the prodigal son was sinning because he decided to leave his father’s house; rather, Jesus allows the story to unfold–when the son realizes that he was wrong, and that he was imperil and impoverished because of his poor choices, he returns to his father’s house… the father, realizing that his lost son has returned, embraces him and takes him back into the household… yes, there was parting of the ways; yes, there were mistakes committed; yet, the door was never closed: both parties did not allow arrogance and dissimilar minds break the familiar bond.

…that is what you have to work on… make sure that your decisions, even if not fully based on your parents’ guidance, do not hinder your familial relationship; creating enmity would be a sin.

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[3_Dog_Night]

Str84ward,
If I could be so bold as to give you some ideas. A law degree can be used in many, many ways – not just in the actual practice of law. It has value no matter what one does. At the same time, in many places across the USA, there is a glut of lawyers. Being a lawyer does not guarantee employment. Hanging a shingle out as a solo practice has its downfalls, challenges and difficulties. (It is not as “lucrative” as folks may think.) If you believe you are going to waltz right into a top named firm and be set for life … think again.

You have better odds of winning the lottery … that’s hyperbole, but maybe not too far off.

First, you will be faced with surviving the grueling billable hours and workload (12 plus hour days – weekends too); you will not see much of that lovely family of yours and the pace does take a toll on many people health-wise … Second, you trade money for time (it is called "golden handcuffs – lots of money but the firm owns you!) And, if you actually do the math between hours worked and salary … think “slave labor” (I am serious!) … Third, many firms use new associates as “cannon fodder” (burn up and spit out … ) 'Nuff said.

Now if your dad has his own firm and you would be joining him upon your graduation … what I have said/ will say may be a different view and outcome and set of choices …

I don’t want to paint a negative or discouraging picture, but I want to be realistic too. There are a number of law school graduates who are suing their former law schools because what was promised, hyped and promoted isn’t what was purchased and received when all was said and done. (Suing your former law school is probably not the best strategy in terms of setting off in a new career – but massive debt and no job prospects …)

All that being said, I would suggest something totally counter-intuitive and counter-cultural. If you want to work/ provide for a family … yes, get that law degree … but also get some “life-skills” and something that is “highly marketable”. Don’t laugh. Think blue collar type of skill – heating and air conditioning, auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and if white collar type of skill, think engineering or architecture or computer technology.

The point is that you don’t just want a law degree paired with a political science degree. You want something that will set you apart and make you unique and marketable.

You use your law degree to set up and manage and grow a business in a marketable/ life-skill area. Also, if you are looking at dual degrees or practice areas, you might want to consider an Accounting Degree or Tract paired with the Law degree. No, not an MBA. Accounting. Again, the practicality of such an approach should be readily apparent.

I realize my ideas might be “different” or “unorthodox” and maybe I have given you some thoughts and options you haven’t considered before.

All the best, really. You will work it out with your dad. Many people can only dream of the opportunity you are being given. Your dad wants what is best for you, I am sure, you just have different ideas as to how that looks. He cares enough about you to pay/ help pay for a legal education – that is simply huge! 3 Dog Night

 

[Wesrock]

Ok basically, I’m planning to go to law school. My dad wants me to stay in the city, but I want to move a few hours away from my city to take a joint Canadian/US program because I do believe it will pay off more in the long run. I really want to do the latter. I’m still trying to convince him that the latter option is a better one, so please pray for me!

If he’s still not sold on the idea, would I sin if I went against his wishes? I’ll also be a married adult by then. (My parents would be financing a considerable chunk of the tuition; but I am working on other means of financing such as working an extra job, etc.)

You do not have to go to a college or uni resort of your parent’s choosing, though they aren’t obligated to pay for you, either. You can disagree with your parents in a respectful way as an adult. There may be some rules to living in their house (if you do), various chores, inviting guests, and I would obey them in those things, but in deciding where to go to school as an adult? Definitely not.

 

[Str84ward]

Str84ward,
If I could be so bold as to give you some ideas. A law degree can be used in many, many ways – not just in the actual practice of law. It has value no matter what one does. At the same time, in many places across the USA, there is a glut of lawyers. Being a lawyer does not guarantee employment. Hanging a shingle out as a solo practice has its downfalls, challenges and difficulties. (It is not as “lucrative” as folks may think.) If you believe you are going to waltz right into a top named firm and be set for life … think again.

You have better odds of winning the lottery … that’s hyperbole, but maybe not too far off.

First, you will be faced with surviving the grueling billable hours and workload (12 plus hour days – weekends too); you will not see much of that lovely family of yours and the pace does take a toll on many people health-wise … Second, you trade money for time (it is called "golden handcuffs – lots of money but the firm owns you!) And, if you actually do the math between hours worked and salary … think “slave labor” (I am serious!) … Third, many firms use new associates as “cannon fodder” (burn up and spit out … ) 'Nuff said.

Now if your dad has his own firm and you would be joining him upon your graduation … what I have said/ will say may be a different view and outcome and set of choices …

I don’t want to paint a negative or discouraging picture, but I want to be realistic too. There are a number of law school graduates who are suing their former law schools because what was promised, hyped and promoted isn’t what was purchased and received when all was said and done. (Suing your former law school is probably not the best strategy in terms of setting off in a new career – but massive debt and no job prospects …)

All that being said, I would suggest something totally counter-intuitive and counter-cultural. If you want to work/ provide for a family … yes, get that law degree … but also get some “life-skills” and something that is “highly marketable”. Don’t laugh. Think blue collar type of skill – heating and air conditioning, auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and if white collar type of skill, think engineering or architecture or computer technology.

The point is that you don’t just want a law degree paired with a political science degree. You want something that will set you apart and make you unique and marketable.

You use your law degree to set up and manage and grow a business in a marketable/ life-skill area. Also, if you are looking at dual degrees or practice areas, you might want to consider an Accounting Degree or Tract paired with the Law degree. No, not an MBA. Accounting. Again, the practicality of such an approach should be readily apparent.

I realize my ideas might be “different” or “unorthodox” and maybe I have given you some thoughts and options you haven’t considered before.

All the best, really. You will work it out with your dad. Many people can only dream of the opportunity you are being given. Your dad wants what is best for you, I am sure, you just have different ideas as to how that looks. He cares enough about you to pay/ help pay for a legal education – that is simply huge! 3 Dog Night

 

[Str84ward]

3 Dog Night, thank you for replying and posting your thoughts and heart felt concerns. My response would be longer, but due to constraints this will have to suffice.

The text of my response to your response in blue.

Hello, yes I agree that a law degree can be used in many different ways, since a considerable amount of people who finish law school don’t even get to practice law. However, higher education always speaks for itself, and having higher education always sets you apart and gives your resume that much more clout. In my case, I’m also after the experience; of being able to study and be exposed to the cultures of Canada and the United States. As far as what I really what to do with that law degree… it’s varied. My main choice is to practice corporate law. My family is in business and we import a lot of products from the United States; we’ve been doing business with Americans since when I was young. Though I live in Canada, our corporate head office is actually in Texas with offices in Wisconsin and other parts of the U.S.A. One of the options if for me to be part of the corporate legal team of that company, but in order to do so I need to be familiar with U.S. laws. In addition to that, I love politics; Canadian and American! (I hold a B.A. in political science)

First, you will be faced with surviving the grueling billable hours and workload (12 plus hour days – weekends too); you will not see much of that lovely family of yours and the pace does take a toll on many people health-wise … Second, you trade money for time (it is called "golden handcuffs – lots of money but the firm owns you!) And, if you actually do the math between hours worked and salary … think “slave labor” (I am serious!) … Third, many firms use new associates as “cannon fodder” (burn up and spit out … ) 'Nuff said.

I’m well aware of the implications of going into law school and practicing law. Maybe in Canada, it isn’t as cutthroat as Wall Street. Trust me, I have heard all these horror stories about law school, how competitive the job market is, how the hours and work load is tantamount to slave labour… yada yada yada… but that’s exactly why there aren’t that many lawyers out there. The practice of law isn’t for the weak willed. Even law school is a weed out the weak process.

Now if your dad has his own firm and you would be joining him upon your graduation … what I have said/ will say may be a different view and outcome and set of choices …

My dad is not a lawyer, nor does he own his own firm. As I hinted above, my family is in business; and with business also comes legalities. My immediate aim is to help out my family as the in-house lawyer, and maybe down the road be part of the legal counsel team (or be the Chief Legal Officer) of our head corporation in the States… only God knows what the future has in store. The important thing is I get that degree, which will set me apart and open up doors of opportunity for me in both countries. Additionally, opportunities come and go; yes if the opportunity to make good income presents itself (provided that it’s ethical), then I’m open to taking that as well. Sure why not?

All that being said, I would suggest something totally counter-intuitive and counter-cultural. If you want to work/ provide for a family … yes, get that law degree … but also get some “life-skills” and something that is “highly marketable”. Don’t laugh. Think blue collar type of skill – heating and air conditioning, auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and if white collar type of skill, think engineering or architecture or computer technology.

The point is that you don’t just want a law degree paired with a political science degree. You want something that will set you apart and make you unique and marketable.

You use your law degree to set up and manage and grow a business in a marketable/ life-skill area. Also, if you are looking at dual degrees or practice areas, you might want to consider an Accounting Degree or Tract paired with the Law degree. No, not an MBA. Accounting. Again, the practicality of such an approach should be readily apparent.

I realize my ideas might be “different” or “unorthodox” and maybe I have given you some thoughts and options you haven’t considered before.

All the best, really. You will work it out with your dad. Many people can only dream of the opportunity you are being given. Your dad wants what is best for you, I am sure, you just have different ideas as to how that looks. He cares enough about you to pay/ help pay for a legal education – that is simply huge! 3 Dog Night

Thank you for this advice! I graduated with my B.A. in 2015, but since I was about 9 years old I was exposed to the business world. I’m well versed in business, I 'm currently a capable salesman and also I know how to run and manage the different departments of a small/medium sized business. I’ve also helped my family start up a business here in my city.

I’ve considered a dual MBA/JD here in my city, but the price is a ripoff. The MBA adds another roughly $100,000 to the tuition, plus I have to take the GMAT (another admissions test for business school, the LSAT is already a handful on its own) which I have to spend a course for me to do well on. As far as real life experience is concerned, I do believe that I have tons of that already (I’m only a few years away before I hit 30) just being exposed to business. Compare that with the joint Canada/US law degree; the experience of studying in the United States would definitely be an asset!

Thank you for the best wishes! Please do keep me in prayer! I use my higher education for the greater glory of God! Please also pray for my fiancee M.J. and I who will be getting married this year.

Thank you and God bless you!

 

[CyrilSebastian]

Fathers and mothers should not be the only ones honored.
There are grandmothers. There are grandfathers.
There are aunts. There are uncles.