My 32 year-old-son is agnostic

[ineeda]

Asking for suggestions of books that I can order for my son to change his agnostic beliefs. He informed me that he believes in a higher power, but not convinced of any Christian beliefs. He thinks the Catholic church is good at keeping people in line by making them feel guilt. And, he does not think that is a bad thing, as it helped him with morals growing up. He is not so convinced about the bible. He says when there is proof that he will believe. That he must see something to be convinced. And, believes that Catholics are superstitious.

He is a very intelligent man, far more intelligent than I, his mother. I do not have the gift to convince him of our Catholic faith. He was raised Catholic, but he has his own mind.(which I would love to change) I can only pray for him.

 

[Della]

Have him read “The Everlasting Man” by G. K. Chesterton and see what he thinks then. Chesterton was a journalist not a priest or any kind of church leader, but he understood philosophy and the human heart like no one else. He used common sense and wit to help people understand such issues. I rather think your son might come to see things quite differently after reading anything by Chesterton from his mystery novels (the Father Brown series) to poetry, to newspaper articles to biographies. Everything he wrote pointed to God and why we should believe in God and in his Church. But he’s never hamfisted or mean–just the opposite. All the best. I will remember your son in my Evening Prayer intentions. God bless.

 

[Flagstone]

I’m reading the Handbook of Catholic Apologetics by Peter J. Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli. I don’t agree with every point they make but they do have some good arguments that may make your son think.

 

[christofirst]

Asking for suggestions of books that I can order for my son to change his agnostic beliefs. He informed me that he believes in a higher power, but not convinced of any Christian beliefs. He thinks the Catholic church is good at keeping people in line by making them feel guilt. And, he does not think that is a bad thing, as it helped him with morals growing up. He is not so convinced about the bible. He says when there is proof that he will believe. That he must see something to be convinced. And, believes that Catholics are superstitious.

He is a very intelligent man, far more intelligent than I, his mother. I do not have the gift to convince him of our Catholic faith. He was raised Catholic, but he has his own mind.(which I would love to change) I can only pray for him.

If you find the book that gets through to your son, let me know! (post it here) My 30 year old son is also agnostic, and out-thinks every reason for faith, so far. Keep praying, as I am!

 

[ChibiViolet]

I have no suggestions of books, but I have prayed for your son and suggest that you pray for him to St. Monica.

 

[ineeda]

Thanks to everyone for great replies.

Della - Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely check that out.

Flagstone - Your suggestion sounds good, too. I will order that one as well.

christofirst - I will definitely let everyone know. I will pray for your son as well.

ChibiViolet - Thanks for praying for him. Yes, I pray to St. Monica, as I know how she prayed for her husband’s conversion, and her son, St. Augustine.

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give your son guidance & direction back to the Church.

 

[petra22]

Asking for suggestions of books that I can order for my son to change his agnostic beliefs. He informed me that he believes in a higher power, but not convinced of any Christian beliefs. He thinks the Catholic church is good at keeping people in line by making them feel guilt. And, he does not think that is a bad thing, as it helped him with morals growing up. He is not so convinced about the bible. He says when there is proof that he will believe. That he must see something to be convinced. And, believes that Catholics are superstitious.

He is a very intelligent man, far more intelligent than I, his mother. I do not have the gift to convince him of our Catholic faith. He was raised Catholic, but he has his own mind.(which I would love to change) I can only pray for him.

Yes, and St. Monica prayed for her son, also. Constantly, she prayed for years. Today is the feast day of Saint Augustine. (Funny, or appropriate, that you should mention your son to us today!) He was her son! So, don’t think ALL I can do is pray… Prayer is very powerful. Saint Monica’s feast day was yesterday…

I’m joining you in prayer. Likely, your son doesn’t want to read a book right now… but if he did–try the story of Fatima in Lucia’s own words. You can’t beat the actions of innocent children who would rather be boiled in oil than say to authorities they really did not see the blessed virgin Mary…

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

 

[Della]

I never found this book very convincing, I must say.
It was published in 1925 and so much has been discovered since then in the fields of history, science, physics, and religious writings…it really seems outdated.
And as a journalist myself, I don’t feel he thinks his arguments thru and writes this book as an impartial reporter might. He writes it as someone already convinced. For that reason, I think it will not sway your son.

If your son is very intelligent, as you say, and was brought up Catholic and then through reason decided he did not believe in Catholicism and organized religion…I’ll bet he has already read many of the arguments and writings and watched many lectures that have been taking apart Chesterton’s observations for many, many decades now.

Well, not every author is going to speak to everyone, of course. I will say though that Chesterton never claimed to be impartial. Indeed, I know of no journalist in our own day who is. As for advances in science, etc., Chesterton was addressing human nature in relationship with God, which is something that never changes. There are many other good authors for the OP’s son to read, such as C. S. Lewis, Fulton Sheen, Ronald Knox, Augustine, St. Teresa of Avila and so on. Yes, each has had converts from agnosticism/atheism. God uses various authors and influences in our lives to touch us in ways only the Holy Spirit can. Sometimes hearts are touched by beauty or by holiness and not by mere words. In any case, the seeker who seeks in truth can be assured that God is waiting for him/her no matter where s/he may search or how long it may take.