Sin to disobey parents when they make senseless demands?

[PMV]

I understand that one must disobey his or her parents if they demand sin to be done. However, what if a person’s parent(s) demanded something stupid to be done, such as “do not brush your teeth”, “do not shave”, or “you must wear your shirt backwards.”? I know this seems like a rediculous question, but I am in a similiar situation (my mother has problems). Although it’s not a sin to not brush your teeth or wear your shirt backwards, these kind of actions are wrong and not normal. So, is it a sin to disobey your parents when they demand something absolutely rediculous of you?

 

[Della]

PMV:

I understand that one must disobey his or her parents if they demand sin to be done. However, what if a person’s parent(s) demanded something stupid to be done, such as “do not brush your teeth”, “do not shave”, or “you must wear your shirt backwards.”? I know this seems like a rediculous question, but I am in a similiar situation (my mother has problems). Although it’s not a sin to not brush your teeth or wear your shirt backwards, these kind of actions are wrong and not normal. So, is it a sin to disobey your parents when they demand something absolutely rediculous of you?

It seems to me that your real dilemma isn’t obeying ridiculous requests, which your common sense tells you you don’t need to obey, but your mother’s mental state. Is she getting the help she needs? If not, that should be you and your family’s primary concern, don’t you think?

 

[tcay584]

PMV:

I understand that one must disobey his or her parents if they demand sin to be done. However, what if a person’s parent(s) demanded something stupid to be done, such as “do not brush your teeth”, “do not shave”, or “you must wear your shirt backwards.”? I know this seems like a rediculous question, but I am in a similiar situation (my mother has problems). Although it’s not a sin to not brush your teeth or wear your shirt backwards, these kind of actions are wrong and not normal. So, is it a sin to disobey your parents when they demand something absolutely rediculous of you?

I agree with Della. If you are being asked to do something by someone whose mental state is compromised, you don’t have to do it. However…you can always be charitable and “pretend” to go along with it until you are out of sight…then please brush your teeth, shave…and for heaven’s sake…fix your shirt!
Really though…if your mom has a problem mentally, give her the respect she’s due and do your best to help her. She’s trying to do what she thinks is right…and you have to give her kudos for that. Mind you, if you are just some crazy adolescent with a rebellious streak…disregard all the things I’ve said and do what your mom’s told you!

 

[PMV]

Della:

It seems to me that your real dilemma isn’t obeying ridiculous requests, which your common sense tells you you don’t need to obey, but your mother’s mental state. Is she getting the help she needs? If not, that should be you and your family’s primary concern, don’t you think?

She refuses to get the help she needs because she considers herself normal. Unfortunately, my family doesn’t seem to be helping with the situation.

 

[mercygate]

PMV:

She refuses to get the help she needs because she considers herself normal. Unfortunately, my family doesn’t seem to be helping with the situation.

A lot depends on your resources and your level of independence. Is your family “not helping” because they feel dealing with your mother’s problem is more trouble than it’s worth, or because your mother will become hostile? Are you 17 or 37? Are you living at home? Can you take a leadership role with your family here by getting some dependable definition (medical/psychiatric) of your mother’s condition that will provide a platform for handling her as a family? Is she bad enough to be declared legally incompetent (this is not easy – and it shouldn’t be)?

Meanwhile, don’t wear your shirt backwards.