Which takes precedent: the 4th Commandment or spiritual warning?

[skigirl1689]

Let’s say a parent is considering getting involved in a New Age practice, something his/her own church warns against. As an adult child, is it dishonoring to lovingly point this out to him/her?

Kind of a hypothetical but I find myself torn between respecting my parents authority, for lack of a better term, and warning them about spiritual dangers as is a responsibility being a fellow Christian. 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” I am just finding it to be a very fine line.

 

[oldgraymare2]

No. I understand your concern because of the person being a parent, but think of it if the person were a sibling or a friend. Wouldn’t you also caution them if they were also about to do something harmful? That is also another way of looking at it.

 

[ClearWater]

Let’s say a parent is considering getting involved in a New Age practice, something his/her own church warns against. As an adult child, is it dishonoring to lovingly point this out to him/her?

Kind of a hypothetical but I find myself torn between respecting my parents authority, for lack of a better term, and warning them about spiritual dangers as is a responsibility being a fellow Christian. 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” I am just finding it to be a very fine line.

No, it’s not dishonoring them, quite the opposite. It’s “fraternal correction”

I find that hard, as well, to know when and when not to to do that.

 

[Auntie_A]

NO it is not dishonoring them as parents, especially in this “new age” where people are easily deceived. In a cult your parents money could be pilfered from them or manipulated–read about Jim Jones, Scientology, etc. Their souls and minds can be tampered with. Who is looking out for your parents when they are at their most vulnerable?

Read about elder laws, even if your parents are still young. It will help you to help them.

 

[skigirl1689]

No. I understand your concern because of the person being a parent, but think of it if the person were a sibling or a friend. Wouldn’t you also caution them if they were also about to do something harmful? That is also another way of looking at it.

That is a very good way of looking at it; thank you!

No, it’s not dishonoring them, quite the opposite. It’s “fraternal correction”

I find that hard, as well, to know when and when not to to do that.

Yes, it’s a tough situation when you don’t want to affect the relationship but also feel the need to speak the truth to them. It’s also hard not being able to confide in anyone I am close to about the dilemma.

NO it is not dishonoring them as parents, especially in this “new age” where people are easily deceived. In a cult your parents money could be pilfered from them or manipulated–read about Jim Jones, Scientology, etc. Their souls and minds can be tampered with. Who is looking out for your parents when they are at their most vulnerable?

Read about elder laws, even if your parents are still young. It will help you to help them.

Thanks, as of now I think it’s unlikely it will escalate to cult activity, but you never know. A friend is being very insistent with one of my parents and the other parent knows the danger, but it is very possible he/she will get involved despite both of our warnings. It’s hard I know it will cause a rift and lots of undue stress.

 

[EasterJoy]

Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with complete purity. 1 Tim. 5:1-2

That was advice given to a young bishop…that is, it is appropriate even for someone in authority to show deference to age when offering a correction. This is something that may be done and sometimes ought to be done, but always with humility, gentleness, and respect for the position of the parent. If you offer correction only in that way, it should not affect your relationship negatively. They may ignore your sensible advice, but there is nothing you can do about that.