
Parenting Teenagers (12-18) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of teenagers (12 to 18 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development.

jody0385
So my son comes home Sunday talking about this church he and his friend went to.. Showed me the paperwork he got while there as a new member. I got really BAD vibes from it, cult like. They don't use the bible. They aren't "Christian" I'm trying to remember the name of it as I sit here at work.. It's something Unitarian Universalist or something.. Yes that's it.. Just looked it up online.. I'm sorry but the stuff I read on the papers just gave me chills. Has anyone heard of this group? And what would you do if your child came home with something like this? I'm quite a believer in God myself, but am nondenominational short of claiming myself as a Christian. I'm accepting of other religions, but this one just came off sounding familiar as in I'd group it with scientology (sorry if I'm offending anyone)... How would you handle a situation like this?
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I support this type of group because their beliefs in being equal is great, but to call it a religion isn't something I'm as open or supporting of.
I agree with openly talking with him about it.
People are brainwashed in cults. It only takes one seed of thought to get that progression going. ANYONE is at risk in the right situation.
That said, why not go to the church with your son and see what it is all about. That way he feels validated that you are accepting your choice but you also will have more influence over things he may be learning. If something hokey comes up, you could comment on it in the form of conversation with him. Get him to think but subtly manipulate his idea.
I grew up a Christian, involved in churches of several denominations including Roman Catholic. I left the UU church when the congregation chose a minister who was previously strongly opposed to Christianity, but ran the church services with an authoritarian hand in the format of a conventional Christian church. I have since attended other UU churches and found a variety of formats; some closely resembling Christian churches, and some more heterogenous. The one I liked best is too far from home to attend regularly.
I encountered certain beliefs, like the ones tshudyb described, in the Catholic Church, born-again churches and new age ideas, not the UU church.
If you are having bad vibes and other fears, attend a UU church service. Ask your son if you can sit with him or if he'd rather that you sit separately.
I believe in my children experiencing a variety of religions. jody0385, I support your supporting your son to experience a variety of religions.
When I was older I went to Unitarian Universalists. It's just a blending of all the different service types. Jews, Muslims, Catholics and Protestants were all welcome. It seemed to me that there were alot of people who were searching there. There was good fellowship and no strict "we own the truth here" type of thinking.
I would definitely not call it a cult. You aren't subjected to any type of brainwashing, nor are you forced to believe anything you don't want to. It's all very open and relaxed. There was no pressure at all where I went.
Kids in their teens are experimental. They look for something that resonates with them. UU simply offers a bit of everything, so it may seem less rigid than the "standard" religions.
In doubt? Go and see for yourself. Talk to people and find out about it. There is a definite humanist element about it. A belief in people over one set type of worship.
Hope this allayed your fears to some degree. PM me if you have any questions.
Morgaine
If you don't believe in that anything goes.
The God of the Bible made it everone's decision.
If you decide to make up your own religion you will probably end up separated from the God of the Bible. Your choice.
Jesus has done amazing thing in my life. I would sugest following Him. Your Choice
At any rate what I believe or don't believe about the Bible or any other part of my religious beliefs aren't going to be aired here for discussion or debate.
I as well believe that my God has done amazing things in my life (My son is one of the biggest amazing things for sooo many reasons)...
It sounds like the UUA is an actual real program and not "cultish" at all. I will keep my eyes open though just to be safe. I don't think my son would fall victim to a cult but I'm sure that's what everyone's family said about the one's that have fallen victim..
Thanks everyone for your information, input and responses.