If my niece and nephew ask about Orthodoxy, should I answer them truthfully?

[Deus vult]

They're 7 and 6, growing up fast. Their parents are Baptist. They can clearly see we don't go to the same church, I wear a big silver orthodox cross, I cross myself a lot, it's all obvious. We've had a lot of family drama from beliefs clashing.

My nephew told me recently that I should come to his church, I changed the subject. Sooner or later they're going to start asking questions. Brother in law told me to tell his kids to ask him instead in case they ask. I'm not willing to comply and don't care for the consequences. Why would an idol worshipper like me who prays to Mary care what my Baptist brother in law has to say? It's fair game if his kids ask me on their own. In fact, it's on him to tell them to not ask me. So what if he’s their dad? I’m their uncle and my brother in law has 0 authority over me answering his kid’s questions. Not my fault they came to me with questions.

And no it doesn’t work saying "well imagine if it was the other way around with your kids" because I wouldn't care, I would just correct what they heard. I can't control what they hear at school anyways.

It's lame that I would have to put a sock in my mouth when asked questions about my faith. For what? So my Baptist brother in law can sleep well at night? There's 2 kinds of problems in the world: my problem, and not my problem and his problem is definitely not my problem.

 

[ScottA]

They're 7 and 6, growing up fast. Their parents are Baptist. They can clearly see we don't go to the same church, I wear a big silver orthodox cross, I cross myself a lot, it's all obvious. We've had a lot of family drama from beliefs clashing.

My nephew told me recently that I should come to his church, I changed the subject. Sooner or later they're going to start asking questions. Brother in law told me to tell his kids to ask him instead in case they ask. I'm not willing to comply and don't care for the consequences. Why would an idol worshipper like me who prays to Mary care what my Baptist brother in law has to say? It's fair game if his kids ask me on their own. In fact, it's on him to tell them to not ask me. So what if he’s their dad? I’m their uncle and my brother in law has 0 authority over me answering his kid’s questions. Not my fault they came to me with questions.

And no it doesn’t work saying "well imagine if it was the other way around with your kids" because I wouldn't care, I would just correct what they heard. I can't control what they hear at school anyways.

It's lame that I would have to put a sock in my mouth when asked questions about my faith. For what? So my Baptist brother in law can sleep well at night? There's 2 kinds of problems in the world: my problem, and not my problem and his problem is definitely not my problem.

Among [people] the truth is subjective. Therefore, I would not recommend trying to be more truthful according to what you yourself believe. You might start by telling them that, confessing that. Then give them some basic info, such as, "One thing is for certain, your parents and I will both tell you 'There is a God--He is life', and in your life you should seek Him."
On that foundation, God will build. Then, simply be honest, and know that God will either approve or disapprove of what you say next. Take care.

 

[TLHKAJ]

They will then go to their parents and ask questions, I'm sure. Their parents then can decide what to do as far as limitations or boundaries they feel comfortable with.

 

[Sister-n-Christ]

They're 7 and 6, growing up fast. Their parents are Baptist. They can clearly see we don't go to the same church, I wear a big silver orthodox cross, I cross myself a lot, it's all obvious. We've had a lot of family drama from beliefs clashing.

My nephew told me recently that I should come to his church, I changed the subject. Sooner or later they're going to start asking questions. Brother in law told me to tell his kids to ask him instead in case they ask. I'm not willing to comply and don't care for the consequences. Why would an idol worshipper like me who prays to Mary care what my Baptist brother in law has to say? It's fair game if his kids ask me on their own. In fact, it's on him to tell them to not ask me. So what if he’s their dad? I’m their uncle and my brother in law has 0 authority over me answering his kid’s questions. Not my fault they came to me with questions.

And no it doesn’t work saying "well imagine if it was the other way around with your kids" because I wouldn't care, I would just correct what they heard. I can't control what they hear at school anyways.

It's lame that I would have to put a sock in my mouth when asked questions about my faith. For what? So my Baptist brother in law can sleep well at night? There's 2 kinds of problems in the world: my problem, and not my problem and his problem is definitely not my problem.

Why would we lie to children in answering such a question? When that would show them what we do not know about Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

[Windmill Charge]

"If my niece and nephew ask about Orthodoxy, should I answer them truthfully?"​

Yes you should answer them truthfully but also simply.
You can point out that there are many different ' churches ' CoE/Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal etc and that you belong to the Eastern Orthodox.

To the challenge come to my church, reply I will if you and your family come to mine! Children will understand that reasoning.

What is important is not Mary, or the Saints but Jesus. ( yes Mary and Saints etc are important in orthodox worship, we're keeping things simple for children. )

 

[nedsk]

They're 7 and 6, growing up fast. Their parents are Baptist. They can clearly see we don't go to the same church, I wear a big silver orthodox cross, I cross myself a lot, it's all obvious. We've had a lot of family drama from beliefs clashing.

My nephew told me recently that I should come to his church, I changed the subject. Sooner or later they're going to start asking questions. Brother in law told me to tell his kids to ask him instead in case they ask. I'm not willing to comply and don't care for the consequences. Why would an idol worshipper like me who prays to Mary care what my Baptist brother in law has to say? It's fair game if his kids ask me on their own. In fact, it's on him to tell them to not ask me. So what if he’s their dad? I’m their uncle and my brother in law has 0 authority over me answering his kid’s questions. Not my fault they came to me with questions.

And no it doesn’t work saying "well imagine if it was the other way around with your kids" because I wouldn't care, I would just correct what they heard. I can't control what they hear at school anyways.

It's lame that I would have to put a sock in my mouth when asked questions about my faith. For what? So my Baptist brother in law can sleep well at night? There's 2 kinds of problems in the world: my problem, and not my problem and his problem is definitely not my problem.

You should be honest. Tell BIL if the kids ask you questions you will tell them the truth. He doesn't decide for you what you say nor should he.

 

[Dan Clarkston]

If my niece and nephew ask about Orthodoxy, should I answer them truthfully?

Point them to having their own relationship with the Lord and to study God's Word for themselves.

Then remind them that Truth (God's Word) cannot be found in any religious organization but can be found in God's Word.

First thing to do it to tell them they must be born again and then get them born again.