Apostasy was a real problem in the ancient church and continues to be a problem today. There are external cultural and legal pressures that can be placed upon Christians unless they have supportive families and supportive churches. Ancient Mediterranean culture was polytheistic(except for Judaism) and Christians were subjected to the power of the law and the power of being ostracized(or threatened legally). A church needs to be a real community of believers in our Lord and Savior which supports all members and where leadership exemplifies actual love, support and real concern as opposed to hierarchical power that sustains selfish goals. Young people need to be supported since their education and peers may ridicule their faith commitments to Christ as well as the attempt to live a holy life. Parents need to be actively involved in their children's religious development. My denomination sees many young people who never darken the door of the church after confirmation. We also have members whose children are struggling with transgenderism.
Apostasy was a real problem in the ancient church and continues to be a problem today. There are external cultural and legal pressures that can be placed upon Christians unless they have supportive families and supportive churches. Ancient Mediterranean culture was polytheistic(except for Judaism) and Christians were subjected to the power of the law and the power of being ostracized(or threatened legally). A church needs to be a real community of believers in our Lord and Savior which supports all members and where leadership exemplifies actual love, support and real concern as opposed to hierarchical power that sustains selfish goals. Young people need to be supported since their education and peers may ridicule their faith commitments to Christ as well as the attempt to live a holy life. Parents need to be actively involved in their children's religious development. My denomination sees many young people who never darken the door of the church after confirmation. We also have members whose children are struggling with transgenderism.