Which types of children are more likely to grow up to be religious adults?

Question

Who are more likely to be religious in adulthood - children who were sheperded to church each Sunday by their parents or kids who were left to find their own way?

Answer 1

Children who truly seen their parents walking the walk and not just talking the talk...otherwise...where parents truly exhibited the love of Christ behind their closed doors....and not just in the public eyes...there is no greater turn off for many youth then to grow up with this hypocrisy...It is so difficult for children to wade through all the slimey muck in the world today to find their own way....not that it can't be done....

Answer 2

The one's who are taught how to give very early in life learn the lesson of being selfless and becoming healthy, happier adults, and happier as children as well........you know really caring about other's, being aware of the world; helping those in need, wildlife, the environment,ect.
Who knows really which one's become religious...some people are born spiritually gifted and always during their lives use these gifts even if it's solo w/o attending a church, traditional religion. And do volunteer work and such.
Although having them go to church is good as it provides some religious education atleast, and later in life they may fall back on it.
While some end up abandoning that part of their upbringing finding their own way and choosing a spiritual outlook that suits their own belief system.
It's really hard to say because everyone's so different, and each person will have dealt w/their own individual experiences that life brings them....sometimes it'll bring them into realizations making them become more spiritual, while other time's would do the opposite. Some aren't spiritually in tune until they reach a certain phase in their life and have an awakening.
I think if a child is brought to church ALONG w/the parents and the child senses that atleast one parent is a believer, then it has a much more positive effect.

Answer 3

Wow, good question.

I know that the 'over sheparded' ones tend to abandon their faith in adulthood. Those who were raised daily with faith, but not herded into the church or temple, often walk in faith forever- but I have no range of evidence on that. It's my own experience.

My husband grew up in a super sheparded Catholic way, every Sunday to church and perochial school. Guilted down, and finger wagged all his childhood into repression of his own feelings. He loaths church.

I grew up going to church on Christmas and Easter and being taught bible verses in appropriate situations (almost like a field guide for life) and I love Jesus and know God cares so much about me and His creation.

Also, my best girlfriend grew up with no religion or religious influence (religion didn't rule my childhood) and today she is a devout Christian.

Answer 4

The ones who were told that a Judgmental punishing God would burn them in a lake of fire for eternity if they did not believe in their parents particular brand of religion.

Something about that really sticks with a kid. Makes them retain that childish view of a judgmental God against all logic. This often Keeps them ignoring the real unconditionally Loving God their whole lives.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 5

sheperded to church each Sunday

If you leave a kid to find their own way, whats the chance they will find it? Kids are very gullable and easily affected by peer pressure and "whats cool" I say dont take that chance

But if you, as the adult, guide them and educate them and watch over them then im sure they will have a fair idea of certian things and grow up and turn out the way you planned

Answer 6

The intelligent ones. Proverbs 9:10. YBIC

Answer 7

i take my children to church each sunday and i hope they dont grow into religious adults ..I want them to grow into a relationship with God but ultimately the decision and responsibilty of their salvation is one they have to make on their own ..ill love them no matter what choice they make

Answer 8

children who goes to church all the time. but they have to be a part of the church, meaning they have to be given things to do in the church for the church.

Answer 9

ofcourse who had good education and know how to find the right way? you should let them choose their way . at least you should ask them to choose themselves when they are big enough. they will be more religious then the ones who were pulled to church or mosque or where ever

Answer 10

Kids who are taken to church are of course far more likely to be religious. From what I've heard girls are also more likely to be religious than boys.