It could be argued that interest in religion has potentially dwindled over research years, with fewer families attending church thanseveral decades ago.
When one starts to consider the benefits to children of religion, all of the above is quite worrying. There have been various social science studies conducted on the impact of religion to families and the results are interesting to say the least.
Westside Family Church has taken a look at some of these benefits, and summarized them as follows.
The positive mother-child factor
This is quite a general benefit, but one that a lot of parents would appreciate nevertheless.
In short, a study found that those families who attend church together tend to have a better relationship with them – particularly through the mother.
This is something that is perhaps perfectly understandable. Nowadays, family trips are limited to say the least, but the frequent nature of church means that families have got to regularly get together and this statistically has a positive effect on the relationship.
Parents tend to be more involved with their children
It could be argued that the tangible benefits for this next one are much less, but studies have also shown that those parents who visit church with their children are a lot more involved with their education.
While no further study was performed on the results of this education, it stands to reason that if a child is getting further assistance at home they are much more likely to report stronger grades.
The return of tradition
We’re in an era whereby a lot of people are under the belief that traditional views no longer exist. We’re not going to report on the alternatives today, but a study into religion and families has revealed that those children who do attend church with their family are much likely to retain these traditional views.
A lot of this relates to marriage, with many entering adulthood with the feeling that a child should be raised with both parents.
Considering the worldwide problem with divorce rates, and how they are on the rise, this is significant. In fact, one could argue that it’s almost a solution for the issue as a whole.
Believing the best of others
In comparison to some of the other benefits we have spoken about, this is somewhat vaguer. One study has found that those who visit church tend to believe the best of other people. In an age where we are seemingly attempting to belittle and gain the upper hand over others at every opportunity, this is another significant factor.
As well as the above, there is some concrete scientific evidence behind it. The study found that out of those visiting church, around 25% of them always feel that individuals are attempting to take advantage of other people. Whilst this might seem high, it’s much lower than the 39% of non-religious people who think the same. It is another example of church instilling the right views in people.
