Why Even Atheists Should Teach Their Children about God

As a therapist, Erica Komisar is frequently asked by moms and dads, “How do I speak to my kid about death if I do not believe in God or paradise?” Her answer is always the exact same. Can you think what it is?

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Script:.

As a therapist, I’m often asked why depression and anxiety are so common amongst teenagers and children. One explanation– almost certainly the most overlooked– is declining interest in God and faith.

I see the repercussions of this in my practice almost every day..

And this is not simply my personal observation. A 2018 Harvard study including 5,000 people examined how being raised in a family with religions affects the psychological health of children..

When per week scored greater on psychological well-being measurements and had lower threats of mental disease, the study found that kids who participated in a religious service at least.

Weekly attendance was also associated with higher rates of volunteerism, lower possibilities of both substance abuse and early sexual initiation, and a sense of purpose.

Yet, despite all the proof that religious involvement leads to positive habits, Gallup reports that the U.S. has actually seen a 20% reduction in participation at official spiritual services in the previous 20 years. In 2018, the American Family Survey exposed that almost half of adults under 30 do not identify with any faith.

From a purely mental perspective, this is not a great trend..

Nihilism– the belief in nothing– is an abundant fertilizer for anxiety and anxiety. In contrast, the belief in God– a guardian figure who enjoys us– is an invaluable source of support and comfort.

I am typically asked by parents, “How do I speak with my child about death if I do not believe in God or paradise?”.

My answer is constantly the same:.

” Fake it.”.

There are a many things you don’t tell your kids the complete fact about. If your children hear about a tragedy that has occurred in your neighborhood, you tell them that it will never take place to them. We do not have a crystal ball and can not know that bad things will not occur to our children, yet we assure them with a hopeful story.

The very same applies to believing in God and heaven.

Even if you believe that when your life ends, your bones turn to dust and you are gone for eternity, such beliefs don’t help children, they just terrify them and create stress and anxiety over death and passing away. Belief in a kindhearted God and a paradise does help kids with their worry..

In our current age of broken households, distracted moms and dads, school violence, and horrible global-warming forecasts, creativity plays a big part in children’s capability to cope. It is far much better for kids to use their creativity constructing something positive– such as a God who cares about us– than the dark, nihilistic concept that there’s no creator and protector, and no function to our existence.

I am likewise regularly asked how moms and dads can instill gratitude and empathy in their children. Once again, the best answer is participation in an organized religious beliefs.

In addition, faith offers kids a possibility for community. Being with people who share their faith can act as a buffer versus the emptiness and isolation of contemporary culture. This is more necessary than ever in a world where teens can have hundreds of virtual buddies and few genuine ones.

And faith helps teach kids mindfulness, a sense of self-control, and discipline. Your kids may not be aware they are entering a house of worship, however they do know they’re expected to act in an appropriate manner when they exist. They have to unwind their bodies and soothe their minds.

It is true that if you feel ambivalent about God and religious beliefs your children will likely follow your example. If you practice faith or send your kids to religious school knowing it is great for them, you may shock yourself and get something significant out of it too. To put it simply, your kids may bring you back to faith. It’s definitely worth an extended experiment for their sake and for yours.

For the complete script as well as FACTS & SOURCES, see https://www.prageru.com/video/why-even-atheists-should-teach-their-children-about-god.

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We do not have a crystal ball and can not understand that bad things will not occur to our kids, yet we assure them with a confident story.

I am also regularly asked how parents can instill gratitude and empathy in their kids. Furthermore, religion offers children a chance for community. And religious beliefs helps teach kids mindfulness, a sense of self-control, and discipline. Your young children might not be mindful they are going into a house of worship, but they do know they’re expected to act in a suitable way when they are there.