The word God is actually starting to reappear in our lives, discussions and sights. Equally intriguing is the realization that many teens are also trying to sort out their feelings by searching for God. For many Baby Boomers kids, God has the answer . We re not talking about the Religious Right, we re talking about Catholics, Jews, Protestants and Muslims and any other religion that reveres God. If you think that religion isn t the least bit important or essential in your life or the life of your teen, that s your personal belief, but there are many compelling reasons to embrace religion these days.
Religion provides meaning.
It offers control, and buttresses one s self-esteem , said Bernard Spika, a psychology professor at the University of Denver and author of books on religious development in children. David Elkind, a Tufts University professor and author, found that personal faith contributes to children s mental health and self-esteem. A Harvard University study found that the faith factor was most influential in avoiding drug abuse, alcoholism and crime. Another study found that two reliable predictors of teenage drug avoidance were optimism about the future and regular church attendance . Professional football players pray after games and models like Kim Alexis talk openly about their faith in God.