The evening news bears tiding of trusted teachers who molest their students, parents who kill their own babies, and rockers who die from overdoses. The major, most important thing for students now is job security and a good salary. With a decline in the number of religious vocations, the rising number of interfaith marriages and more parents opting for public rather than parochial schools, spiritual education is falling more and more on the shoulders of the parents. Unfortunately, churches and synagogues often provide only the rudiments of a sound religious education. In this social, political and ethical climate, it is vital that a child be able to articulate the tenets of his or her own faith.
Parents have to make sure their children know about their faith and can defend it.
Despite these obstacles, many parents across the country are committed to raising their children to believe in the spiritual dimension of reality, to turn to a God who cannot be seen or measured. They encounter both joy and frustration as they struggle to raise thoughtful and giving children. Not surprisingly, they say, it is of utmost importance to practice what you preach. If the example is set, the message will get through. Making a point of going to church even on vacation really sends a message to the kids.