Kids Without Faith: Impact On Morality And Values

Teaching children about faith and religion is a topic that many parents feel strongly about. It can be a challenging task, especially when children are exposed to different ideas and beliefs outside the home, such as in schools. Some parents worry that their children may reject their faith or religion as they grow older and become more independent. However, parents play a crucial role in fostering their children's faith and helping them navigate doubts and challenges. Leading by example, openly discussing faith, and encouraging critical thinking about beliefs are all ways to positively influence a child's spiritual development.

Teach them to think critically about their faith

Teaching children to think critically about their faith is an important aspect of parenting. It is not enough to teach them what to believe, but also why they should believe it. This can be done by asking them "why" and "how" questions, such as "Why do you believe that God is a Trinity?" or "How do you know that the Bible is God's word?". By doing this, parents can help their children develop their own faith, rather than simply regurgitating what they have been told.

Children who are taught to think critically about their faith are better equipped to face challenges and doubts that may arise later in life. They are also better able to defend their beliefs against counterarguments and are less likely to abandon their faith. Teaching critical thinking skills can also help children to identify and reject false information.

In addition to asking questions, parents can also model right thinking for their children. This involves showing them how to think through the answers to difficult questions, rather than simply providing the answers. It is also important to teach children to spend personal time with God through Bible study and prayer, and to help them understand how to apply Biblical teachings to their everyday lives.

By encouraging critical thinking about faith, parents can empower their children to own their beliefs and make informed decisions about their spiritual lives. This approach can help children develop a strong and resilient faith that can withstand the challenges of life.

Help them to recognise the Spirit

Teaching children about faith and spirituality is a challenging task, especially in a world filled with distractions and contradicting messages. Here are some ways to help children recognize the Spirit and develop their faith:

Understanding Learning Styles

Children learn in different ways, and this extends to how they engage with spirituality. Some children are visual learners, who may be drawn to art, reading, and spiritual artwork. For these children, providing gospel-centered books, placing spiritual artwork around the home, and encouraging reading can help them connect with their faith. Auditory learners, on the other hand, may benefit from listening to music or having discussions about the gospel. Reading scriptures aloud and engaging in conversations about faith can help these children recognize the Spirit. Kinesthetic learners are those who learn best through movement and activity. For these children, family camping trips, outdoor activities, and service projects can be powerful ways to experience faith and connect with the Holy Spirit.

Recognizing the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit can manifest in a variety of ways, and teaching children to recognize these manifestations is essential. The Holy Spirit may bring feelings of peace, clarity, and confidence. It can also warn, guide, and comfort. Some people may experience physical sensations like "prickles all over," or they may "hear" a voice. It's important to teach children that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to recognizing the Holy Spirit, and they should pay attention to how it speaks to them individually.

Fostering a Spiritual Environment

Creating an environment that promotes spiritual growth is crucial. Engaging children in hymns, classical music, and primary songs can enlarge their capacity for the Spirit to resonate with them. Nature can also provide a majestic classroom where children can connect with the Spirit through beauty and reverence. Daily quiet time for reflection and journaling can open children up to spiritual impressions. Additionally, encouraging gratitude and acts of kindness can help children feel the presence of the Spirit in their lives.

Teaching the Plan of Salvation

Emphasizing and teaching the plan of salvation will help children understand their divinity and the love their Heavenly Father has for them. It will also help them recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit's companionship in their lives. Teaching children about the Atonement of the Savior will lead them to trust and treasure it, and understand their need for spiritual guidance.

Praying for Guidance

Parents play a vital role in teaching their children about the Holy Spirit. By praying for guidance and seeking to understand how to best teach each child, parents can create moments and opportunities for their children to experience the Holy Spirit. It is important to remember that grand manifestations are not common; instead, look for the simple and ordinary ways in which the Spirit communicates and guides.

Show them faith over feelings

It is important to teach children the difference between faith and feelings. While emotions are an important part of our lives, they should not be placed above faith and the word of God.

Feelings are not faith

The Bible calls us to "no longer be like children, tossed around by everything that comes our way". Children can be impulsive and easily swayed, acting on their feelings without thinking. While emotions are a natural part of life, they can be unreliable and changeable. We should not let our feelings dictate our actions or beliefs, but instead, turn to God's word for guidance and strength.

The pitfalls of living by feelings

When feelings become our primary guide, we can fall into several traps. We may struggle to handle difficulty, allowing our emotions to overwhelm us and quitting when things get hard. Our anger can control us, and we may sin as a result. We may also be led by our feelings to live only for instant gratification, ignoring God and the needs of others. Finally, we may cut ourselves off from relationships, allowing negative emotions to dictate our actions towards others.

Living by faith

So how can we teach children to live by faith and not by feelings? We can encourage them to be open with God, bringing all their emotions to Him in prayer. We can teach them to say "no" to their feelings by remembering that God's word is truth, even when our emotions tell us otherwise. We can also exercise our faith by taking action, even when we don't feel ready, and by sharing our faith with others. Finally, we can help children understand that God has their back, and that He will protect and provide for them, even when they can't see it.

Putting it into practice

• Encourage open communication: Help children understand that they can talk to God about anything, including their emotions. Pray with them and model what it looks like to bring your feelings to God.
• Teach them to question their feelings: Help children learn to ask themselves if their feelings make sense and if they line up with God's truth.
• Show them how to respond to their feelings: Explain that while feelings are important, they don't have to control us. Teach them to respond to their emotions in healthy ways, such as praying, reading the Bible, or talking to a trusted adult.
• Emphasize the importance of faith: Share Bible stories that illustrate the power of faith, such as the story of Noah building the ark even when he felt afraid and uncertain.
• Provide opportunities for faith in action: Create situations where children can put their faith into practice, such as trusting God in an unfamiliar or challenging situation. For example, you could blindfold a child and guide them through an obstacle course, instructing them to trust your voice and have faith that you will keep them safe.
• Model a life of faith: Ultimately, the best way to teach children to live by faith is to model it in your own life. Let them see you relying on God, obeying His word, and trusting Him even when you don't understand.

Encourage them to ask questions

Encouraging children to ask questions about their faith is a great way to help them develop their own relationship with God. Here are some ways to do this:

Be Open to Questions

Let your children know that you are open to hearing their questions about faith and religion. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to express their thoughts and curiosities. This will help them feel comfortable coming to you with their questions and concerns.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," try asking open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking and self-reflection. For example, you could ask, "How did you see that you need Jesus today?" or "What did you do today that Jesus would have done?" These types of questions invite deeper conversation and allow your children to explore their own beliefs.

Explore Faith Together

Recognise that you don't have all the answers, and that's okay! Faith is a journey, and it's important to explore it together. Be willing to learn and grow alongside your children. Read books, listen to podcasts, or attend workshops together to gain new perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions.

Encourage Critical Thinking

Encourage your children to think critically about their faith. Help them develop their own opinions and beliefs by asking thought-provoking questions. For example, you might ask, "What do you think about evolution or the Big Bang Theory in relation to our religious teachings?" or "How do you reconcile the existence of evil in a world created by a loving God?"

Model Curiosity and Humility

As a parent, you can model curiosity and humility in your own spiritual journey. Share your own questions, doubts, and experiences with your children. This will show them that it's normal to have doubts and that faith is a lifelong exploration. Be honest about what you don't know, and express your willingness to learn and grow together.

Provide Opportunities for Connection

Create opportunities for your children to connect with their peers and other adults who share their faith. This could be through church groups, youth camps, or community service projects. These experiences can help reinforce their beliefs and provide a supportive community for them to turn to when they have questions or concerns.

Remember, the goal is to help your children develop their own relationship with God and to encourage them to think critically about their faith. By creating a safe and open environment for questions and exploration, you can guide them on their spiritual journey.

Teach them to apply gospel principles

Teaching children gospel principles is a crucial aspect of helping them develop a strong faith foundation. Here are some detailed instructions on how to teach kids to apply these principles in their lives:

Encourage Open Conversations and Questions:

Start by creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where children feel comfortable asking questions about their faith. Encourage them to express their doubts, curiosities, and seek understanding. This can be achieved by answering their questions directly or asking thought-provoking questions that prompt deeper reflection.

Teach Them to Pray and Recognize the Spirit:

It is essential to teach children that prayer is a powerful tool to connect with God and seek guidance. Explain that God speaks to His children through the Holy Spirit, which can manifest as a peaceful, warm, or calm feeling. Encourage them to pray individually and as a family, helping them understand that prayer is always an option, regardless of the situation.

Integrate Gospel Principles into Daily Life:

Help children understand how gospel principles can be applied to their everyday lives. For example, if a child is facing challenges at school or with friends, read relevant scripture passages, pray for guidance, and help them understand how their faith can provide comfort and direction.

Set an Example Through Your Actions:

Children learn by observing their parents' behaviour. Demonstrate how to live according to gospel principles by setting an example of prayer, faith, and upright living. This includes teaching them to "walk uprightly before the Lord" and obeying the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Utilize Family and Extended Family Members:

Involve the entire family in teaching gospel principles. Grandparents and other extended family members can play a crucial role in reinforcing these teachings. Their good example and personal testimonies can have a profound impact on young, impressionable minds.

Emphasize the Importance of God's Wisdom:

Teach children that God knows what is best for them. Share your personal experiences where following the Lord's promptings, even when it seemed challenging, led to positive outcomes. Help them understand that obeying God's direction, even when it doesn't make sense, is an act of faith and trust in His wisdom.

Remember, each child is unique, and their faith journey may differ. Be patient, loving, and persistent in your teachings, and always emphasize the importance of personal testimony and conversion.

Frequently asked questions