Religion and Families

Religion impacts families by ritualizing spiritual beliefs and rites held by families throughout generations. Families act in ways harmonious with their religious beliefs and principles and transmit religious traditions to their children. Very young children generally follow the religion practiced by their family. As children grow older, they become actively involved in decision making about their religious preferences and ultimate identities. Children’s faith background helps define who they are as members of their family, community, and culture.

Religion plays a major role in the lives of families or conversely can have little impact if the family embraces agnosticism or atheism. Religious beliefs can influence, and also are influenced by, families’ use of language, cultural and ethnic traditions, and socioeconomic status. Religion may play a minor part ...