The Influence of Religion and its Adverse Effects on Children

by Lori Cline

December 5, 2023

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     Religion has been a guiding force in the lives of many, shaping perspectives, values, and identities. Particularly for children, the influence of religion can be profound, impacting various aspects of their development. This essay examines the potential negative impact of religious influences on children, exploring critical components such as their intellectual development, personal freedom, and ethical considerations.  I will demonstrate in this paper that, while there are indeed some benefits to a child being raised in a religious environment, there are also potentially very dangerous consequences to this upbringing.

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     Children encounter religious influences through diverse channels, including family practices, community engagement, and educational settings. These exposures contribute significantly to the formation of their identity and sense of community, playing a pivotal role in shaping their understanding of the world. A child is born as a blank canvas, given a name and a family—elements not chosen but assigned. Another decision made for the child upon arrival may be the parents' choice of religion. These initial brush strokes on the canvas immediately start forming a painting of the child that will forever play a role in shaping their identity. 

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     While religious teachings often provide a moral and ethical framework for children, this essay aims to shed light on potential adverse effects. Beyond the positive aspects, we explore the psychological, emotional, and intellectual impacts that religious influences may exert on the overall well-being of children. John Bartkowski, a professor of sociology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), states, "Religion emphasizes moral codes designed to instill values such as self-control and social competence." However, he goes on to say that "'Religious groups' prioritization of these soft skills may come at the expense of academic performance, which is generally diminished for youngsters raised in religious homes when compared with their non-religious peers" (Bartkowski 37).

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     This exploration critically delves into how religious indoctrination can discourage critical thinking and questioning among children. The consequences of limited intellectual development and a potential lack of independent inquiry are areas of particular concern. Religion is grounded in faith, revolving around the belief in supernatural elements. Placing faith in unverifiable concepts seems contrary to critical thinking. In fact, many Christians gauge their devotion based on the strength of their faith — a strong belief in something that defies proof.

    

     My personal experience reflects this tension. I was instructed that the Bible asserts the Earth's age to be a maximum of 6,000 years. Contrastingly, my school education presented a much older Earth. Encountering this dissonance, I initially dismissed it, thinking, 'This must be a mistake; my faith cannot be wrong.' Eventually, I came to the realization that I could think independently, conduct my research, and draw my own conclusions. The religious stance of discouraging questioning, deeming it disrespectful to challenge the Bible and its teachings, raises questions about how such an attitude fosters minds geared for independent and critical thinking.

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     Religious beliefs can also impose constraints on a child's personal freedom and autonomy. Examining specific cases where children's choices are influenced or restricted by religious doctrines provides insight into the potential limitations they may face. According to Erik Erikson’s fifth stage of psychosocial development, we develop our identity during adolescence. The primary task is for the adolescents to develop a sense of who they are and what they stand for. They are faced with choices about their future occupations, political and religious beliefs, gender roles, and more. Because of formal-operational thinking, adolescents can weigh options they have not experienced (McLeod).

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     In the context of these developmental challenges, my personal experience within my birth religion becomes relevant. Building friendships outside the religion was considered inappropriate and even dangerous. Consequently, my entire identity was shaped within a religious framework that claimed to possess absolute 'truth.' Exiting the religion almost four years ago at the age of 55 led me to the painful realization and challenging journey of self-discovery. I bypassed Erikson’s fifth stage, forfeiting my personal freedom to decide whether I wanted to be religious or not. My decisions, including marriage, having children, and raising them within the same religion, were guided not by personal freedom but by the religious notions of 'right and wrong’. These decisions, significantly shaped by the fear of social exclusion for asserting my right to choose, have profoundly impacted the current course of my life (McLeod).

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     The ethical implications of imposing religious beliefs on children without their consent involve considerations of personal autonomy, freedom of thought, and the potential impact on the child's well-being. It raises questions about the rights of the child to form their own beliefs and values as they mature. Some key ethical considerations include:

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1. Autonomy and Freedom of Thought: Article 18 of the Human Rights Law states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. Imposing religious beliefs on children may limit their ability to think independently and make choices based on their own reasoning” ("Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18"). Respecting a child's autonomy involves allowing them the freedom to explore various beliefs and make informed decisions. The hindrance of this process can lead to enduring negative consequences. In my personal experience, confronting the harsh reality of not knowing precisely who you are or what you genuinely believe at the age of 55 is a traumatic ordeal. The process of discovering authenticity has been both liberating and, at times, exceptionally painful and confusing.

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In affirmation of the previously mentioned points, Dr. Alexia Barrable, in her article titled "Autonomy" published on the Teach the Early Years website, states: “Years of research have shown that autonomy can be seen as a basic psychological need that needs to be fulfilled in order for humans to flourish. In this sense, being able to behave in an autonomous way is essential to our wellbeing. In the case of young children, it’s the socializing agents, parents and educators, who need to support this basic need” (7).

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2. Developmental Impact: Children are in the process of developing their identities and worldviews. Imposing specific religious beliefs might influence their perceptions, values, and attitudes in ways that may not align  with their own natural inclinations or evolving understanding of the world. According to Urie

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, a child's development occurs within an ecological system that

contains multiple environments or systems that interact to shape the child as they grow into an adult

(Bronfenbrenner 85). The key aspect of this theory is the notion that there are multiple aspects in a child's life that significantly impact their development. To illustrate this aspect of his model, Bronfenbrenner theorized that the child's general environment is made of concentric circles where they are at the center. The closer the layers are to the child, the more influence that system has on children's experiences. Religion is a part of the Microsystem, which is the first layer directly connected to the child and has the most impact on the child’s initial stages of development (Bronfenbrenner).

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Illustrating this, during my religious upbringing, I was instilled with the conviction from infancy that I would never age. The belief was that a paradise on Earth would follow the ruthless global destruction of all the wicked people. At every milestone in my life, my mom assured me that I would not make it to the next one without residing in a 'perfect paradise,' where no one would age, get sick, or die. Now, at 59 years of age, I am confronted with my mortality and grappling with how to navigate aging. This proves to be a traumatic experience for both the child learning of the impending doom of family and friends who did not agree with or follow the belief system, as well as for the adults growing old without the promised eternal youth. This, of course, may also apply to other fear-based belief systems, including those that teach a torturous eternal burning for not obeying or following the rules and may cause the child to obey out of immense fear.

     

3. Open-mindedness: Forcing religious beliefs may hinder a child's ability to be open-minded and receptive to diverse perspectives. Encouraging an environment of openness and tolerance allows children to engage with different worldviews without prejudice.

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In my life experience, religion played a significant role in limiting my ability to approach others with an open mind. Consequently, I grew up harboring prejudices against individuals who identify as LGBTQ, women who chose abortions, and those who opted to join the military to serve our country. These biases stemmed from the teachings of my religion, which asserted that any relationship outside the bounds of a man and a woman, the termination of an unborn child, and involvement in any governmental or political organization, instead of pledging allegiance to God, constituted sins punishable by death. These teachings lingered with me into adulthood, prompting a reevaluation of my genuine perspectives on various subjects after I left the religion.

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4. Psychological Well-being: Coercive imposition of religious beliefs can have psychological implications.

Children may experience internal conflicts, cognitive dissonance, or emotional distress if their beliefs are at

odds with the imposed religious doctrines.

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Religion has significantly affected not only my psychological well-being but also that of many in my peer group who were raised in a similar religious environment. I grew up with an unhealthy fear of demons, death, ostracism, and disappointing others. This type of unhealthy fear can and does indeed have long-term negative impacts on those who were exposed to them.

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In an article featured in Psychiatric Times, the focus on exploring the potential negative repercussions associated with psychological well-being is emphasized. The article notes, "Negative psychological effects of religious involvement include excessive devotion to religious practice that can result in a family breakup" (Dien 18). I am currently experiencing the devastating effects of being ostracized by my entire family, including my grown children and grandchildren. This is a consequence of exercising my critical thinking skills, which are highly discouraged, as brought out earlier in this paper. Many contemporary religions often promote a groupthink mentality, delineating a clear division between "us and them" or right and wrong. This binary approach fails to acknowledge that the teachings they adhere to may not be a universal solution for everyone. In my family's case, I ventured into the alternative perspective, challenging this mindset. 4 years ago, I found myself at a crossroads — to return to the inauthentic life "with" them or to continue thinking independently in my autonomous life "without" them. I opted for the latter. Yet, I would not have encountered this dilemma if I had been given the opportunity to choose my belief system during childhood. My children and grandchildren, consequently, would not have been brought up within such a belief system. 

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     I strongly believe that society should refrain from endorsing divisive teachings to the young, impressionable minds of our children. Such practices have the potential to inflict serious and harmful effects on one's psychological well-being well into their adult years, creating a ripple effect that impacts not only the individuals themselves but also those around them.

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     Respecting a child's autonomy and overall wellbeing within the ethical framework of religious upbringing is crucial for fostering healthy and balanced development. Allowing children the freedom to explore and form their beliefs independently contributes to the cultivation of a strong and authentic personal identity. It encourages critical thinking skills, enabling them to question, understand, and make informed choices about matters of faith. By respecting a child's autonomy, we prioritize their emotional well-being, reducing stress and instilling a sense of control over their spiritual journey. Ethical decision-making becomes a natural outcome, as children learn to navigate the moral complexities of their beliefs. This approach promotes tolerance and respect for diversity, laying the foundation for inclusive communities. Moreover, it prevents coercion or fear-based religious practices, fostering a positive relationship with spirituality and building trust between parents, religious communities, and the child. Ultimately, respecting a child's autonomy within the ethical boundaries of religious upbringing contributes to their general development and long-term positive engagement with faith.

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     Navigating the intersection of responsible parenting and religious guidance is crucial. Strategies for nurturing a child's spiritual development while respecting their individual beliefs and values are essential and require a delicate balance in this aspect of upbringing. Simply teaching your child how to practice kindness, the art of listening, and how to be empathetic towards others will have a beneficial and lasting positive outcome, without imposing the dos and don’ts based on the religion of the parents' birth. Allowing a child to choose their beliefs as they grow and mature fosters in them the acceptance of their own autonomy and can eliminate unnecessary fears and potential negative emotional and psychological effects later in life.

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     In conclusion, religion has significantly influenced the course of human evolution. While I acknowledge that, when employed appropriately, religion may not impede a child's development or influence their adolescent years negatively, there is a substantial risk that it could hinder their mental and emotional growth and limit their capacity to think independently. Utilizing religion as a means to actively shape and control a child's beliefs and subsequent actions is intrusive and, in my view, constitutes a misuse of parental authority. Instilling values of kindness and love is not solely the domain of religious texts; as humans, we can impart these lessons genuinely and compassionately from our own hearts. Although considering religion as a potential challenge in a child's life is inherently controversial, the provided information illustrates the complex impact of religious influences on children. By recognizing the historical role of religion in shaping perspectives and values, the statement encourages a thoughtful examination of its ramifications.

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Works Cited

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Bartkowski, John. "Mixed Blessing: The Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of Religion on Child

     Development among Third-Graders." Religions, vol. 10, no. 1, 2019, pp. 37.

McLeod, Saul. "Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development." Simply Psychology, 16

     Oct. 2023, https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html.

Barrable, Dr. Alexia. "Autonomy." Teach the Early Years, n.d. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023,

     https://www.teachearlyyears.com/learning-and-development/view/how-to-support-autonomy-in-early- 

     childhood-settings-and-why-you-should..

"Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." United Nations,

     https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights.

Bronfenbrenner, Urie. The Ecology of Human Development. Cambridge, Massachusetts,

     Harvard University Press, 1979. Print, p. 85.

Dien, Simon. "Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health." Psychiatric Times, vol. 27, no. 1, 10

     Jan. 2010, https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/religion-spirituality-and-mental-health.