‘Will my child have their own faith?’ Exploring the impact of parental beliefs on childhood faith nurture

Abstract

The theological impetus and practical outworking of the beliefs and approaches held by Christian parents was investigated in ten case study families over a three-year period. The sample represented contrasting parental theological understandings of childhood faith. Each child’s faith was observed annually, using the lens of a child as a model of the Kingdom of God, reflecting Matthew 18. Analysis permitted investigation of the impact of parental theological beliefs on a child’s onward faith. The data indicated that such beliefs and persuasions significantly impact the modes of faith nurture in the home, ultimately impacting the nature of faith exhibited in the children. Many of the participants felt that sharing faith with their children was very important but they seemed minimally aware of their beliefs and theological perceptions regarding faith in childhood. Insights and recommendations are provided for nurturing children’s faith more effectively within such variety of beliefs, values and approaches.

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