Author Lee Strobel believes that family is the answer for today’s children to become “the greatest generation that has ever lived for Jesus Christ.”
He has strong evidence to back up that claim. Researchers at the University of California at Santa Barbara conducted a landmark multigenerational study concluding that parents are fundamental in passing down religious beliefs to their children.
In addition, the study affirmed that having a close bond with one’s father is the single biggest influence in a child’s life.
The study further concluded that fervent faith is only transmittable when fathers have a loving, nurturing relationship with their children. Even if a dad prays and reads his Bible every day and goes to church every time the doors are open, his children will probably not be attracted to his faith unless he has a warm and affirming relationship with them.
A fourth conclusion was that young people left behind their family’s religious beliefs, or never pursued faith to begin with, when they didn’t get answers to their faith-based questions.
How can parents address each of these factors in their homes?
On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Leaving a Legacy of Faith for Your Children,” we’re airing a recorded message by Lee Strobel in which he explains how to have a strong faith and to pass that faith along to your children in a way that insures they’ll receive it and live it out. He’ll share how to help them understand that the Christian faith is not built on fairy tales and wishful thinking, but a solid foundation of Truth.
Hear Lee’s message on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
Lee Strobel is a best-selling author of over 40 books, including the Case for Christ series. He was an award-winning journalist before he converted from atheism to Christianity after spending two years investigating the claims of Christ. He is the founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University.
One of Lee’s books you’ll be especially interested in as a parent is The Case for Christ for Kids. I’d like to send you a copy when you become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Before I close, I want to mention Focus on the Family’s See Life 2021. Focus is combining the convenience of an online experience with the power of an in-person live event. This engaging pro-life initiative premiered across Focus on the Family’s websites and social media channels on Friday, July 16th. Each Friday, another episode of See Life 2021 will debut, offering powerful testimonies from women and men whose lives have been impacted by abortion and practical information about the pro-life movement for families. Then, on Saturday, August 28th, See Life 2021 will culminate with a LIVE celebration of life at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas-Fort Worth. We’d love to see you there! For details, visit FocusontheFamily.com/seelife.
Sara says
-This is great, but why isn’t there a link to the study included? Sources should be cited.