Religion More Likely In Children of Married Couples

 Posted on January 16, 2013 in Divorce

According to this article from the Chicago Tribune, kids with divorced parents—even when the divorce is amicable—are less likely to be religious later in life.

This study shows that churches will have to take some new and drastic steps in addressing this lapse when trying to find potential leaders in the next generation. Some theories have been formed in regards to this problem; Elizabeth Marquardt, an American studies professor at Lake Forest College, says many current adults that went through this didn’t feel understood by their church at the time. Marquardt herself is the daughter of divorced parents. She states in the article that she hopes Protestant churches can use this data to help with their future.

Many religious institutions do not have set guidelines when it comes to dealing with divorce, especially if the divorce involves children. A pastor of Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian, Rev. Joyce Shin, says that she will try to reach out to the parents as well as understand what the child needs during this time—but it’s difficult. “We know there are trusts that are being broken and that were broken, and it's going to take a lot to build up from that,” Shin says, acknowledging that it’s a hard time in anyone’s life.

This study—an unprecedented breakthrough that will hopefully raise awareness—was conducted by multiple organizations: the General Social Survey, National Survey on the Moral and Spiritual Lives of Children of Divorce, National Study of Youth and Religion, and National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

Divorce can impact your family in a lot of different ways, big or small. If you’re going through a divorce, it is best to speak with an experienced lawyer to understand how each step will affect you and your family. Located in Geneva, Illinois, our firm can help you through the process.