So taking a cue from my friend Bill Blanck, I'm opening up this Blog for comments and thoughts from others on this topic. Specifically I am looking for theological reflections on the topic, as well as specific techniques that have been used in Youth Ministry and parenting that may aid in the instillation of Intrinsic religious values. For more info on the psychological aspect of this paper, check out an older post from 2007 in which I thoroughly examined the issue http://sishongjerry.blogspot.com/2007/12/examination-of-effects-of-religious.html.
Here is the current situation.
There is much that can be learned by examining the intersection of religion and psychology. Within the last several decades there has been a significant body of research developed that has shed light on the intricate interplay of these fields. Through a thorough understanding of one’s religious orientation it is possible to draw implications regarding correlated personality traits. In 1950 Allport set the ball in motion with his studies on religion and personality and the correlation of orientation to racially prejudiced attitudes. These studies have been further developed by Hill in 2005 with her validation of Allports Intrinsic Extrinsic Religiosity Scales, and the inclusion of additional categories. Hill took the research a step further and correlated these scales with personality tests with some enlightening findings. It was shown that the majority of those scoring as Extrinsic, or religious as a means to an end, had negative personality traits, those who scored Intrinsic, or religious as an end, correlated with positive personality traits, while those who scored as Quest, or no religious orientation, correlated with socially neutral, albeit overall more positive, personality traits.
If a predictive relationship can be shown, then it stands to reason that the instillation of intrinsic religious values in youth could be shown to help foster positive personality traits as they grow to adults. There is clear indication in scripture to provide an emphasis on proper child development. With the way that modern society views religion, being able to empirically show that instilling real intrinsic religious values in children causes positive personality traits will be beneficial to the overall church and it’s evangelism efforts. Through this examination of the work that has been done in this field, as well as the work that is currently being done in youth ministry, it is possible to devise a program that should, in theory and practice, be able to facilitate this process. It is the intent of this paper to not only show the causal relationship between these values and personality, but to devise the framework of just such a program with the hope that perhaps future implementation could be longitudinally studied in order to validate the implications.
2 comments:
sounds like modern day evidence for the sermon on the mount - by their fruits you will know them.
To address the theologial aspect of this discussion, I would reference the book of Daniel. Here it is wriiten about a boy of nobal birth, raised in faith with his siblings by Judah. Within this paticular book, this boy, with his brothers, is taken away from his family at a young age, to be governed and taught the writings and the tongue of another. This was an attempt by the King to propell his young "students", into false testimony of the King, rather than the truth that Daniel was taught and cultivated within him since birth. Time after time this lad, Daniel, a boy of teenage years was tested and tried to what was true in his heart. To that end, Daniel stood fast to his Lord, and God, as he was taught and raised in, by family and community, before taken away.
If we are to follow this example then, of Daniel's early teachings from his father Judah, we see that the commitment is instilled, and adhered to as Daniel's salvation and truth of our Lord and God, even through temptation, and trial. We see that Daniel does in fact, carry himself in a strong and positive manner throughtout his tribulations. Daniel does not allow his situation to obstruct his happiness and faith to his Lord, and God.
What then, does this say to the reality of today's society? It says, Yes.
Yes, it is in the power and faith of parent resposibility to teach our children in God's word, and to minister this faith to our youth within the Church and Youth Counsel.
It says, Yes.
Yes, within the early years of the child's youth, a strong and steadfast belief can be cultivated, along side, and with impression , developing the positive youth.
It says, Yes.
Yes, then the positive values instilled with the faith of God will produce instilling real intrinsic religious values in children causing positive personality traits that will in fact, be beneficial to the overall church and it’s evangelism efforts.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts.
Regards,
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