Consider whether your children are being targeted and programmed to reject Jesus Christ, the Bible, and Christianity. Cartoons, games, Kids’ shows and movies, and even books project antichrist and anti-Christian messages to them. A child may live in a home where they are taught Christian values but that is just one aspect of their life. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting cultural landscapes, parents face unprecedented challenges in raising their children with the values and beliefs they hold dear. Modern influences can subtly shape young minds to question or reject traditional religious teachings, particularly Christianity. Parents should be concerned about what their children are being exposed to and find out what can be done about it.
The first seven years of life are important in shaping a child’s life. Values, attitudes, and expectations are developed during those formative years. Proverbs 22:6 of the Bible states, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he grows old, he will not depart from it.” What a child is exposed to during the formative years is an important influence, but this does not mean they will not deviate from it. It is often said that the children of pastors, policemen, and teachers have disciplinary issues. This may not always be true. Many studies have concluded that our early experiences affect us to one extent or another. Differences in psychological and genetic makeup cause some people to be more sensitive to environmental factors than others.
How are your children being Influenced to reject Christianity?
The Influence of the Cultural Norms of a Society
There is a marked difference between the behavior and discipline of children in some countries compared to others. Every culture has its positives and its negatives. In some developed countries parents are severely curtailed in disciplining their children. The children are aware that they can cause problems for their parents by reporting them to the authorities. As a result, children are often rude and abusive towards their parents and teachers. A middle school guidance counselor once remarked that he noticed a big difference between children raised in the Caribbean and those raised in the US. He wanted to know why the children from the Caribbean were more mannerly and disciplined towards their teachers. “Your children say, ’Yes Sir or no sir.’ Ours do not. Why is that?”
That one was a no-brainer. The culture of the Caribbean is far different from the culture in the United States. In the Caribbean, the Bible verse Proverbs 13:24 is the basis of the saying, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” As a result, flogging is a part of the culture. Children are taught to speak and relate to their parents and adults with respect and manners. Even now, a popular slang is, “Respect and manners.” It is the norm of Caribbean society. A child is not on a first-name basis with his or her teacher. It is just not done. It was a culture shock to see how some children speak to their parents and adults here in the USA. First World countries often influence the culture of other countries because of the pervasiveness of their cultures, and their considerable political and economic influence, but this has not yet changed.
Poor Values and Foundations in Homes
Busy parents with little time to instill Christian values in their children. Sometimes parents do several jobs to keep the family afloat financially. This may be necessary, but it has consequences. They don’t have time to read the bible, pray, engage in praise and worship, attend church with their children, or send them to Sunday or Sabbath school. They don’t spend enough time around their children to guide them and correct bad habits early.
When parents are not around to supervise their children the values of caregivers, relatives, or friends will be transferred to their children. Older siblings may also expose their younger siblings to inappropriate things when their parents are not around. Explicit or subliminal messages in cartoons, children’s movies, and books expose kids to teachings that are not in keeping with what the Bible teaches. Also, up to the 1990s, most children were sent to Sunday school or Sabbath school which assisted them to develop a better sense of morality. That began to change with the children born between 1998 and now. Fewer children now attend church, so the values of this present generation are not the same.
The Influence of Media and Technology
One of the primary sources of concern for many parents is the pervasive influence of media and technology on their children’s worldview. From social media platforms to streaming services, today’s youth are constantly bombarded with messages that may conflict with the tenets of Christianity. Through the glorification of materialism, the normalization of behaviors contrary to religious teachings, and the portrayal of faith in a negative light, media consumption can subtly shape children’s attitudes and beliefs.
Moreover, the rise of digital entertainment has made it easier for children to access content that may not align with their family’s religious values. Video games, movies, and online communities can expose young minds to ideas and ideologies that challenge or undermine their faith. Without proper guidance and oversight, children may internalize these messages and begin to question the principles taught to them by their parents and religious communities.
Older children may be influenced by movies that portray Jesus in inaccurate and unscriptural ways and ridicule the Bible and Christians. Preachers, prophets, and social media posters who have been saying that Jesus would be coming each year for many years now. They make predictions based on dreams, visions, and other revelations. These constant stories are causing desensitization and ridicule.
The Influence of the Educational Systems
Another significant influence on children’s beliefs is the education system. While schools strive to remain neutral on matters of religion, the secular nature of education can sometimes clash with religious teachings. Evolutionary biology, for example, may conflict with creationist beliefs, leading to confusion and doubt in young students. Likewise, discussions of morality and ethics in a secular context may differ from those rooted in religious doctrine, causing children to question the validity of their faith.
Furthermore, the emphasis on critical thinking and skepticism in education can sometimes lead children to challenge religious beliefs as they grow older. Encouraged to question authority and seek evidence-based explanations, students may become more inclined to scrutinize religious teachings and reject them if they perceive inconsistencies or lack of empirical evidence.
Society in general has become more anti-Christian. Most schools can no longer hold daily morning devotions and students are exposed to other religious influences. The news media has published stories about satanic chaplains and satanic clubs in some schools. Some Christian parents choose to home-school their children instead of sending them to public school. They sometimes teach them certain subjects not taught in public schools and instill good habits and discipline.
The Influence of Peer Pressure
Peer influence also plays a significant role in shaping children’s attitudes toward religion. As children grow older and become more independent, they increasingly look to their peers for validation and acceptance. If their friends or social circle hold negative views toward religion or express skepticism about religious beliefs, children may feel pressured to conform to these attitudes in order to fit in.
Moreover, the secularization of society means that fewer children are growing up in environments where religious beliefs are prevalent and openly embraced. This can lead to feelings of isolation or alienation for children who come from religious backgrounds, further incentivizing them to distance themselves from their faith in order to avoid social stigma or ostracism.
Help Your Children to Build a Solid Foundation in Christ
Given these various influences, what can you do to ensure that your children remain grounded in their Christian faith? Be the kind of parent that the Bible says you should be. You should reflect the love and standards of God to your children. Firstly, open and honest communication is key. Parents should create a safe space for their children to ask questions and express doubts about their faith without fear of judgment. By engaging in meaningful conversations and providing thoughtful answers, you can help your children navigate the complexities of belief and doubt.
Additionally, parents should be proactive in monitoring and guiding their children’s media consumption. This may involve setting limits on screen time, vetting the content their children are exposed to, and providing alternative sources of entertainment that align with their religious values. By being actively involved in your children’s digital lives, you can mitigate the negative influence of media and technology on their faith.
Furthermore, parents should strive to instill a strong foundation of Christian education and spiritual practice in their children from a young age. Put God first in your life. Live it so that they can see it in action. Children observe and absorb what they see and hear around them. Live what you believe. Lead by example. Your home should reflect your belief in Christ. Place wall hangings or pictures with Bible quotes and verses in your family room. These will act as a constant reminder to everyone in your home.
Have devotion and Bible study with your family and encourage your children to have daily devotion and reflections. Motivate your older children to read the word by giving them a bible and an age-appropriate devotional guide. Allow them to lead devotion sometimes. This will help to develop their leadership skills. Do not make family devotions seem like a chore as they could turn off your children and cause them to reject the habits and values you are trying to instill in them.
Regular attendance of church services and participation in Christian education programs such as vacation bible school and Christian summer camps can also help. Pray with your children, encourage them to pray, and pray for your children. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to assemble. By immersing your children in the rich traditions of Christianity, you can help them to cultivate a deep and enduring faith that withstands the challenges of the modern world.
Conclusion
While the influences of media, education, and peer pressure may pose significant challenges to the passing of Christian faith from one generation to the next, parents can counteract these influences through open communication, proactive guidance, and a steadfast commitment to religious education and practice. By equipping their children with the knowledge and habits they need to navigate the complexities of belief in the modern world, parents can help ensure that their children remain rooted in their Christian faith for years to come.