In a society that is constantly being attacked for its Christian values, now is the time to unite your family. As Christians, we see the destruction of the moral fortitude of our nation, the demise of our children, and the extra secular teachings of radicals in our colleges and universities. Crime and delinquent behavior among adolescents is at an all time high. What if just going to church each Sunday increased the chances of your children abstaining from deviant behavior, or becoming more successful or earning more money when they got older? An investment of several hours a week in church can do just that; it’s a proven fact.

Back in 1969 a study was performed on the relationship between church attendance and deviant or delinquent behavior. The results of that study were shocking. Hirschi and Stark, the authors of the study, found there was no relationship between church attendance and deviant behavior! Now you’re asking, “but you said there was?”

This study put other researchers into action. Common sense dictated that something had to be wrong with the study. Several years later, in 1974, a pair of researchers (Burkett and White, “Hellfire and delinquency: Another look”) found just the opposite. Following their study Stark revisited his findings from 1969 and discovered he had limited his study to only one geographic area. When choosing other geographic areas he found that church attendance and religiosity did inversely affect criminal behavior.

Other findings were discovered as well. Did you know that adolescents who attend church on a consistent basis are less prone to participate in deviant behavior? They earn more money and achieve greater successful as adults. The chances of a church-going adolescent becoming a manager are greater than one who doesn’t attend church. Also, it was found that children who attended church regularly pursued a college education more often than those who didn’t. Attending church provides a foundation for moral behavior and helps create good character and integrity in young adults.

In 1980, two well respected scholars, Tittle and Welch, performed 59 studies in the area of religiosity and delinquent behavior. Forty-nine of the studies showed an inverse effect in these comparisons. Religion has a definite impact by curbing deviant behavior of individuals--both adolescents and adults.

Participating in the social environment of a religious setting and incorporating prayer has an effect on the entire family. How often do you have family dinners around the table? Pray as a family? Go to church as a family? Well, according to the most recent studies these activities have a positive impact on the family.

In a society of that compromises moral values and puts religious faith under attack, can you think of a better place to have your family protected? It’s not the ACLU that’s going to protect you or the government that will protect your children. The responsibility belongs to parents. By getting involved in your local church and the social environment that surrounds it, you will be hindering your children from falling into deviant behavior. Now is the time to act. We need to build a foundation which promotes moral behaviors and instills qualities of integrity in our youth.

Churches offer sports programs, religious studies programs, scouting programs (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts), AWANA (youth oriented programs), and Vacation Bible School. These programs teach responsibility and develop greater maturity in adolescents. And, the programs are free or have a minimal fee for materials. They basically cost a parent nothing; just a short trip to the church. This is also great for single parents; it gives them an opportunity to meet individuals who share the same faith and core beliefs, and offers a good support system.

What are the cons? I can’t think of a single one. Taking advantage of what churches offer can only bring a positive outcome for the American family and society as a whole. So, what will it be? Will you add to the stability of the family, make your child more successful, instill good moral values and qualities in your children or just watch reruns on the television? The choice is yours; the consequences are your children’s.