Navigating the Challenges of Raising Politically Engaged Children

Raising children who not only love God but also embrace conservative political values can be a daunting task for many parents. A recent study reveals that simply mentioning inflation or the cost of groceries at the dinner table may not be enough to cultivate the next generation of Republican voters. Instead, parents must demonstrate and live out their values if they hope to pass them on to their children effectively.

Equipping the Next Generation of Patriotic Leaders

The Importance of Worldview Development

According to Christian pollster George Barna, the vast majority of parents in America lack the biblical worldview needed to raise their children properly. Barna's research shows that only 2% of parents of children under 13 have a biblical worldview, and most senior pastors in Christian churches do not hold this perspective either. This disconnect between what is being taught in the pulpit and the truth of God's word is a significant concern, as Barna believes that a person's worldview is developed between 15 to 18 months of age and the age of 13, and it will largely define their decision-making and life experiences.

The Uphill Battle for Conservative Parents

David Closson, who works with Barna at the Family Research Council's Center for Biblical Worldview, argues that the "deck is stacked" against conservative parents. He asserts that every major cultural institution in the country is a "cheerleader for progressive causes and for the values that are pretty much now championed by the Democrat Party." This means that the values being promoted in the home by Democrat-leaning parents are the same as those being reinforced by the broader societal influences.

The Gender Gap in Political Affiliation

The American Family Association's Parrish Alford notes that Republican parents are more likely to pass on their political views to their sons than their daughters. While both Democrats and Republicans tend to effectively pass on their political leanings to their children, the child most likely to chart a different path is the daughter. Alford cites a study showing that 67% of young men raised in a GOP household identify as Republicans today, but only 44% of girls remain loyal to the Republican Party.

The Inherent Tensions Between Conservatism and Christianity

Conservative Christian author and Hillsdale College professor D.G. Hart warns about the "inherent tensions" between conservatism and Christianity. He argues that evangelicalism has always espoused a form of religious and moral idealism that is at odds with political conservatism. Hart recommends that parents focus on their children's theology rather than their ideology, as he believes that Christian parents who seek to raise GOP-friendly kids may push too hard, leading their children to abandon both faith and conservative ideology.

The Importance of Nurturing Authentic Faith

Hart suggests that Christian parents would be better off coaching their children in Little League or leading a troop of Brownies rather than lobbying a member of Congress or giving to the GOP. He believes that if evangelicals want their children to grow up to be Christians, they will have better results by focusing on their spiritual development rather than their political leanings. The risk of pushing too hard and alienating their children is a significant concern.In conclusion, the challenge of raising children who love God and the GOP is a complex and multifaceted issue. While parents may have the best intentions, the cultural and institutional forces working against them can make this task increasingly difficult. By prioritizing the development of a biblical worldview and nurturing authentic faith in their children, parents may find more success in passing on their values, both spiritual and political, to the next generation.