Socialization

One section that I found troubling was Nelson’s position on the process of socialization within the Christian community and culture. The conclusion he came to was that, “if that culture is the community of faith, the children will become believers, “ and goes on to explain why. However, this seemed to me as bringing up religious children, but not necessarily children who have a relationship with Christ. Thankfully, Darcy-Berube shared my dissatisfaction with this theory. She argued that the “ socialization model can produce religious church members who lack a real faith experience,” and goes on to say that “children can be socialized into a system of beliefs, become good solid church members in the mold of their elders, and never be converted.” I would in no way say that as a result we should abandon the idea of religious socialization, but I do agree that caution has to be given to the idea of simply raising a child to be a Christian instead of intentionally teaching about the love of God, the life of Christ, and the personal salvation and faith experiences. I also agreed with the statements that “what the parents are is more important than what they say” and that “religion is caught, not taught.” I agree that actions speak louder than words, but I would argue that modeling and teaching are both necessary components in a true understanding of the Christian faith, and that the combination of the two would breed the most powerful response. It is true that a child can catch attitudes, behaviors, and rituals, but without the explanations of ‘ why,’ these are the still somewhat meaningless. Adults are to live their lives and guide their children, and the explanation and reasoning behind our behaviors is just as important in leading them as the behaviors themselves. The biggest question this chapter raised for me was: are we truly institutionalizing children? I do agree in most situations, children are “not allowed freedom to play or to be different or to have the power to impact their environments.” This truly has been a strong concern in my heart when teaching children within the school system and feeling as though more times than not we are molding kids to a school, and not molding our schools to fit individualized children and are shutting down the ability for them to impact or have input within their environments. I guess the same could be said for religious education. Some may argue the time, effort, and resources that go into creating a cohesive environment for a classroom in combination with an environment that reaches each child individually is simply not possible, but I believe that if you truly want to teach and reach each child, it is your responsibility to give that child, every child, every effort you can and find the resources needed. It is possible to have a cohesive classroom with individualized learning taking place. I have very much thought about this in regards to public schools, but this struck a chord with me in regards to religious education. Are we reaching the needs of each child or are we molding children, without regard to home-life, developmental levels, emotional and social development, etc. to fit what we envision a program should operate as? There is a need for creating a structured environment for guidance and teaching of social and emotional rules and boundaries; however, do we take it too far and neglect the individuality of each child for the sake of fitting the society deemed “appropriate mold.” This will truly be the prayer of my heart tonight as I lay down to sleep. What can I do to make sure that God is ultimately molding the children that pass through our church walls, with the loving guidance and instruction for those He has entrusted us with? Am I recognizing the individuality of each child and each situation as a unique gift from God and a unique ministry opportunity? “Children are necessary bearers of culture, linking past and future, as well as being agents of God’ s ongoing activity in the world.” Will we be handing down a culture of religion or a culture where religion is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ? Response to Chapter 6: Religion and Social Development