Religious Education and Adolescent Kindness: A Qualitative Study among Students in Christian Secondary Schools

Abstract

This article explores religious and spiritual influences that motivate adolescents to show kindness toward their peers who are outside their friend group. Findings from semi-structured interviews with 21 students from eight Christian high schools show the importance of presence, modeling, resources, and education for supporting adolescent prosocial cross-group interaction. These findings are put in conversation with relevant literature, and the article shares practical insights for communities of faith who wish to prioritize, encourage, and support acts of kindness among their teens.