The Transmission of Religious Beliefs and Practices from Parents to Firstborn Early Adolescent Sons

Abstract

This study examines family and religious variables that affect the transmission of religious values from parents to early adolescent sons. Motherfather-son triads (n = 68) from Protestant congregations were administered Hunt and King's Literal, Antiliteral, Mythological (LAM) Scales and two other questionnaires. Canonical correlation analyses described relationships between parent-son agreement and parent variables on religious beliefs, experience, and practice. Mother-son and father-son agreement were examined separately. Few variables affected agreement on religious belief. For religious experience and practice, mothers mostly influenced sons' practical application of religion, while fathers influenced sons' church attendance. Mothers and fathers functioned differently in transmitting religious values to their children.