A study published in early November found conclusively that students who become more politically conservative increase their religiosity, while the inverse is true for liberals.
The study, published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, focused on the college setting as a “time of profound change” in the lives of humans, as we transition from our youth and into adulthood. As religion and politics are the two greatest dividers in the U.S. right now, the study focused on the “God Gap” that leads liberals to lose their faith as they grow older.
While this might seem like a “well duh” statement, the scientific conclusions drawn from the research should inspire parents to do everything in their power to ensure their children lean more to the right as they grow up, especially if they intend to go to university or college.
It’s often been assumed that many young people lose their faith when they go to college, the authors noted. In reality, colleges can become a bastion of religious growth, with examples popping up all over the country in the last two years.
Revivals in places like Asbury University brought thousands of people to Christ from all over the world. Some are even calling this mass youth movement toward faith our “Third Great Awakening.” More research is needed to establish precisely how and why the relationship between faith and politics is so heightened during college, but common sense suggests its because this is the first time these kids have had a chance to explore pretty much anything new. So, why wouldn’t they explore their religion and politics?
All we have to do to foster a sense of purpose, and diminish the unearned pride of college students, is to create better social capital structures in our universities to show the benefits of faith and conservative politics. Contrary to popular opinion, Christian conservatives aren’t just all suit-wearing straight-edged losers. Some of us are pretty cool, many of us are even hippies.
We can create the next “Jesus Revolution” if we want. But it starts with open communication, a lack of judgment, and an open mind to how the next generation of college kids want to engage with their faith.
And can you imagine how great that would be? I don’t know a single Christian college graduate who thinks you should be paying off their student loans. They’re all paying them themselves. And engaging in the Christian community is also a far easier way to network for long-term career growth. So not only is religion in college good for your child’s soul, but it could really save their finances too.
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