Not by Faith Alone: Religion, Law, and Adolescence

Description

Acknowledgments; I Introduction; 1 Religion and Adolescentsin Changing Times; II Religiosity's Role in Adolescent Development; 2 Adolescents'Religious Development; 3 Religiosity's Potentially Paradoxical Influences; III Regulating Adolescents' Religious Orientations and Environments; 4 Shifts in the Regulationof Religion; 5 Regulating Adolescents' Religious Environments; IV Conclusion; 6 Not by Faith Alone; References; Index; About the Author.;Teens are often seen as challenging social mores. They are frequently perceived to engage in activities considered by adults to be immoral, including sexual behavior, delinquent activities, and low-level forms of violence. Yet the vast majority report surprisingly high levels of religiosity. Ninety-five percent of American teens aged 13-17 believe in God or a universal spirit, and 76% believe that God observes their actions and rewards or punishes them. Nearly half engage in religious practices, such as praying alone or attending church or synagogue services. Adolescents' religious beliefs are.