Christianity: Children from Religious Families Are More Selfish and Unkind Than Godless Youngsters

Many parents believe that a religious upbringing will help their child become a good, moral person - but that might not be the case. University of Chicago researchers put 1,170 youngsters from Christian, Muslim and atheist backgrounds through psychological tests. They found that religious children were less likely to share, and more likely to judge and punish others - based on a game where children were offered the chance to share stickers with others. Interestingly, religious parents BELIEVE their children are empathetic and sensitive - but it is not true. ‘Our findings contradict the common-sense and popular assumption that children from religious households are more altruistic and kind toward others.

In our study, kids from atheist and non-religious families were, in fact, more generous," said Professor Jean Decety of the University of Chicago. The study included 1,170 children between ages 5 and 12, from six countries -- Canada, China, Jordan, South Africa, Turkey and the United States. Children completed a test where they shared stickers with others - and watched short animations in which one character pushes or bumps another, either accidentally or purposefully.

After seeing each situation, children were asked about how mean the behavior was and the amount of punishment the character deserved. Professor Decety said, ‘Together, these results reveal the similarity across countries in how religion negatively influences children's altruism. They challenge the view that religiosity facilitates prosocial behavior, and call into question whether religion is vital for moral development -- suggesting the secularization of moral discourse does not reduce human kindness. In fact, it does just the opposite.’