Children Raised Without Religion Are Kinder And More Empathetic, Study Finds

This study indicates children raised in religious homes are mentally and physically healthier as adults. So I guess the choice is kinder gentler children who are crazy and live less healthy lives? https://relevantmagazine.com/life5/study-children-raised-in-homes-practicing-religion-have-better-physical-and-mental-health-in-the-future/

It's an interesting read. The problem (in my opinion) with such studies is they start with a flawed premise: that "empathy" and "kindness" are defined as being "non-judgemental". Judgement comes in many forms; we judge each other by academic, professional, and financial success. We judge each other by physical appearance, athletic ability, and competence. Religious ideologies add in an additional category of "judgement"...morality as defined by a theological doctrine. Yes, absolutely, children raised in (and remaining adherent to) certain faith communities will "judge" certain behaviors as "sinful"; the most observable being sexuality, and gender-based behaviors. I presume this is where the article gathers it's data.

However, viewing homosexuality, transgender identity, premarital/extramarital sex, or even divorce as "sinful" doesn't by necessity mean that one views those engaging in those activities without empathy. Admittedly, it is an all-too often the case that self-righteousness finds its way into our ranks...Christ and the Apostles spoke on this often. Still, the notion that one can "judge" another's behavior as "unacceptable"...and yet remain empathetic, kind, even supportive, is not without it's precedence.

I regard these behaviors as morally "sinful", and yet this hasn't prevented me from working with, and even forming strong relationships with "sinful" people. For me, "sin" is a condition created by separation from God; all humans are born into in, and each of us capable of all of it. If what I believe is true, redemption is the way to restore that connection to God, and only a willing, accepting soul can find it. I'm certainly not expecting to inspire that "willingness" and "acceptance" by castigating someone else for behaviors they deem not only acceptable...but a matter of civil "right". Rather, I hope that being honest about my own redemption journey (from no less sinful behaviors)...extending the example given by Christ, and being capable of showing the very empathy we're discussing, they will see for themselves there is a better path to walk.

Very strange study that is more bias than light. Amorphous concepts of behavior tailor made to comparing bombers to tanks.