Project – The impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers. A case study of RCCG Royal Chapel Ogun State

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Christianity has a profound impact on adolescents and teenagers, shaping their moral, ethical, and social development. According to a study by King and Roeser (2009), religious beliefs, particularly Christianity, play a significant role in the moral development of adolescents. The study found that Christian adolescents tend to have a stronger moral compass and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse and delinquency. This is attributed to the moral teachings of Christianity, which emphasize virtues such as honesty, kindness, and respect for others.

Moreover, Christian teachings provide a framework for adolescents to understand and navigate the complexities of life. A study by Pearce, Little, and Perez (2003) found that Christian adolescents are more likely to have a positive outlook on life and are better equipped to handle stress and adversity. This is because Christianity teaches the concept of hope and faith in God, which can provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times.

However, the impact of Christianity on adolescents is not always positive. According to a study by Ream and Savin-Williams (2005), some Christian adolescents struggle with feelings of guilt and shame, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+. The study found that these adolescents often feel conflicted between their religious beliefs and their sexual orientation, leading to increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Furthermore, the influence of Christianity on adolescents can vary depending on the specific denomination and the individual’s level of religious commitment. A study by Smith and Denton (2005) found that adolescents who are more religiously committed tend to have better mental health outcomes, while those who are less committed may not experience the same benefits. This suggests that the impact of Christianity on adolescents is complex and multifaceted, influenced by a range of factors including individual differences and the specific religious context.

Christianity can have a significant impact on the development of adolescents, influencing their moral development, coping skills, and mental health. However, the impact can be both positive and negative, and is influenced by a range of factors including the specific religious context and the individual’s level of religious commitment. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between Christianity and adolescent development.

• Statement of the Problem

The impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers is a complex issue that has been the subject of numerous studies. However, there is a lack of consensus on the specific effects and the mechanisms through which these effects occur. The problem is further complicated by the fact that the impact of Christianity can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the specific denomination, the level of religious involvement, and the cultural context (Smith, 2003).

One of the main problems in this area of research is the lack of a comprehensive theoretical framework that can explain the diverse effects of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers. Existing theories often focus on specific aspects such as moral development or social behavior, but they fail to provide a holistic understanding of the issue (King & Boyatzis, 2004). This lack of a comprehensive theoretical framework makes it difficult to design effective interventions that can leverage the positive effects of Christianity while mitigating the negative ones.

Another problem is the lack of longitudinal studies that can track the impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers over time. Most studies in this area are cross-sectional, which makes it difficult to establish causal relationships and to understand the long-term effects of Christianity (Regnerus, 2007). This lack of longitudinal studies is a significant gap in the literature that needs to be addressed.

The impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers is also influenced by the broader social and cultural context. However, most studies in this area tend to overlook this aspect, focusing instead on individual-level factors. This lack of attention to the social and cultural context is a major limitation of the existing literature (Zinnbauer & Pargament, 2005).

Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the differential impact of Christianity on different groups of adolescents and teenagers. For example, the impact of Christianity may vary depending on the gender, race, or socioeconomic status of the adolescents and teenagers. However, most studies do not take these factors into account, which limits the generalizability of their findings (Pearce & Denton, 2011).

Furthermore, while there is a substantial body of research on the impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers, there are several significant gaps and limitations in the existing literature. These include the lack of a comprehensive theoretical framework, the lack of longitudinal studies, the neglect of the social and cultural context, and the lack of research on the differential impact of Christianity on different groups of adolescents and teenagers. These issues need to be addressed in future research to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers. The specific objectives of the study are buttressed below:

1. To examine the influence of Christian teachings on the moral and ethical development of adolescents and teenagers.
2. To investigate the role of Christian communities in providing social support and a sense of belonging to adolescents and teenagers.
3. To assess the impact of Christian practices, such as prayer and church attendance, on the mental health and well-being of adolescents and teenagers.
4. To explore the relationship between Christian beliefs and the decision-making processes of adolescents and teenagers.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. How does Christian teaching influence the moral and ethical development of adolescents and teenagers?
2. What role do Christian communities play in providing social support and a sense of belonging to adolescents and teenagers?
3. What is the impact of Christian practices, such as prayer and church attendance, on the mental health and well-being of adolescents and teenagers?
4. How do Christian beliefs affect the decision-making processes of adolescents and teenagers?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Christian teachings has no significant impact on the moral and ethical development of adolescents and teenagers.

Ho: Christian teachings has significant impact on the moral and ethical development of adolescents and teenagers.

• Significance of the Study

The study of the impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers, with a specific focus on the RCCG Royal Chapel in Ogun State, holds significant implications for various fields. Firstly, it contributes to the broader understanding of religious influence on youth development. By examining the specific case of the RCCG Royal Chapel, the study provides a nuanced perspective on how religious teachings and practices shape the moral, ethical, and social development of young individuals.

Secondly, the study has practical implications for religious communities and leaders. The findings can inform the design of religious programs and activities that effectively support the moral and ethical development of adolescents and teenagers. It can also guide religious leaders in fostering a supportive and inclusive community that promotes a sense of belonging among young members.

Thirdly, the study is significant for educators and policymakers. Understanding the role of religion in youth development can inform the design of educational programs and policies that respect and incorporate students’ religious beliefs and practices. It can also guide the development of interventions that leverage religious resources to support the mental health and well-being of young individuals.

Fourthly, the study is relevant for parents and families. The findings can provide insights into how religious beliefs and practices influence the decision-making processes of adolescents and teenagers. This can help parents and families in guiding their children’s moral and ethical development and in supporting their mental health and well-being.

Fifthly, the study is significant for the adolescents and teenagers themselves. It can provide them with a better understanding of how their religious beliefs and practices shape their development and well-being. This can empower them to make informed decisions about their religious involvement and to leverage their religious resources for their personal growth and development.

Lastly, the study contributes to the literature on religion and youth development. By examining the specific case of the RCCG Royal Chapel in Ogun State, it adds to the diversity of contexts and perspectives in the literature. This can enrich the theoretical understanding of the role of religion in youth development and inspire further research in this field.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers. A case study of RCCG Royal Chapel Ogun State.

• Operational Definition of Terms

“Impact” refers to the effect or influence that one thing has on another. In this context, it refers to the influence or effect that Christianity has on adolescents and teenagers.

“Christianity” is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament. It is the world’s largest religion, with about 2.3 billion followers.

“Adolescents” are individuals in the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that occurs between childhood and adulthood. This period typically corresponds to the ages of 13 to 19, although it can vary.

“Teenagers” are individuals who are between the ages of 13 and 19. The term comes from the English words “teen” and “ager”, referring to someone who is in their “teens”.

“RCCG” stands for the Redeemed Christian Church of God. It is a Pentecostal megachurch and denomination founded in Lagos, Nigeria in 1952, and it has since grown to become one of the largest church networks in the world. The Royal Chapel in Ogun State is one of the many branches of this church.

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Project – The impact of Christianity on adolescents and teenagers. A case study of RCCG Royal Chapel Ogun State