Beschrijving

This is the first attempt to integrate research on the place of religion in adolescent development today and to consider the impact of it on law and social policy making.

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 clearly important to them. Yet, the law does not know how to approach adolescents’ religious rights and needs. In Not by Faith Alone, Roger J. R. Levesque argues that teens’ search for meaning does not always serve adolescents or society well. Religious doctrines and institutions are not all \