American Families of Faith

The Best Practices—and Benefits—of Religious Parenting | Audio Article 15

"The research . . . suggests evidence-based best practices for effectively integrating faith and family life, including religious-spiritual authenticity, nurturing parent-child relationships, balancing religious firmness and flexibility, and encouraging youth to have spiritual experiences, sacrifice meaningfully, and pray earnestly—all while parents preach a bit less and listen a bit more."

 

David Dollahite reads the article, "The Best Practices—and Benefits—of Religious Parenting" which was originally published in Public Discourse on February 6, 2020.

Faithful Fathering: Ten Narratives of Wisdom from Fathers of Different Faiths | Audio Article 14

"Over the past 25 years, we have interviewed more than 300 diverse fathers about the challenges and blessings of striving to be a faithful father. From thousands of pages of transcriptions and field notes we have gleaned 10 insights that have left us pondering the world’s most profound job: that of parent."

 

Loren Marks reads the article, "Faithful Fathering: Ten Narratives of Wisdom from Fathers of Different Faiths" which was originally published in Meridian Magazine on June 13, 2019.

What We Can Learn from Ritual and Tradition in American Jewish Families | Audio Article 13

"In reference to those of different faiths, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Look for their strengths and their virtues, and you will find strength and virtues that will be helpful in your own life.” In striving to live a good, faithful life and foster loving family relationships in an ever-changing world, there is indeed much strength and virtue that we can gain from our Jewish friends and their examples."

 

David Dollahite reads the article, "What We Can Learn from ritual and Tradition in American Jewish Families" which was originally published in Meridian Magazine on September 23, 2019.

What Religious Parents Say Matters Most in Raising Faithful Children | Audio Article 12

"[We asked religious Christian, Muslim, and Jewish parents of adolescents], “What do you consider to be the most important things for you to be or do as a mother/father of faith?” [We found] that both mothers and fathers have similar desires to be good examples. Mothers and fathers of faith both reportedly rely on their religion to show them what (and how) they should try to be. Parents reportedly strived to model their relationship with their children in a manner consistent with their belief in God. Many reportedly drew on a commitment to God and their religious faith as a guide for what they should be as parents. Parents expressed their desires to be consistent examples and to live so that what they taught their children was demonstrated in their own behavior. Parents not only wanted to teach their children about their religious beliefs, they also reportedly strived to become models of what they were teaching their children."

 

Loren Marks reads the article, "What Religious Parents Say Matters Most in Raising Faithful Children" which was originally published in Meridian Magazine on October 18, 2018.

Family Prayer: A Sacred Time and A Sacred Space – Findings from a National Study | Audio Article 11

"We’ve all heard that familiar saying, “the family that prays together, stays together.” How does the nature and experience of family prayer create strong families? What can we learn from families that pray together?"

David Dollahite reads the article, "Family Prayer: A Sacred Time and A Sacred Space – Findings from a National Study" which was originally published in Meridian Magazine on March 24, 2019.

The Abiding Power of Sacred Family Rituals | Audio Article 10

"Drawing from the diverse families who taught us, we explore, explain, and illustrate why sacred family rituals matter, with the hope that your family and ours will more effectively harness this power in our own homes and families."

Loren Marks reads the article, "The Abiding Power of Sacred Family Rituals" which was originally published in Meridian Magazine on August 16, 2018.

A Meaningful Gift for Your Father | Audio Article 09

"When Father’s Day rolls around each year, we think about what to get dad—what gift to offer our father. Advertisements abound for the perfect gift: a cool tie; something related to his favorite hobby; a barbeque so he can grill up burgers and steaks; and many others. Those kinds of gifts are fine. But I want to suggest something different."

David Dollahite reads the article, "A Meaningful Gift for Your Father" which was originally published in Meridian Magazine on June 13, 2018.

Behind the Veil: Meanings of Hijab for Muslim Wives and Husbands in the United States | Audio Article 08

“What does the practice of hijab (or veiling) mean to Muslims in the United States? ...In a spirit of fostering awareness, understanding, and respect for those of another faith, we share with you what our interview participants themselves entrusted to us, in their own voices."

Loren Marks reads the article, "Behind the Veil: Meanings of Hijab for Muslim Wives and Husbands in the United States" which was originally published in Meridian Magazine on July 16, 2018.

Mormons’ Weekly Family Ritual Is an Antidote to Fast-Paced Living | Audio Article 07

"More than 100 years after family home evening was conceived, it has taken on new relevance in a modern, fast-paced culture. ... [interview participants] routinely brought up the difficulties of maintaining familial closeness as technology and media have hastened the pace of life."

David Dollahite reads the article, "Mormons’ Weekly Family Ritual Is an Antidote to Fast-Paced Living" which was originally published in The Atlantic on March 29, 2018.

Living Into Fatherhood | Audio Article 06

"We have gleaned 10 one-liners that have left us pondering the world’s most profound job: that of parent. "

Loren Marks reads the article, "Living Into Fatherhood" which was originally published in RealClearReligion on June 15, 2018.