Christian communities continue to report happier marriages, fewer divorces and better fathers, according to a report from the Institute for American Values.
Brad Wilcox, sociology professor at the University of Virginia, credits the family success in part to churches’ affirmation of strong family values.
“It situates men in friendship networks, where they see other men who value family life,” he told Family News in Focus. “It encourages them to step up to the plate and be better husbands and better fathers.”
The report shows 65 percent of men who attend church regularly and are involved in ministry activities enjoy happier and more stable marriages than their secular peers. In addition, religious fathers are more likely to devote time and attention to their children.
“Churchgoing fathers and husbands are more involved and affectionate with their kids,” Wilcox said. “For these men, getting their kids into Heaven is more important than getting their kids into Harvard.”
