This title describes how American parents approach the task of passing on religious faith, beliefs, values, and practice to their children, at a time of overall decline in traditional religion and increased interest in personal spirituality
. Parents are the most important influence on their children's religious lives, yet they have been virtually ignored in previous work on religious socialization. Parents view it as their job, not religious professionals', to ground their children in life-enhancing religious values that provide resilience, morality, and sense of purpose. The authors explore American parents' strategies, experiences, beliefs, and anxieties regarding religious transmission through hundreds of in-depth interviews that span religious traditions, social classes, and family types around the country. Looking extensively at questions of religious practice and childrearing, this volume uncovers parents' real-life challenges while breaking innovative theoretical ground.