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Nurturing Religious Tolerance in Children and Combatting Hate in a Diverse World

A staggering 11,634 hate crime incidents involving 13,337 offenses were reported in 2022, according to FBI data. Because most hate crimes go unreported, the actual number is likely much more significant. Of concern to parents is that young men under 26 are the perpetrators of a considerable percentage of these violent acts. Religious-based biases, as well as ethnic and racial biases, are learned during early childhood, explains the Leadership Conference Education Fund. Young children exposed to these prejudices hold numerous stereotypes by the time they reach the age of 12. 

In a society as diverse as the United States, it’s disturbing to see the misconceptions often held toward those who are different — including those of other religious faiths. As parents and educators, we must strive to change these patterns so our kids grow into kind and accepting adults. 

Part of the problem is that kids, like adults, learn of violence perpetrated by individuals within a particular religion and believe that everyone within that faith is violent. So, kids should understand there will always be a few bad apples within any religion, even their own.  

Tolerance Begins at Home 

We must first recognize that our attitudes and actions toward those of different faiths play a crucial role. Children are observant and catch even the subtlest stereotyping and discriminatory behaviors. According to experts, attitudes held by those living in the home will have the most significant impact on the way children perceive people who are different. 

You can encourage your child to accept other faiths and even those of no religion in many ways. If you haven’t already, explain your beliefs to your child and why you hold your views. 

Read books with them on world religions, diversity, and tolerance. Have open discussions and encourage questions.

Explain the importance of religious freedom for your family and why it’s essential for others. Then make sure your child understands being accepting of another doesn’t mean you must hold that person’s beliefs as true. 

Learning Tolerance Outside the Home 

Talk to your kid’s school to ensure that textbooks and curricula are current to reflect equity and multiculturalism. Ask teachers and staff if and how they approach teaching tolerance in the classroom. If the school or class doesn’t already include tolerance education in its program, try to help activate it. Ask if you can share ideas with staff. Also, learn other ways you can assist the school in promoting positive attitudes toward diversity. 

Help your child develop acceptance by sharing the beliefs of relatives and friends who hold different views from your own. Ask those of other views to share with your child what they believe and why. Ensure these adults understand your purpose so they won’t attempt to proselytize your child or criticize your beliefs. Instead, ask them to share their beliefs with neutrality.

When your child discovers that good, well-respected family members and friends hold a wide range of views, your child will be better equipped to accept others as well. 

Fight Intolerance 

Another recommendation by Tolerance.org is to actively encourage your child to fight stereotypes and intolerance. Help your child form a club study circle or sponsor a walkathon for diversity. Your child will have the opportunity to meet kids of other beliefs while learning the importance of social responsibility at the same time. 

Confront biased behavior expressed by family and friends, especially if your child witnesses it. For example, if Grandma complains that her “Jewish neighbors don’t take care of their lawn,” don’t brush the comment aside. Otherwise, both Grandmother and your child will take your silence as acceptance of the remark. 

Confronting family and friends isn’t easy, but it can be done. Don’t criticize. Nonchalantly but clearly acknowledge Grandmother’s frustrations with the unkempt yard. Then, point out it has nothing to do with being Jewish. By doing so, your child will learn such biased comments are not necessarily valid. It also teaches your child not to be apathetic toward intolerance. 

If your child attends church, Sunday school, or other religious functions, talk with the leaders and teachers to learn their attitudes and levels of tolerance. While many are accepting of different religious views, some religious leaders perpetuate intolerance by preaching against those of other faiths. Other religious leaders may contribute to stereotyping in more subtle ways. Kids are very perceptive, though, and will recognize the biases. If you do detect prejudiced attitudes, look for another church or denomination that’s less biased. 

Finally, talk with your church about ways it can teach and promote religious tolerance among its youth. After all, the desire for peace on earth is common among most of the world’s religions.

Books on World Religions and Tolerance to Share With Your Child