The Dangers of Growing Up in a Christian Home

Book excerpt: "How can a Christian home be dangerous? When it is based on legalistic practices and demands strict compliance with no consideration for a child's feelings. This highly controlled environment interferes with normal child development because it prevents children from learning how to think for themselves and to experience their emotions. Out of their fear and concern, well- meaning conservative Christian parents and church leaders have used the Cross as a club to scare children into the Kingdom and motivate them to serve Christ. The focus is on avoiding the "Master List" of sins, not personal growth.This approach is especially damaging to those with sensitive personalities who tend to take everything in life seriously. The more outgoing self-assured persons are able to blunt the scare tactics, so they struggle differently from their sensitive siblings. Using the DiSC system, the author describes various personality and behavioral styles to illustrate the differences.With personal experiences and stories from damaged Christians, the author describes these dangers and uses psychological/spiritual insights to explain how how individuals can work through these issues and retain their essential faith. Learn how Christians can find answers that work withoutthrowing God out of their lives