Let’s be honest, the schooling years leave a mark on us all.
But for those who’ve spent their youth in the hallowed halls of religious schools, those marks are often a bit more…well, let’s say ‘divine.’
These institutions do more than just shove facts and figures into your brain – they shape your morals, your values, and hell, even your soul.
So, naturally, it’s no surprise that adults who’ve had a religious education display certain behaviors that others don’t.
In our article, we’re going to dive into what those behaviors are.
Buckle up, because we’re about to explore the fascinating, and sometimes unexpected ways religious schooling can mold you into the adult you become.
1) Depth of moral compass
Religious schools often place a significant emphasis on teaching moral values.
This can translate into adults with a profound sense of right and wrong.
Many of us are familiar with the concept of a moral compass – that inner guide that tells us what is right and wrong.
But for those who grew up in religious schools, this compass has a deeper, more nuanced calibration.
They’ve been taught to consider the ethical implications of their actions from a young age, and this habit doesn’t just disappear when they become adults.
So, it’s no surprise that individuals who have had a religious education are commonly seen as principled and ethically driven.
In the words of the renowned psychologist Carl Jung, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
And for many adults who attended religious schools, being true to themselves means living by an elevated set of moral standards.
2) Respect for tradition
Growing up, religious schools instill a deep sense of respect for tradition.
This isn’t just about religious customs and holidays, but also includes the value of family traditions and societal norms.
Take me, for example. I attended a religious school where we celebrated both religious and national traditions with great enthusiasm.
The respect and reverence for these traditions were deeply ingrained in me.
Fast forward to today, I find myself carrying on these traditions and even creating new ones with my family.
Holidays are a big deal in my house and we treasure those moments.
I’ve noticed this same pattern among many of my peers who also attended religious schools.
This respect for tradition gives us a sense of continuity and connection to our past.
It’s a reminder that we’re part of something bigger, something that has stood the test of time.
Abraham Maslow, a prominent psychologist, once remarked, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be.”
In this context, you could say that those of us who grew up respecting tradition must honor it to truly find peace.
3) Mindful living
Attending a religious school nurtures mindfulness in individuals from an early age.
This mindfulness, developed through practices such as prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection, shapes their behavior well into adulthood.
Individuals who have attended religious schools frequently approach life with more reflection, taking the time to pause and consider the impact of their actions before making decisions.
This mindful approach aligns with principles found in Buddhism, shaping people who are aware of their actions and their effects on others and the world.
Ellen J. Langer expressed this idea well: “Mindfulness lets us see things in a new light and frees us up to make the conscious choice to behave differently.”
4) Strong community ties
Religious schools, by their very nature, are tight-knit communities.
This sense of belonging and camaraderie doesn’t just fade away once students graduate; it translates into adults who value and actively seek out strong community ties.
From a psychological perspective, humans are social creatures.
We thrive on connection, cooperation, and mutual support.
This is a concept well-documented in the field of social psychology.
People who attended religious schools are at an advantage in this regard.
The communal aspect of their education, which may have included shared prayers, group activities, and community service projects, nurtures a strong sense of belonging.
As adults, these individuals strive to replicate this sense of community in their personal and professional lives.
They may be more likely to volunteer, engage in local events, or take on roles that contribute to their community.
5) Openness to questioning
This might seem counterintuitive at first.
Religious schools are typically associated with strict doctrines and unwavering beliefs.
However, adults who attended these schools often show a strong openness to questioning and intellectual exploration.
Why is this? The answer lies in the educational approach within many religious schools.
Students are encouraged to explore their faith, ask questions, and seek deeper understanding.
This fosters a lifelong habit of intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas.
As adults, they become individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo, explore diverse perspectives, and continually seek growth.
They recognize that questioning is not a sign of weakness but a path to greater understanding and insight.
6) Value of humility
In a world focused on competition and individual success, the value of humility often goes unnoticed.
Yet, religious schools place significant importance on this trait, seeing it as a powerful asset.
Humility isn’t defined by minimizing one’s achievements or holding a low opinion of oneself.
It involves maintaining a balanced perspective, recognizing both strengths and limitations, and valuing the contributions of others.
In many religious schools, students are encouraged to take pride in their accomplishments while understanding they are part of a larger community.
The focus remains on collective success rather than personal glory.
As adults, this approach shapes individuals into strong team players, who appreciate the role others play in their success and stay open to continuous learning and growth.
7) Empathy and compassion
Empathy and compassion are fundamental teachings in many religious schools.
Consequently, adults who have gone through this system display a heightened sense of empathy towards others.
They are understanding and considerate of people’s feelings, frequently going out of their way to help those in need.
This is likely a result of the principles of love, kindness, and service to others that are emphasized in religious education.
This doesn’t mean they’re always saints or that they never falter.
They’re human, after all. But their early religious education leaves a lasting impact, instilling a deep-seated inclination towards empathy and compassion.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman, best known for his work on emotional intelligence, said “Empathy represents the foundation skill for all the social competencies important for work.”
The ability to empathize is not only beneficial in personal relationships but also plays a crucial role in professional success.
This is yet another way religious schooling benefits individuals in their adult lives.
Final thoughts: It’s about the journey
Our childhood experiences, such as the type of school we attended, play a significant role in shaping our behaviors and attitudes as adults.
These patterns we’ve discussed in individuals who attended religious schools, from their heightened sense of empathy to their strong community ties, are all pieces of a larger puzzle that makes up who they are today.
Whether you attended a religious school or not, understanding these patterns can provide valuable insights into your own behaviors or those of the people around you.
As we continue on our individual paths, it’s vital to keep in mind that our experiences don’t define us but they do shape us.
It’s not labeling or pigeonholing ourselves based on our past.
Instead, it’s understanding our journey and using that knowledge to navigate our future.