THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS PARENTING IN PROMOTING CHRISTIAN–MUSLIM PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The study examined the role of religious parenting in promoting peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslim families.
Statement of the problem: Although parenting shapes children's values and relationships, its contribution to Christian–Muslim coexistence has received limited attention in the context examined.
Research methodology: The study reported the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches, purposive sampling, questionnaires and interviews. It also described a systematic literature review and thematic analysis using NVivo.
Findings: Respondents associated religious parenting with discipline, moral teaching, prayer and respect. All respondents agreed that parenting contributes to peaceful coexistence, while more than 90% rated its influence on interfaith relations as high or very high.
Conclusion: The study concludes that respondents viewed religious parenting as an important foundation for peaceful coexistence. Shared parental commitments to moral behaviour and respect offer opportunities to strengthen relationships between Christian and Muslim families.
Recommendations: Parents should combine discipline with mentorship. Government agencies should integrate religious and parental guidance into child development programmes. Schools and colleges should involve parents and religious educators in approaches to youth discipline.
Keywords: Religious parenting, parental beliefs, religious upbringing, religious teaching, parental guidance, peaceful coexistence
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