SECTION XXX: RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL CONFLICTS
Therapist’s Overview
I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE IN ANYMORE
GOALS OF THE EXERCISE
1. Family members will be able to resolve interfaith conflicts.
2. Parents will be able to agree on child-rearing practices.
ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL CONFLICTS
• How Can I Talk So He’ll Listen? Page 89
• Circles of Perception Page 122
• Why Can’t You Understand My Side for Once? Pages 164, 166
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH CLIENT
Religious conflicts often have a negative effect on child-rearing practices and can become a central point of contention within the marriage. As a result, children and adolescents will often reject both parents’ religious faith/beliefs and refuse to participate in any services.
EXERCISE XXX.A
I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE IN ANYMORE
This exercise will help you in achieving some resolution to interfaith conflicts. You will need to meet as a family and be willing to listen to each other’s comments and points of view.
1. As a family, construct a list of reasons to respect each person’s religious faith/ beliefs.
I should respect __________ religious faith/beliefs because:
2. As a family, brainstorm a list of the pros and cons for continuing to be in conflict (Why we should continue to be conflicted? Why we should resolve this conflict?).
Continue in Conflict | Resolve the Conflict |
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______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
3. Discuss the pros and cons of taking turns participating in both religions on a regular basis.
Pros | Cons |
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______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
______________________________ | ______________________________ |
4. Each member could attend a service of the other’s denomination in order to achieve a better understanding for each other’s faith.