

Co-directors of BYU's American Families of Faith Project on interfaith research supporting 'The Family Proclamation'
Sep 9, 2025
David Dollahite and Loren Marks, both professors and co-directors of BYU's American Families of Faith Project, dive into the power of faith in strengthening families. They share insights from 25 years of interfaith research, revealing common practices like communal worship and prayers that fortify marriages. They emphasize that lived example often speaks louder than words in fostering faith among children. The conversation sheds light on how religious rituals and values can provide resilience, especially for families facing challenges.
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Belief Unites And Strengthens Families
- Belief in a loving transcendent being consistently unifies families across faiths and strengthens marriages.
- Shared sacred texts and communal worship produce similar protective benefits across religions.
Ramadan Built Spiritual Muscle
- Loren described observing Muslim families build strength through Ramadan fasting during hot Louisiana summers.
- He saw fasting produce spiritual muscle that carried into other areas of life and community worship.
Weekly Rituals Provide Stability
- Regular weekly rituals like Shabbat create stability amid societal and family change.
- Predictable routines provide comfort and help families cope with stress across generations.