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Young Children Have a Built-In Concept of God

Humans are surrounded by evidence for God. This may explain why young children in every culture have a concept of God. Psychologist Paul Bloom at Yale University reports that “when children are directly asked about the origin of animals and people, they tend to prefer explanations that involve an intentional creator, even if the adults who raised them do not.” In other words, children tend to hold a concept of God even if their parents are atheists. Psychologist Justin Barrett at Oxford University reports similar findings.

Scientific evidence has shown that “built into the natural development of children’s minds [is] a predisposition to see the natural world as designed and purposeful and that some kind of intelligent being is behind that purpose.” Even if a group of children were put “on an island and they raised themselves,” Barrett adds, “I think they would believe in God.” “It appears that we have to be educated out of the knowledge of God by secular schools and media."

Source:

Nancy Pearcey, “Finding Truth: 5 Principles for Unmasking Atheism, Secularism, and Other God Substitutes” (David C. Cook, 2015), Page 31

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