From Rev William Hogg:-IS religion natural? Recently scientists in America have discovered there is a part of the human brain which is adapted and reserved for religious experience, so the answer would seem to be yes, religion is a completely natural experience.

Observation of children who I have worked with suggests to me that children have a natural and spontaneous faith. Even when there is no direct influence on a child from parents, teachers or church, children seem to think quite naturally of God and of Jesus, to pray, to believe in the next life and so many things which adults have doubts about or have lost touch with. I could give many examples of faith in children which have been a great encouragement to me in my work as a vicar. Sadly I also observe that all too few children are given the encouragement from parents and other adults which would bring their natural faith to a mature expression as adult worshippers and practising Christians.

There is a tremendous pressure on children because they cannot help perceiving that few adults take an active interest in faith or are willing to join a church of people to share this dimension of life with. So children imagine that 'grown ups don't do it' and the next step is to think "when I grow up I'll drop it too".

Many children are brought to baptism but, sadly, few parents fulfill the commitment which they make to encourage and and set an example to the children to pray, to worship and to reach the stage of making their own commitment as a teenager or adult.

I was prompted to write this letter by a particularly impressive example of young spiritual awareness and faith from a schoolboy at a school harvest assembly recently. I hope it might prompt others to think and act upon these things.

The Rectory

Mark Rake,

Bromborough,

Wirral L62 2DH

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