Debunking the Bad Rap Against Evangelical Men

Finding #2: Evangelical men are usually great dads  

 Pearcey also looks at how well evangelicals stack up as dads. While, she says, “secular critics suspect religious conservatives of being harsh, authoritarian, autocratic fathers,” sociological studies paint a far more promising picture. Churchgoing evangelical dads are less likely to yell at their kids and most likely to know where their adolescent children are in the afternoons and evenings. They also: 

• Are 65% more likely to report praising and hugging their children “very often” compared with secular or religiously unaffiliated fathers (p.41) 
• Spend about 3.5 more hours per week with their children compared to secular fathers (p.41) 

In fact, churchgoing fathers often pay a “Daddy Penalty” at work – forgoing bonuses or promotions in favor of putting family first. Pearcey notes that studies of active churchgoing fathers find that “they are the most likely to set boundaries at work and to reject careerism so they can focus on their families.” Yes, plenty of evangelical men are concerned about providing for their families and may feel a need to work lots of overtime. But many others (especially younger men) are also willing to request flexible hours, take the lower paying job that requires less travel, or leave early to see their kids’ ball games.