Are All Preachers' Kids Liars?

Preachers' kids are the ones who will become the biggest trouble makers. They lie when the truth is self-evident. Is there a reason why preachers' kids so often turn out to be problematic?

What turns a preacher's kid into a liar? This is not peculiar behavior for any child of a high profile parent. A good example is Ronald Reagan's son, Michael.

Sexually abused as a young boy, knowing photos had been taken, Michael lived out his adult life in trepidation - especially when his Dad was running for Governor, then President. He was ready to commit suicide if those photos surfaced, in order to protect his father.

Preachers' kids grow up with the knowledge that any unacceptable behavior on their part could be used as cause for Daddy losing his "job". Therefore, they learn to "keep secrets" --lying by omission-- to protect Daddy's position.

It's even worse if there are serious issues at home for the child to deal with: alcohol or drug abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse....the list is endless. And just because it's happening in the pastor's home doesn't make it any more "newsworthy" than if it were happening at the grocer's home. Or does it?

I submit that because of unreal expectations of pastors -- they're not allowed to appear "human" in any way, therefore, not vulnerable to human frailties -- their children are trained to lie. How ironic is that?

PKs are taught in church to be truthful, many times from their fathers' own lips; however, at home the rules must change.

I see bruising on you. What happened, child?

I fell off my bike yesterday. I fell down roller skating.

Anything but the truth: We dare not tell the truth. As we grow up, we become even better liars, especially if we have married someone like the abusive parent.