The monetary burden placed on society to support the young teen mother and her child is compounded with the distressing economic reality that a teen mother who is incapable of completing her education will earn appreciably less in her lifetime, pay considerably less in taxes, and statistically consume significantly more of society's resources (Evans). .
An argument for religion being economically beneficial to the community can be found in the assistance congregational members give each other; such assistance is a valuable resource to the church member. The counseling resources offered by churches and the intervention in the lives of troubled youths obviously help the economy by the abatement of vandalism and crime. By mentoring youths to stay in school, and offering tutoring sessions, churches encourage youths to strive for higher education, to realize their potential, and generate increased income (Mie). Through offering after school programs and day care for individuals who could not afford quality care for their children, churches promote employment and a better standard of living. In providing community services churches reduce the economic burden on society. .
The worrisome issue of religion intermixing with politics has been on the increase in the U.S. since Reverend Jerry Falwell surfaced on the political scene with the Moral Majority in the 1980's. The Moral Majority supported Republican candidate Ronald Regan over Democratic incumbent President Jimmy Carter (Brennen). The irony is President Jimmy Carter is arguably the most moral man who has ever been an American President. A President who created the Department of Education, who has served as a Sunday school teacher throughout his life, and who was, and is, a true champion of human rights. Because incumbent President Jimmy Carter did not share the same ultra-conservative views as the Religious Right, Rev. Jerry Falwell and his assemblage of preachers were determined to unseat him.