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JohnF
Mary's Servant
USA
428 Posts |
 Posted - May 02 2008 : 3:12:37 PM
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My teen-culture research recently led me to an article in the May 2008 issue of CosmoGIRL! titled "Religion By Design" by Marina Khidekel.
In the article, Khidekel asks the question: "What if going to church were like going to Starbucks? You wouldn't just get a plain coffee: You could get a shot of Catholicism, a sprinkle of Buddhism, a pinch of Hindu teachings — or whatever else you're in the mood for that day."
The article goes on to explain that this kind of "Starbucks spirituality" is becoming common as more teens abandon organized religion to instead create their own religion from various beliefs like they're creating an iPod playlist. One teen puts it this way: "With all the options out there, it's impossible for me to choose just one religion to follow."
Christian Smith, of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society, says that this approach is part of a new trend in American teens. He says most teens believe in a "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" that states:
* God exists and created the world, and He wants people to be good, nice, and fair to one another.
* Life's central goals are to be happy and feel good about yourself.
* God doesn't need to be particularly involved in your life, unless you have a problem.
* Good people go to Heaven when they die.
From these basic, non-specific beliefs, many teens mix and match various other religions to create a god, or gods, that they are comfortable with. What results are religious beliefs that are mere expressions of identity, like ringtones, MySpace pages, and fashion, rather than a way of life that provides purpose, meaning and hope. One teen summarized this view by saying, "I'm into both Wiccan and Buddhist philosophies, but I'm also reading the Bible. I feel like I'll always be discovering what beliefs are right for me."
Experts warn that this take on religion can be detrimental to teens because as religion becomes customizable, it loses its power. It's no longer about a set of morals and traditions that people have relied on for centuries. Instead it becomes a combination of beliefs, stripped of accountability and absolute truth, which teens can adapt and adjust as they see fit.
"God is who He is. It is His explanation of Himself to humanity that matters, not our guesses at what He 'might' be" says Dan Mitchell, President and CEO of The Bridge.
Smith also found that most teens have difficulty articulating what they believe. He says teens can easily talk about substance abuse and STD's because adults drill those topics into them, but most adults simply don't talk to teens about religion. As a result, many teens never hear or learn the basics of faith.
This is where parents can make a difference. The two most important factors in strengthening the faith of teens are committed parents and healthy relationships with other adults. Studies have shown that religious commitment significantly and positively impacts teens' lives. But if parents don't discuss their beliefs with teens, faith loses its importance and becomes part of the background of life.
It's important for parents to discuss faith, religion, truth and God with teens and to be themselves involved in a community of faith while encouraging teen involvement in a church youth group, Young Life or a place like The Bridge.
Through this involvement families can discuss messages they encounter in their place of worship and teens can interact with adults who will help them explore the questions of faith while showing them what it means to live it out.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/weekend/local_story_123095311.html?keyword=secondarystory
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BARBAQUED
Mary's Servant
USA
454 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2008 : 6:02:30 PM
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Tee
Mary's Servant
USA
140 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2008 : 09:17:52 AM
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I have seen this first hand with a friend of mine in her mid 20's. She has studied the Koran, the Bible, and the Book of Mormon as well as writings about all sorts of religions and pretty much does as she pleases as she can usually find an "OK" for what ever she is doing that "feels good", but then ended up crying on my shoulder wondering why she was so miserable. I helped her for as long as I could, but had to quit when her boyfriend and roommate began being hostile to me and to my children when she left because of their drug use. They blamed me for it, when all I did was tell her the truth and leave her to live her own life. (They are no longer bothering me or my kids, but I'm not speaking to her anymore as she's on and off with them and I just don't need the stress right now.) It really is scary to see how doing that really can mess with people and their children. I can't imagine not talking with your kids about God. I mean when you are in love with someone all you want to do is talk about them and be with them. I'm always talking about God to my kids and my husband. I mean I don't feel complete without Jesus in my life and am "off" until things get right again, just the same way I am when Matt and I are fussing at eachother. I'm just not myself until things are made right. My kids know it too. LOL It makes it hard for small talk sometimes. lol
~Tee
~Tee
"they must seek to fulfill their daily duties, that is as mothers and wives in an exemplary manner of holiness by pursuing the contemplative life in their homes..." ~ 3rd basic tenet of Apostolate of Holy Motherhood |
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JohnF
Mary's Servant
USA
428 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2008 : 3:24:43 PM
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It makes it hard for small talk sometimes.
Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love, as to the dearest and most loving of friends.
Speak to Him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears - of everything that concerns you.
Ask those who love Him with a sincere love, and they will tell you that they find no greater or prompter relief amid the troubles of their life than in loving conversation with their Divine Friend.
--Alphonsus Liguori
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Tee
Mary's Servant
USA
140 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2008 : 7:13:10 PM
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quote:
Ask those who love Him with a sincere love, and they will tell you that they find no greater or prompter relief amid the troubles of their life than in loving conversation with their Divine Friend.
--Alphonsus Liguori
I ment small talk with friends. :) I love to talk about him as well as to him. :)
~Tee
"they must seek to fulfill their daily duties, that is as mothers and wives in an exemplary manner of holiness by pursuing the contemplative life in their homes..." ~ 3rd basic tenet of Apostolate of Holy Motherhood |
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