Understanding the religious climate for American teenagers is a highly valuable sociological tool. Not only does it allow for a preview of the future, but it also affords the opportunity to serve as a measuring stick for the effectiveness of parenting. Studying teenage religiosity also reveals how well teens are able to articulate their personal beliefs, which can reveal the strength of their values. The majority of American teenagers are either some form of Christian or not religious at all (Smith and Denton Kindle Location 699). While this is true, there is a small percentage of American teens that fall into other religious affiliations. Finally, the teenage years are a good age range to study because conversion is highly likely during these years as teens are easily swayed by ideas that challenge their beliefs (Smith and Denton Kindle Location 94). A difficulty of the teenage years is discovering oneself. According to Chap Clark, “to survive, a young person must learn how to be a child, a student, an athlete, and a friend, while also continuing the ever-lengthening process of determining who he or she is” (2). Furthermore, teens find themselves trying to find the elusive definition of personhood in the midst of myriad influences. As mentioned, the task is truly a tall order, considering all the outside sources telling teens who they are as they try to figure it out themselves. For instance, a teen may define himself or herself as a “fundamentally morally responsible agent, an illusion of individuality destined to dissolve into cosmic unity, a sinner being divinely redeemed and sanctified,” and many other personae (Smith and Denton, Kindle Locations 3812-3813). With all of these different definitions of personhood out there, the...
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...tinue to exist, for it is already in a state of collapse” (Clark 56). Involved parents can shape the ethical and moral basis for their children and leave a lasting impact. In closing, the teenage conception of personhood is paramount to both self-discovery and defining who God is. Many sources, but none more than social factors and parents heavily influence these definitions. From the religiously disconnected and the highly religious, teenage religiosity provides a good view of societal views and our immediate future. After all, nearly all dominant cultures have treasured their youth because of their potential (Clark 7).
Works Cited
Clark, Chap. Hurt 2.0. Baker Book Group. 2011. Kindle Edition.
Smith, Christian and Denton, Melina Lundquist. Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers. Oxford University Press. 2005. Kindle Edition.
Identity is fragilely within a constant spectrum of change and development, yet the Amish culture has chosen to be oblivious to harmful manipulations between parental authorities and the adolescents within their budding youth. Adolescence is a period of overwhelming expansion, physically and mentally, and instruction, with clear foundations of moderation, can ultimately equip a troubled teenager with the proper tools to unlock facets of untapped potential. The Amish culture limits this search for identity, and adversely, ill-equips their adolescents to combat definite crises within the confusing realms of identity exploration. Additionally, the church, founded under the Amish culture, invokes powerful penalties for individuals that a...
Parks, S.D.(1986). The Critical Years: Young Adults and the Search for Meaning, Faith and Commitment. (1st ed.) San Francisco, Harper&Row
Butler, J., Balmer, R., & Wacker, G. (2008). Religion in American Life : A Short History. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Evert, Jason, Crystalina Evert, and Brian Butler. Theology of the Body for Teens: Discovering God's Plan for Love and Life: Student Workbook. West Chester, PA: Ascension, 2006. Print.
A Scientific Understanding of God Two eighteenth century movements, the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening, changed American colonists’ views on reason and wisdom. The Enlightenment, led by philosophers such as John Locke, emphasized abstract thought to acquire knowledge. The European and American thinkers’ research led to a greater understanding of scientific phenomena and the questioning of the government’s rule. Similar to the Enlightenment, the Great Awakening changed colonists’ mode of thought through the concentration of emotion rather than wisdom. Reverend Jonathan Edwards, a Great Awakening revivalist, emphasized seeking salvation by recognizing one’s own moral corruption and surrendering to God’s will. Although the Great Awakening challenged religious, social and political orthodoxy, the Enlightenment had a greater impact on colonial America and vastly influenced future decisions. The Great Awakening reached a large quantity of people because of the traveling orators that preached the evangelical word. Although Enlightenment learning was limited to the wealthy, educated colonists, the movement’s influence was still stronger because the well-to-do ruled the land. Enlightenment philosophers began questioning corrupt governments and the combination of church and state. John Locke claimed that because the people created a government, then civilians could change the run of the government. This belief, perhaps, was the most influential to colonial society. Educated and powerful political leaders began questioning their government under British rule, therefore, igniting dreams of independence. The Enlightenment theory added to the oppression of British rule led to a revolution. Although not as significant as the Enlightenment, the Great Awakening still had a deep impact on colonial society. Primarily, the conflict that arose between the religious revivalists and ultimately ended in a split in the evangelical group changed the face of religion in the British colonies. The New Light revivalists spawned such denominations as Baptist and Methodist, which differed in the old lights beliefs in doctrine and matters of faith. These new sects resulted in a stronger tolerance toward religious diversity. Also, because revivalists preached mainly to backcountry people who had no religious affiliation, the emphasis on emotion rather than wisdom gave less-educated people a feeling of self-worth. These new freethinking converts gained the strength to begin questioning social and political order. The movements of the Enlightenment and the Great Awakening mainly produced a new mode of thought for American colonists.
Just what is theology? This question can have a wide variety of answers, from irrelevant facts about God thought up by men centuries ago, to complicated theories discussed by scholars. Typically, the average 21st century man does not consider theology as relevant. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Theology by definition has the characteristics of both expounding the truth, and impacting the believer with that truth (Himes, 2011). Therefore, theology and the church are intricately combined, in that the church embodies the revelation of God, and is reality, not theory (Himes, 2011). A personal practical theology must begin with revelation, not the individual (Himes, 2011), and proclaim the truth in a way that impacts, equips, and mobilizes the believer to make disciples in the genre of God’s choosing.
Fortosis, S. & Garland, K., (1990). Adolescent Cognitive Development, Piaget’s Idea of Disequilibration, and the Issue of Christian Nurture. Religious Education, 85(4), p. 631-644.
The Awakening, written by Kate Chopin, tells the story of one woman’s path to finding self-discovery. Edna Pontellier, the lady, who transforms herself from an obedient housewife to a person who is alive with strength of character and emotions which she no longer has to repress. How an individual’s true nature could conflict with societal expectations is revealed. It deals with the day-to-day realities that a woman may face if she chooses to pursue her own needs and desires that do not fit with what society expects. To remain true to one’s conviction a woman must have relentless strength and courage. This metamorphosis is shaped by her surroundings. Just as her behavior is more shocking and horrifying because of her position in society, it is that very position which causes her to feel restrained and makes her yearn to rebel. Yet, this story shows how the good and bad that comes along with choosing to live outside of society norms. Another point that Chopin makes is how devalued a husband can make a wife feel. This treatment could lead to a woman finding and pursuing different desires that she would not have otherwise pursued. In The Awakening, Kate Chopin’s main character, Edna Pontellier is “awakened” to a desire to live a life free of the accountability of her existing life as a wife, mother, and a homemaker in order to be the independent woman that realizes she wants to be. She awakens first to a discontentment in her life, then to a mental awakening, to the passion of music and art, to the pleasure of her own body, and finally, to boundaries that she no longer wishes uphold. For Edna that was a life of solitude, which was unbearable for her to accept. Chopin reveals how a person can gradually become affected by her enviro...
LaRue, Jr, John C. "A Glimpse at Christian Teens | YourChurch.net." ChristianityToday.com | Magazines, News, Church Leadership & Bible Study. 31 Mar. 2009 .
Teens reflect a culture all of their own within American society. The language that they speak, music that they listen to, and many aspects of their lives differ from that of past generations (Linehan 3). Therefore, many people of older generations tend to make judgments and assumptions about teenagers. These assumptions are typically based on the manner in which teenagers speak, dress, and present themselves. Because of these generalizations, faith of many teens is commonly overlooked. In a society where violence seems to be accepted and many teens are lost about who they are, faith can be the one bond interlinking a group of many. Despite occurrences such as the shootings April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School, and other negative aspects surrounding teenagers’ lives, there are still many young people involved and/or seeking a life with faith in Christ.
Root, Andrew. "Talking About Sin with Young People." The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry. Andrew Root and Kenda Dean. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press Books, 2011. N. pag. Digital file.
Parents, who worry about the child’s future, attempt to set good morality on their child. Of course, as good parents, they want to educate their children to always choose the right decision.”Role models are highly important for us psychologically, helping to guide us through life during our development, to make important decisions that affect the outcome of our lives, and to help us find happiness in later life”(Thomas). Thomas advises people on how important role modeling is and how it can help adolescents find happiness in later life. “First, the use of role modeling as a teaching method in secondary education is assessed. Second, adolescents role models and their moral qualities are identified”(Sanderse). Sanderse implies that the moral qualities are identified as well as their role models. Morality may change due to the beliefs and culture, but the morality is set mainly by an adolescent's role
My personal vision of God is a spirit made up of power, wisdom, and goodness that can’t be fully understood by any amount of writing or philosophical studies. I think God’s ultimate concern is to teach us to help one another to serve our fellow neighbor. In today’s society we have tried to better each other by using different tactics, some good, and others bad. We need to reevaluate our actions on how to enhance our society, starting with eliminating the bad tactics we use. To do this, we should revise the bible and how we perceive the two different Testaments, based on moral values then and now. By doing this, we will enhance our definition and understanding of morality.
In America, the society runs on what teenagers want. From Nicki Minaj to the junior section at Sears, most of what the people see, hear, or touch is aimed at the teenagers. Being an adolescent is probably the most exciting and most popular time period in a person’s life. The teens seem to have it all, but what about the parents who raise them? The parents of the teenagers never get any credit during this time period, although they have every right to. Parents and teenagers should strive for a strong, lasting relationship for these years, though most times there isn’t one. The relationship between teenagers and parents is the most vital bond in the family because this relationship should and will prepare them for the next step in life.
Parents, friends, and the media are great agents of the declination of today’s moral values in the youth that have caused a massive moral crisis which lead to the disappearance of the morals.