Organized religion and, in particular, Christianity in America is looking at the next generation and warning about the risk of youth leaving their faith.
Although statistics are not completely clear about the numbers that are leaving the Christian ministry, there is genuine concern in living “Biblical values” in a pervasive culture of cynicism about religion, casual approach to sex, risqué music, Internet pornography, alcohol and drugs.
Over the years, Teen Mania, a
Christian youth ministry has held events bringing Christian music bands
intertwined with prayer and singing to bring youth back to Christianity’s
dwindling numbers.
Many religions are worried about youth turning away from organized religion.
Maybe the concern ought not to be the understanding of why youth are turning
away from religion, but the understanding of what exactly they are rejecting.
What is it that youth are looking to find? How does society respond to youth who
say they are bored with life?
It should be a concern for us all when we see the
prevalence of violence and a host of other ailments amongst youth who are
surrounded by an abundance of material resources. If contentment is not to be
found in material riches, then where is it to be found?
Within all religions and faiths there are philosophical principles that can be
practiced. These are principles which can unify people and bring greater harmony
to individuals and society. Would it not be more important to search for, and
instil these spiritual principles universal to all cultures and religions?
Youth
do need true examples of these principles in actions. A true philosophical
education can include the integration of deep human values and spiritual
principles in our lives in order to build an authentic culture based on
commonality and unity.
