Christian Teens Essay Research Paper Teens reflect

Christian Teens Essay, Research Paper

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.

Although there are many instances of violence and hate in society today, one that shocked the nation more than most was the massacre at Columbine High School. Some people say that the boys. families caused them to kill, some say it was other students, however there was also another ingredient… a lack of faith in their lives (Grace and Mitchell 58). In a world where many teenagers are surrounded by things such as materialism and discrimination many have the strength to maintain a spiritual life. However Klebold and Harris, the shooters at Columbine High School, had a loss of a sense of sin. They killed innocent people, one of whom was Cassie Bernall, a devout Christian.

When a Columbine gunman asked Cassie Bernall if she believed in God, she allegedly replied, .Yes, and you should too.. Moments after hearing this reply, one of the gunmen put the gun to he head and took her life. Such a strong testament of her faith in Christ cost young Bernall her life (58). Because of this strong commitment, many consider Bernall a martyr of sorts, and say that she is a testament to their own faith (Grace and Mitchell 58). Many teens and younger youth have been greatly influenced by Bernall.s decision to stand up for her beliefs, this is a large encouragement to teens everywhere, especially because we live in a society where teens. identifies are greatly challenged (59). Susan Teran is one student to whom Bernall.s act spoke out to. .If there were a shooter in my school,. says Teran, .I.d volunteer to sacrifice my life. I.d say, .Don.t shoot my friends; shoot me, because I know where I.ll go when I die.. (58). While some teens, like Teran, are quite secure in their faith not all Christian youths would have the same courage and security in where .they will go. when they die.

Today.s church wants to play a larger role in letting teens know just where they will go upon their death from this world. More than many previous popes, Pope John Paul II has a distinct goal for the ministry of youths (Light For All the World, 3). .Help these young men and women be a light for all the world to see,. (3). Part of John Paul II.s plans for ministry includes Sons and Daughters of the light: A Pastoral Plan for ministry with young adults. That is a plan for ministry to people in their late teens and early twenties, with a purpose of a development of a spiritual life (3). The plan seems to be working because where as five or ten years ago it was not cool to believe and pronounce faith in God, now many teens cannot think of anything cooler.

In high school, there is a second side to the blessing of modern Christianity. While many communities offer programs for fellowship and leadership in Christ, many teens get caught up in the wrong things. These programs are meant to not condemn the .bad. ideals teens may posses of things that they may do, but these programs are an outreach. The philosophy of many programs being to love the unlovable, and to accept people as they are. Several of these nation-wide programs for teenagers wanting to grow closer to Christ include FCA (fellowship of Christian athletes), Young Life, and church youth groups. While none of these programs are better than the other, each has its own uniqueness and own appeal to different groups of teenagers. Despite the many youth ministries, American culture has let many of today.s young people go uninformed about the church and, uninstructed in their spiritual lives (.Light For All the World. 3).

A further look into one of the teen ministry programs available is FCA. What is FCA. A group that meets weekly and is led by high school students, promoting youth leadership and fellowship (Personal Interview, Story). There is a strong focus among group members in relating sports and life while in high school to Christ (Story). Where is FCA held. You can find FCA meetings all over the country and on all age levels from high school and college students to a group of adults still active in the organization (Story). The basic concept of FCA is to take an issue that many people face, find a scripture, relating to the problem or issue, then through prayer, communication, and skits use Christ to eliminate that problem (Story). FCA works so well as youth ministry because a group of people whom might not typically come together join to worship and lift up Christ and the word of God.

While it is easy to walk into a room of teenagers and easily find a group of teenagers who would consider themselves atheists, and admit so without s