Saturday, June 15, 2013

Almost Christian

Today I'm in research mode. Pastor Josh and I had a conversation a few days ago about some self-esteem related issues that are affecting teens today. We both think it is important for the church to come alongside parents as they work through things like cutting or eating disorders at home with their teens, and one of the ways we can do that is provide good resources for further learning. I thought I would check out what Sean McDowell (son of popular Christian author and speaker Josh McDowell) has to say. I've heard Sean speak twice now at the D:6 Conference, and was impressed with his passion for teaching the gospel message to next generation in tangible and logical ways, and ability to tackle some tough topics head-on. He is an award winning high school teacher of Philosophy, Theology and Apologetics. Hearing him speak, you can tell that he teaches his students to really think through their faith, own it for themselves and articulate it clearly to others. Don't we all want our kids to grow in their faith that way!

On Sean's website seanmcdowell.org I stumbled across a great article I'd like to share with you, where he discusses issues raised in the book "Almost Christian" by Kenda Creasy Dean. In the outset of the book, Dean says "Let me save you some trouble. Here is the gist of what you are about to read: 'American young people are, theoretically, fine with religious faith- but it does not concern them very much, and it's not durable enough to survive long after they graduate from high school. One more thing: we're responsible" (pg. 3).  The article succinctly summarizes some of the main relationship issues (rather, issues that are caused by lack of real relationship) that are going on between kids, the church and home today. Here's a penetrating question for parents:

"Do we practice the kind of faith we want our children to have?" (p. 39).

Since this is a blog about all things D:6, I thought this would be the perfect place to share the article. I encourage you to read this now, www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/youth-culture/almost-christian/, and if you have time, check out the rest of Sean's site. Even if you don't have teens yet, the time is coming, and it's never too early to start modeling real faith at home. It can can make an eternal difference in the life of your family! Oh, and it looks like I'll be adding another book, "Almost Christian" to my ever growing reading list.