Download or read book Almost Christian written by Kenda Creasy Dean and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2010-07-16 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on the National Study of Youth and Religion--the same invaluable data as its predecessor, Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers--Kenda Creasy Dean's compelling new book, Almost Christian, investigates why American teenagers are at once so positive about Christianity and at the same time so apathetic about genuine religious practice. In Soul Searching, Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton found that American teenagers have embraced a "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism"--a hodgepodge of banal, self-serving, feel-good beliefs that bears little resemblance to traditional Christianity. But far from faulting teens, Dean places the blame for this theological watering down squarely on the churches themselves. Instead of proclaiming a God who calls believers to lives of love, service and sacrifice, churches offer instead a bargain religion, easy to use, easy to forget, offering little and demanding less. But what is to be done? In order to produce ardent young Christians, Dean argues, churches must rediscover their sense of mission and model an understanding of being Christian as not something you do for yourself, but something that calls you to share God's love, in word and deed, with others. Dean found that the most committed young Christians shared four important traits: they could tell a personal and powerful story about God; they belonged to a significant faith community; they exhibited a sense of vocation; and they possessed a profound sense of hope. Based on these findings, Dean proposes an approach to Christian education that places the idea of mission at its core and offers a wealth of concrete suggestions for inspiring teens to live more authentically engaged Christian lives. Persuasively and accessibly written, Almost Christian is a wake up call no one concerned about the future of Christianity in America can afford to ignore.
Download or read book Soul Searching The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers written by Christian Smith Dr William R Kenan Jr Professor of Sociology University of Notre Dame and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2005-01-25 with total page 358 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In innumerable discussions and activities dedicated to better understanding and helping teenagers, one aspect of teenage life is curiously overlooked. Very few such efforts pay serious attention to the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of American adolescents. But many teenagers are very involved in religion. Surveys reveal that 35% attend religious services weekly and another 15% attend at least monthly. 60% say that religious faith is important in their lives. 40% report that they pray daily. 25% say that they have been "born again." Teenagers feel good about the congregations they belong to. Some say that faith provides them with guidance and resources for knowing how to live well. What is going on in the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers? What do they actually believe? What religious practices do they engage in? Do they expect to remain loyal to the faith of their parents? Or are they abandoning traditional religious institutions in search of a new, more authentic "spirituality"? This book attempts to answer these and related questions as definitively as possible. It reports the findings of The National Study of Youth and Religion, the largest and most detailed such study ever undertaken. The NYSR conducted a nationwide telephone survey of teens and significant caregivers, as well as nearly 300 in-depth face-to-face interviews with a sample of the population that was surveyed. The results show that religion and spirituality are indeed very significant in the lives of many American teenagers. Among many other discoveries, they find that teenagers are far more influenced by the religious beliefs and practices of their parents and caregivers than commonly thought. They refute the conventional wisdom that teens are "spiritual but not religious." And they confirm that greater religiosity is significantly associated with more positive adolescent life outcomes. This eagerly-awaited volume not only provides an unprecedented understanding of adolescent religion and spirituality but, because teenagers serve as bellwethers for possible future trends, it affords an important and distinctive window through which to observe and assess the current state and future direction of American religion as a whole.
Download or read book Love Riot written by Sara Barratt and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2020-05-05 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Young people are walking away from the church and those still in the church often struggle with indifference about their faith. But it doesn't have to be this way. It's time for a revolution, a holy uprising. A riot. With passion and authenticity, teen author Sara Barratt calls on her generation to reject apathy and embrace a daring, costly faith. Not content with safe religion that demands nothing of us, Sara shows teens how they can stop giving in to the status quo and devote themselves fully to Christ, following him no matter what their friends do or the culture around them does. She challenges them to give everything over--their comfort zones, their time, their loyalties, their pride--and discover that in losing control they are gaining the life that was meant for them all along. Love Riot is a battle cry from one teen to another to embrace a life of wholehearted commitment and relentless abandon for Christ . . . no matter the cost.
Download or read book This Changes Everything written by Jaquelle Crowe and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2017-03-16 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: My name is Jaquelle, and I'm a teenager. I like football movies, sushi, and dark chocolate. But the biggest, most crucial, most significant thing about me is that my life's task is to follow Jesus. He is the One who changed my life. That's what this book is about. It's for teenagers eager to reject the status quo and low standards our culture sets for us. It's for those of us who don't want to spend the adolescent years slacking off, but rather standing out and digging deep into what Jesus says about following him. This book will help you see how the truth about God changes everything—our relationships, our time, our sin, our habits, and more—freeing us to live joyful, obedient, and Christ-exalting lives, even while we're young.
Download or read book Way to Live written by Dorothy C. Bass and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written by a team of adults and teens, Way to Live discusses concrete ways youth can practice Christianity in everyday life. This book answers teens' yearning for a meaningful way of life by inviting them into an abundant way of life Jesus offers and challenging them to join others in practicing their faith.Through teen-friendly language and relevant examples, Way to Live uses stories and ideas that make Christian practice come alive. Practices such as forgiveness, work, play, stuff, justice, prayer, food, and time are discussed as ways to nourish a more meaningful life offered by Jesus Christ.18 teens and 18 adults joined together to write Way to Live. Their collective wisdom and experience offers things that readers can do -- rather than things not to do. It also presents each practice as a gift and not a task that engages readers in the real world.Great for youth ministry and small group study, Way to Live is perfect for individual use too.
Download or read book Growing in Godliness written by Lindsey Carlson and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2019-05-17 with total page 75 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Hands down my favorite book for teen girls." Rosaria Butterfield, author, The Gospel Comes with a House Key Your teen years matter. Of all the ways you're learning and changing during the busy teenage years, your growth in Christ is the most important. God intends to use your teen years as a launching pad into a lifelong pursuit of looking more like Jesus. This book will help you prioritize your Christian growth—pointing you to the resources God has given you in his Word, in prayer, and in the church; offering help for managing your emotions, watching your words, and bearing spiritual fruit; and challenging you with ways to center your life around this important task. Even as a teenager, you have all it takes to grow in godliness.
Download or read book The Truth about Being a Christian written by Group Publishing and published by Group Publishing (Company). This book was released on 1997-06 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: -- Teenagers explore foundational core beliefs, helping them grow as Christians and build a lifelong faith. -- All studies use active learning...students are involved and remember more of what they learn. -- Studies are quick and easy to prepare...instead of hours preparing, you'll have more time to spend with kids. -- No students books are required...saving churches money. -- Teenagers discuss what they discover in God's Word...building support and friendships that help them in challenging times. -- All handouts are photocopiable...no wasteful student books going in the trash at the end of a quarter. -- Relevant topics keep kids from being bored. Teenagers listen closely, join discussions, and come back, week after week. -- Studies build solid Christian character in teenagers...launching kids on a lifetime of service and faith. -- Six new studies axe available each quarter, each with four weeks of material...providing solid, relevant materials that keep leaders on the cutting edge and giving kids the insights and help they need. -- Studies are field-tested with real youth groups in real churches...so youth directors lead with confidence.
Download or read book The Jesus Survey written by Mike Nappa and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2012-04 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on a national survey, this revealing book explores what Christian teenagers say they believe about Jesus and the church--and what that means in their lives.
Download or read book 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask and Answer about Christianity written by Rebecca McLaughlin and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2021-03-09 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written by Rebecca McLaughlin, Author of Confronting Christianity In a world of increasing ideological diversity, kids are being challenged to think through their own beliefs at an early age. Questions like How can you believe the Bible is true?; Why can't we just agree that love is love?; and Isn't Christianity against diversity? can seem like roadblocks for kids who are following Jesus, as well as for those who might otherwise consider faith in Christ. In this helpful book—written both for Christian kids and for those who think Jesus is just a fairy tale character—Rebecca McLaughlin invites readers ages 12–15 to dig deep into hard questions for themselves and perhaps discover that the things that once looked like roadblocks to faith might actually be signposts.
Download or read book Modern Manners written by Dorothea Johnson and published by Potter Style. This book was released on 2013-10-29 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the world-renowned etiquette expert and her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, an elegant guide to 21st-century manners and etiquette for professionals who want to be confident and successful in the business and social arenas. Developing good etiquette and manners is an important investment in your future. They allow you to feel at ease in any situation--and give you the polish and confidence to become a leader. Etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson's essential dos and don'ts address both 21st-century and classic questions, including: * acing job interviews * giving confident handshakes * making conversation * proper business attire and meeting protocol * e-mail etiquette, including what to post--or not--on social media * how to deal with rude cell phone users * conducting a meeting at a restaurant * attending business or social events * table manners With style, wit, and delightful commentary throughout from her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, on everything from being a good guest to finding a balance with technology, Modern Manners is the must-have guide to ensure your success.
Download or read book Confident Christian written by and published by Group Publishing (Company). This book was released on 2009-07 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Help teens defend their faith in a world that challenges it...and them. With Confident Christian they'll investigate and respond to the doctrines of six different religious worldviews, including Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, New Age thought, Hinduism, and popular cults such as Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. Includes discussion questions, Scripture references, and space for writing.
Download or read book Who Am I and Why Do I Matter written by Chris Morphew and published by The Good Book Company. This book was released on 2022-03-01 with total page 82 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Helps kids grow in faith and confidence by looking at what the Bible says about their identity. Sooner or later, kids ask big questions about themselves and their faith: Who am I? Where do I fit in? Am I good enough? What do people think of me? What does God think of me? Christian Studies teacher and school chaplain Chris Morphew has been answering big questions from kids for over a decade. In this warm, empathetic book, he shows children how to embrace and enjoy their identity as those loved by God and made in his image. He also gives lots of practical advice on how to remember what God says about who they really are. Lively stories and illustrations make this book easy for 9-13s to engage with. Readers will be helped to replace fear and anxiety with faith and confidence as they find their self-worth in what God says about them.
Download or read book For the Strength of Youth written by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book was released on 1965 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: OUR DEAR YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN, we have great confidence in you. You are beloved sons and daughters of God and He is mindful of you. You have come to earth at a time of great opportunities and also of great challenges. The standards in this booklet will help you with the important choices you are making now and will yet make in the future. We promise that as you keep the covenants you have made and these standards, you will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, your faith and testimony will grow stronger, and you will enjoy increasing happiness.
Download or read book Do Hard Things written by Alex Harris and published by Multnomah. This book was released on 2016-04-19 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ECPA BESTSELLER • Discover a movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God. Foreword by Chuck Norris • “One of the most life-changing, family-changing, church-changing, and culture-changing books of this generation.”—Randy Alcorn, bestselling author of Heaven Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, Alex and Brett Harris weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact. Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges you to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today. Now featuring a conversation guide, 100 real-life examples of hard things tackled by other young people, and stories of young men and women who have taken the book’s charge to heart, Do Hard Things will inspire a new generation of rebelutionaries.
Download or read book Counseling Teenagers written by G. Keith Olson and published by Group Publishing (Company). This book was released on 1984-12 with total page 544 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Here's in-depth insight on counseling adolescents-including how they develop physically & emotionally, how to help with difficult emotions, how to deal with family, group & crisis intervention counseling, & how to approach counseling as a Christian youth worker.
Download or read book Follow Jesus written by Christine Carter and published by Ground Truth Press. This book was released on 2019-04-16 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In today's digital age, teens spend much of their time engaging on social media or surfing the web for entertainment and information. Our Christian teens need a strong faith foundation in order to Follow Jesus in the vast and often perilous online world.This workbook was created to help your teen navigate the web with diligence and wisdom, grounded in eight essential biblical principles of the Christian faith. Each lesson will include a detailed description of each Christian value, pertinent scripture to study, online goal-setting worksheets, checklists, and talking tips teens can use to ensure they Follow Jesus not only in their off-line lives but every time their fingers touch their screens.
Download or read book How the Bible Led Me to Islam written by Yusha Evans and published by Tertib Publishing. This book was released on 2020-02-17 with total page 70 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the summer of 1996, Yusha Evans went on a passage through the Bible and its four Gospel. He scrutinized more than five different religions in search of God and His message. In 1998, he reverted to Islam. He yearned for the truth in life which is to “Worship God alone as one, obey Him and His Messenger to go to Heaven,” of which he found through Islam.
