Bob's Blog

The most comprehensive research on young people and religion in America has been completed, and much of what it shares is a warning for Christianity. The project is called the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR) and has been funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., the University of Notre Dame College of Arts and Letters, and the John Templeton Foundation. The study covers ages 13 through 29 over a decade long period of research and focuses in on a number of key characteristics of religious life among young adults. Christian Smith, Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame, leads this project as well as the two books written on this recent study, Soul Searching: The Religious Lives of American Teenagers and Souls in Transition: The Religious & Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults.

In Souls in Transition, Smith taps into four main themes that reveal the thinking and beliefs of emerging adults. These "macro social changes" are seen as the catalyst in young Americans shifting religious culture. These changes can be found in the dramatic growth in higher education, the delay of marriage for American young people (this is not exclusive to America but also seen in other developed Western cultures), an unstable world wide economic system, and the longevity involvement of parents particularly in the area of financial support. Souls in Transition mainly deals with 18 to 23 year old with the intention in the future of publishing their findings of late young adult years (ages 24 to 29).

Why should Christians read these books? Well, the conclusion that you may come away with is that the Church in America is not only misunderstanding this emerging culture but is not prepared to engage with them. You won't read that in Smith's writings but you can't miss the obvious outcome from their work. The research is not intended to make the Church feel bad or hopeless about the situation but it is a wake up call for churches to take notice of the changing landscape of young adults attitudes towards Christianity. Churches today can still be a vital part in young peoples lives as they live Christ out. It may take awhile and a new vision from God in connecting with this mission field but there is hope for those that see God still engaging in this world.

Two more books that I think would be a great gift for any graduating high school senior are Campus Voices: A Student to Student Guide to College Life, written by Paula Miller and Paul Buchanan, is a gathering of essays from college students that deal with topics from the basics (study time habits) to the spiritual. A great devotional book that has a place to journal after each section. The second book was written by Paul Buchanan and is entitled Student to Student. It's very similar to his previous work but with different stories and insights by current college students. You might want to read through both these books to see which one would be the better gift for your student...or buy them both. You can't go wrong.

Graduating from high school is a great achievement and should be celebrated as if they just won the Super Bowl, but it's just the beginning. For many young people, college will be the next step they will take in the process of developing into young adults. So, how do you prepare them for this next journey? Here are some great books that will get them (and you) on the right track.

Welcome to College: A Christ Followers Guide for the Journey by Jonathan Morrow.

Whether you are a college-age person, work with this age group or a parent, everyone should read this book. Jonathan Morrow speaks from real life expericnce as he shares his insights with student and those who are significant in their life. Here's what you'll get:

• Very practical with a wide variety of topics (from "Living with a messy roommate." to "How can I know God exists?").
• Mostly aimed at Christians who are attending a state school or university. Still, very good for all students no matter where they go.
• Has discussion questions at the end of chapters. Great for a small group or for teaching.

How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski.

Budziszewski writes about how he walked away from God and what brought him back to his faith. Some great stories and insights that will encourage parents and students who wonder if their faith will stand up to a university culture (and that there is still hope for those who turn away from God during these years). He still works with college-age students as a professor at the University of Texas in Austin. You should also pick up his other book,"Ask Me Anything: Provocative Answers for College Students."

Can You Keep Your Faith in College?: Students from 50 Campuses Tell You How-and Why by Abbie Smith

I've had the privilage of speaking at a conference with Abbie and she's passionate about college students. What I love about this book is that it is written by college students for college students. Abbie has some great thoughts and words of encouragement as you read through real transparent and not always perfect lives of college-age people.