Movie Night

Controversy! Seems like life isn’t exciting unless there is some kind of fire-storm happening. Consider the current release of the movie, “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.” Do a quick search on the internet and you’ll see the explosion of opinions regarding this film. So, should you allow your child to watch it; to become accessories to one side or the other; to add more confusion to an already confused life of adolescence?

I strongly recommend it. But please, see it with them or at least have a conversation about the movie afterward. You’ll most likely get responses from anger to boring but try to pull something out of the experience. The reason is because so many teens (and adults for that matter) get their theology from the media.

And by all means, let us all resist the urge to pit “us against them.” I like the way John Clayton (www.doesgodexist.org) describes how “the most fundamental point at all levels of science and faith is not that they are enemies but friends. If the same God who did the creating told us about what he did in His Word, there cannot be any conflict. If there is a conflict, it is because we have either misunderstood the scientific evidence or we have misunderstood the Bible.”

Could your theology be wrong? Could your science? To me, if your teen sees that you are willing to at least entertain the possibilities of either, that makes you REAL; thus opening the door to a much deeper relationship with them. In my opinion, this movie doesn’t “settle the case,” it merely opens the door to dialogue. And in a teen’s world, they don’t much like having dialogue about the topics in this movie…yet. But what is interesting is that their worldview (and yours) has been shaped by the topics brought up in this movie.

Why not get it out in the open? Whether or not the intent of Ben Stein was legitimate or not, use this movie as a catalyst to discuss (not preach) faith in their world. When they move out of the house and face some of these issues where it counts, they’ll need a friend they can trust.

Maranatha,
Kouba

Feedback Following Hensel

As always, camp Hensel was an amazing retreat filled with spiritual challenges and lessons. Many of you sent your teenagers to participate in that experience. As the experience has worn off, many of them have begun to process everything they were involved in. What have you discussed with or observed in your teenager as they have debriefed the weekend. What were their thoughts?

What are your thoughts about their experience?

What is Your Teenager Capable Of?

Recently, while reading the news on CNN.com I ran across an article that had a very provocative title. It eluded to cursing being banned in a California town. I had to check it out. I must admit, the first part is a little racy but as I read, I discovered an interesting fact. The ban was spurred by a 14 year old boy.

It got me thinking. What are our teenagers really capable of? In a world that subscribes to the myth of adolescence, most believe that teenagers are just wasting space and oxygen. However, we frequently read of young people doing things that alter their world in a positive way.

What if we challenged our teenagers in a way that they have never been challenged, to effect the world in a positive way, for the cause of Christ? Would we see a remarkable difference? I think so. Young people are creative, vocal and able to influence in powerful ways. If you don't agree, I would urge you to watch MTV, The Disney Channel and some reality TV. Then, observe how much young people are involved and how they influence pop culture. What is driving it? Youth! Without the young people, TV producers would have nothing.

If we want to see the world change drastically, we need to encourage our young people to step up to the plate now! We must motivate them to live out their lives for Christ and transfer that excitement and energy to the masses. Consider today, what is your teenager capable of and set your standards high!

When you get a chance, read this short article and let us know what you think.

rp