It is a western tradition to inculcate in the young mind the skills of reasoning and the attitudes of seeking factual information. They are encouraged not to shy away from asking challenging questions. However, there is little effort by our traditional institutions to provide answers to their inquiries. As a result, it is feared that they may rebel against their religion. To leave the young mind in a state of doubt is a dangerous precedent.
Community leaders are increasingly alarmed over the growing indifference of youth towards religion.
Add to this the fact that only a small fraction of children and young people now receive any re- ligious instruction whatever, and the prognosis for the year 2000 looks very bleak indeed. . . The youth, not satisfied with the available sources of knowledge about their faith, feel torn between loyalty to tradition and a lack of understanding of the tradition. Confronted with these situations, some Sikh youth have already begun to question many of their beliefs and practices. This is not because they wish to discard these beliefs but often simply because they need the answers to increase their understanding and pride in their beliefs. They ask straight and honest questions.