These views are clearly out of line with what Scripture teaches and are remarkably different than the views held by adults surveyed on those same subjects. George Barna, founder of Barna Research, believes the results of the survey present a major challenge to the Church and parents. Among teenagers, what we see is well intentioned but misinformed faith perspectives that lead to bad choices and spiritual confusion. Churches and individual believers cannot continue to minister in the same ways they have been doing for the past decade. If teens are to be moved from well intentioned, but misinformed belief systems, their parents and church leaders must be more intentional and consistent in accurately teaching them.
Parents are in a position of prime potential influence with their teens.
Even though children have long been thought to be predominantly influenced by peers, many research studies indicate youths still look to moms and dads for an example and encouragement during the turbulent teen years. Churches can also aid in the battle for teens' minds by ensuring their teaching is based solidly on Biblical truths and help teens learn to study the Bible for themselves. If America wants teens who participate in those good things, American parents and churches must find new ways of teaching them the truth. To receive a plain text copy of this article by email, enter your publication title, city and state, and email address. So that our columnists may receive proper credit, please fill out the above form rather than copying.