Living in the Culture

According to a recently released study by the Associated Press and MTV, what makes America's youth happy may surprise you. The extensive study (1,200+ people, ages 13-24, 100+ questions) found that contrary to demographic stereotypes and urban legend, sex, drugs, and rock n' roll weren't the top sources of happiness! The study results are surprising and
hopeful.

Spending time with family was the top answer as the source for happiness among the nation's youth! Almost 75% say that their relationship with parents makes them happy! Not surprising, listening to music was a popular source of happiness, but only 13% said chatting online mad them "very happy". 54% said school grades make them "very to somewhat happy." Parents need to seize this opportunity and increase their time spent with children. They really do want to spend time with us.

There's good news for churches in the study. According to the AP: "Close to half say religion and spirituality are very important. And more than half say they believe there is a higher power that has an influence over things that make them happy. Beyond religion, simply belonging to an organized religious group makes people happier." While much of this "spirituality" may not be biblically rooted, the openness to spiritual matters means they are willing to engage in conversation and interested in community. If we're willing to listen, exercise patience and build intentional relationships with emerging generations, we will most likely find a receptivity that will be greater than if the church simply views students as a doorway to increase evangelism statistics.

The study also uncovered some concerns. Youth aren't satisfied with the way things are in the world. Fifty-eight percent report they are "somewhat to very unhappy" with current world conditions. Also, black and Hispanic respondents tended to be less happy than whites along economic lines. And many, particularly middle class youth say they feel stressed, females more than males. We still have a long way to go in the areas of race, economic and gender equality while trying to provide a stable world. What are we handing off to succeeding generations? It's a ball many of them don't want to carry and something we need to address now instead of passing the buck.

The study leaves me hopeful, but guarded. America's youth need to know that we really do care about their worldview and we are willing to make the necessary changes to right past wrongs or injustices so the world is a better place. They need to know we value and respect what they have to say about the world and other issues. Respect is one of the doorways to responsibility. It's time we listened more so we can learn more and accept the responsibility we have in the world we are leaving succeeding generations. May God give us wisdom and courage!