In what ways can we as adults help adolescents develop spirituality?

Question

I would like to devise a plan with a journal entry question and answer forum for teens with questions that are non-biased, morality related, that can be answered differently by each individual. In doing so, my goal is to facilitate self identity.

Answer 1

I think that many Adult Christians should develop the process of knowing why they are Christians first. At the adolescent level it is important that they have good role models but also that they know how to develop their own perspective on why they should want to be Christian. It is the transfer from heart faith transferred form early childhood to head faith developed through their own personal choice. When the heart faith and head faith come together they have personal faith that will be real. That is why we Mennonites baptize only Adults after this is a reality.
From my personal experience guide their friendship number one.
Guide their search number two giving them the resources and then a good spiritual family where no question is dumb or considered out of bounds. Let them question and not criticize.
Even the Amish let their kids go out into the world to see it and they have a high success rate of return.

Answer 2

Marilyn Manson

Answer 3

spirituality implies an understanding of material existence and spiritual existence, a sort of dichotomy. Certain virtues function well in societies, including gratitude (being grateful to the primary source of experience and life), humility (being teachable and honest about your own abilities), faith (acting on your beliefs and choices), valor (daring to be ambitious in trying new things and not merely thinking, but acting on choices. Also facing fears), wisdom (recognizing the consequences of choices), and charity (being willing to give, do, or suffer for others without expecting anything in return).

I suggest case studies outlining a few points and relating them to common day occurances under the context of spirituality.

Answer 4

I heard a guy say on the radio that throwing pizza parties and movie nights to keep them occupied on the weekends doesn't do much for teens. You have to take an offensive approach. Get them involved in something positive.

Answer 5

Only by being a "good example" can a person teach others that they are following the "golden rule." This seems to be the best option for all involved. Peace, Love and God Bless.

Answer 6

I'm not trying to be mean but do you really want to help them spiritually or do you want them to think and do like you think and do? I find that most "Christians" want everyone to think and believe like they believe. I enjoying learning and living by the "Native American Ten Commandments." You may not agree with them but everyone has the right to "freedom of choice." I've included the link for a video that explains what I'm talking about. I'm not saying this is what you should believe or teach but I enjoy it.

Answer 7

the best way you could help adolescents develop spiritually, is to develop spiritually yourself. example is the best teacher - that and an active interest in their lives, not just a desire to program them...

a Godly lesson can only be taught as a life lesson being lived by a Godly person...

Answer 8

I recommend you require each student to individuly Investigate the true nature of reality by a two fold step:

One, ALL religions be out of bounds as a subject of study;
Two; each student research "Near death experiences" of others as well as the works of Jane Roberts or other Open works not subject to political wills of others

Answer 9

I am in a youth group myself:

1. Encourage them to attend Workcamps...It will help build up on their faith.
2. Attend youth groups, retreats, and make them active in the church (positively)
3. Have discussions...A good book is "The Journey to Truth is an Experience" by Luigi Giussani. (we're reading this for youth group)
4. Go on hikes, retreats....or Join GS....Student Youth Organization. Look it up on google.
5. have them do community service...(let them know who they are doing it for )

Answer 10

Stop being an adulterous generation that claims to be espoused to His Grace, but is found whoring with Law.
It won't get you condemned(John 8:3-11... Romans 8:1),
but it can get you their end: saved + destroyed after.

Stop using grace as a license to law;
For grace and law are contary things,
as contrary as life and death.

Contrary things mixed make an oxy-MORON:
One proselyte: twofold: more the CHILD of hell

Mt 23: Child of hell: sit in Moses' seat: OT Law(left)
More the child of hell sit in Jesus' seat: NT Law(right)
No more child, but adult, sit in Christ's seat: Grace(above)

The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.