Depends who you ask. As a high school motivational speaker I’ve had some great opportunities to lead a variety of youth leadership development programs, most recently for the Harold M. Schulweis Institute.
During the last three months I led a team of seven teenagers and had them research the above question, exploring the benefits and risks of allowing religions to change. Last week they presented their findings at a forum for teens and parents where the question was debated.
Most attendees valued tradition as a way to unify religious communities, while agreeing that a certain amount of change is necessary. Where the group struggled was the degree to which change should take place.
Teenagers were in favor of the most change as they face the challenges of balancing religious practice with the American teen lifestyle. It’s hard to have a Sabbath with Friday football games, Saturday SATs, and countless student events that stretch into Sunday. It’s tempting to resist traditions designed to keep family together at an age when one yearns for space and independence. And certainly it’s difficult to consider one’s spirituality when they can barely decide which college to apply to.
At the same time, many teens found comfort in religion and agreed that it’s not about convenience. Some not only incorporate religion into their busy schedules, but even find it enhances their ability to keep their lives in balance. For them, it’s less of a distraction and more of a focal point.
The day ended with more questions than answers. Perhaps it all comes down to this one fundamental question:
Should religions revolve around our lives, or should our lives revolve around religion?
Feel free to chime in on this one.
Related posts:
