C U R R E N T N E W S S U M M A R Y by the Editors of ReligionToday

October 25, 2000

Christian teen-agers are moving further away from the truths of the Bible. Teens appreciate the value of faith, but cling to erroneous doctrines that “lead to bad choices and spiritual confusion,” according to a study by the Barna Research Group (see link #1 below). …Teens are more likely than adults to reject the existence of Satan, to believe in salvation by good deeds, and to contend that Jesus was a sinner, Barna found. They accept distorted theology from their parents, friends, and popular American entertainment. …Most teens are complacent and even arrogant about their faith, Barna found. Teens say they already know all the major teachings of the Christian faith, and don’t expect their religious beliefs to change. Thirty-three percent believe “most adult Christians are hypocrites.” …Something radical has got to happen to fix the problem, Barna said. The solution is beyond the capabilities of churches, and the answer rests with families, which “must become more diligent and reliable in the religious training they provide to their children.”