Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers
by Christian Smith, Melina Lundquist Denton
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Book Summary Information
Author: Christian Smith, Melina Lundquist DentonEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-02-24
ISBN: 019518095X
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Book Reviews of Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers
Book Review: A Non-Christian Nation
Summary: 5 Stars
Christian Smith and Melinda Denton have produced a wonderful analysis of the religious condition of teenagers (ages 13-17) in the USA. They collected survey data on 3290 teenagers and then followed up with more extended interviews of 267 of those surveyed.
The initial survey gave an over all picture of the religious character of these teenagers including their affiliations, participation, beliefs and experiences. The interviews provided an in-depth exposure of what these teens really believe.
As it turns out, the seeming wide-spread acceptance of religious life by teens (only 16% were "not religious") is largely to a vague, self-defined religion which the authors defined as: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. The teens believed in a generally disinterested divine power who supervised a system to provide personal peace and prosperity for nice people, or perhaps to help them them be nice. They adhered to a religion that is helpful, but not entirely necessary. While there were those who could be described as believers in Christianity as defined by the Bible, and also those who denied any religion, the clear majority favored MTD.
The book is a "must read" for any who would like to better understand the status of the spiritual interests of youths. It also is valuable for all who would generally understand American culture. While the authors make no such claim, it is likely that the youths' view of religion is likely the common view of our age. At the least, it surely will be the increasingly dominant religion as these youths enter adult life.
For parents and youth workers who are interested in true spiritual life for their children, it shows the arena in which their own youths reside. It should stimulate good thinking and discussion of how properly to intervene in what turns out to be a huge spiritual void in the lives of professing spiritual/religious youths.
This is an excellent book.
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