"According to James Emery White in his book Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World,
the culture of Generation Z is one of unfettered access to information,
radical autonomy mixed with virtual connectedness, and statistically
less religious identity (p. 49). Unfortunately, this is the first
generation that has without exception been terribly affected by
relativism in all of its ugly forms. We are not just fighting DeLubac's
four horsemen of atheism, nor are we merely confronting strict scientism
in the post-Christian era, but we are also dealing with the dire
consequences of moral relativism and selfishness that justifies any sin
according to the individual's perception of good and evil (The Drama of Atheist Humanism, Henri DeLubac).
"Frankly friends, this is a battle for the soul of our children that I
do not take lightly, and one that I know comes with a tremendous amount
of heartache and frustration. The light of Christ does shine
in the darkness of our youth culture, but you have to really strain to
see it. When you see that light, it will remind you of why you
volunteered to teach youth in the first place: transformation in Christ
is the most exhilarating and faith-confirming experience a Christian can
be a part of! It is faith-confirming. As St. Irenaeus said: 'The glory of God is man fully alive!'"
In a recent commentary, Father Justin Braun, Director of Youth Formation for the Saint Phillip Institute of Catechesis and Evangelization, offered some recommendations for those who work with the youth, especially those involved in high school and middle school ministry. These recommendations include incorporating Sacred Scripture into youth formation, being oneself instead of being cool, and incorporating community building.
To access Fr. Braun's complete essay, please visit:
Catholic East Texas: Five Tips from Fr. Braun for Youth Ministry (14 JAN 19)
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