Comments on: Do We Really Need to Study Youth Culture?

By: chad m

chad m — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:00:09 +0000

i think it’s funny that as i get older i actually care less about their culture! i hope the church offers an alternative culture that stands against their culture. when i say, “Stands against,” i don’t mean in a antagonistic way, but that offers a better way of living after the principles of the Kingdom of God.

this is a tough one though. i can’t tell you how many times a student has said something off cuff or joking about a pop-culture reference, and because i knew what they were talking about, they were interested in my opinion or judgment on said topic. for example: “i’m on a boat.” “two girls, one cup.” i could go on. there are some inappropriate things that kids get themselves wrapped up in without thinking about what their faith has to say. sometimes knowing about youth culture allows us to speak truth in situations. great post!

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:21:18 +0000

I’m grateful to you for saying this out loud.

There’s studying youth culture as an exhibit as opposed to studying youth culture as an observer/participant. The first presumes “youth culture” is all one thing, as opposed to youth being individuals with tastes and preferences unique to each. This sounds like the difference between “What are they listening to?” as opposed to “What are YOU listening to?” And I think “What are you listening to?” is not only a more effective way of learning about youth culture, but a more effective way of ministering to and with youth.

Laura

By: Brit Windel

Brit Windel — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:16:15 +0000

It is important if you’re writing a book I agree with you matt! I think it’s a both and. Being aware doesn’t mean your doing a good job realtionaly with your teens and vice versa doesn’t mean you are aware of the things your kids are/might be facing!

Any ways at Waterworld with my high school group so I’m out!