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Alex Chediak

Helping young adults thrive at college and beyond

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Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church

September 6, 2010 by Alex Chediak

I’ve not seen this new book by Kenda Creasy Dean, but from what I’ve heard it looks very interesting. In the tradition of sociologist Christian Smith, Dean argues that the “Christianity” of American teenagers is more akin to “moralistic therapeutic deism” than the real McCoy. Interestingly, the endorsements for Dean’s book are coming from a more left-of-center Christian bunch (e.g., Tony Jones, Mark DeVries) whereas Smith seems to have a high acceptance among more conservative protestants like Albert Mohler and Michael Horton. Not sure if that’s a coincidence or if there’s some reason for that.
If I’m not mistaken, emergent folks like Jones are less keen on the teaching and preaching of propositional truth. Yet isn’t robust teaching of propositional truth (such as the exclusivity of Christ and the trustworthiness and perspicuity of Scripture), and the gospel-pleading (2 Cor. 5:11, 14-15) and gospel-adorning (Titus 2:1-15) which flow from such truth, a big part of what’s needed to fortify the faith of the rising generation? They need to see the connection between a true, biblically-robust, content-rich faith and good deeds in order to avoid the sentimental mushiness of “moralistic therapeutic deism.”
In their editorial review, Publisher’s Weekly writes:

Dean (The Godbearing Life), a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, opens this absorbing portrait of teenage religiosity by throwing down a gauntlet: the faith of America’s teens is “not durable enough to survive long after they graduate from high school. One more thing: we’re responsible.” Dean, who worked on the National Study of Youth and Religion with sociologist Christian Smith, says that American Christians’ emphasis on “a do-good, feel-good spirituality” at the expense of deep discipleship may cost them the rising generation, which is (with the exception of Mormon teens, the subject of an admiring chapter-long case study) largely apathetic about Christian faith. How, then, can religious leaders and teachers inculcate what Dean calls a “consequential faith”–i.e., one that bears fruit for the long haul? She identifies four factors teens need: a personal encounter with God, a strong church or youth group, a sense of being called to duty, and hope for the future. In a refreshingly personal final chapter, Dean outlines her frustration at the daunting task ahead but emphasizes the possibilities if the Christian church decides to take up its cross and follow Jesus.

HT: Troy Lamberth

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Filed Under: Culture, Practical Ministry

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With One Voice

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Praise for With One Voice

This relatively short book packs a powerful bang for the buck, providing much biblical and practical advice for young men and women seeking to glorify God in relationships.

Alex and Brett Harris
Best-selling authors of Do Hard Things

Alex and Marni Chediak offer sound biblical advice and a clear Christian framework for working through the maze of confusions surrounding modern marriage.

R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Publishers have been cranking out books with all sorts of directions to help Christians navigate the treacherous waters between the buoys of singleness and marriage, and I know of none that is more clear, concise and helpful than With One Voice.

J. Ligon Duncan, III Ph.D.
Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church

With One Voice is clearly written and God-centered. Our eighteen year-old daughter just read it and restrained herself from underlining nearly the whole thing!

Dr. Bruce A. Ware
Professor of Christian Theology
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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