Cross-posted from youthmesh.org

I am in the middle of an interesting book titled ‘Generation Me’ by Jean M Twenge. It is taking me a while to work through this book as there are so many interesting insights and ideas about youth culture. The premise is that young people (particularly in developed countries) have grown up having nearly everything they need or want, but this isn’t making them happier, more fulfilled, or connected. In fact, the opposite is happening.

This is due to a variety of reasons. Young people have been given so many more of their ‘wants’ by their parents, television and media have provided unreal stories of what is possible through sitcoms and films, and more and more ’stuff’ is available to have. Young people are growing up in a dream world with unrealised expectations.

The author talks about young people growing up believing that they can have it all - the great job, lots of money, heaps of friends, popularity and great relationships. What is happening is young people get into the real world of work, money, and relationships, and their dreams are shattered. The reality is that hardly anyone gets to be a film star, make it on American Idol, earn heaps as a lawyer, become a football star, or have just one marriage with great kids.

The reality is that the world is very complicated and messy, but media doesn’t portray this reality. For example, many relationships don’t last, and divorce is common. Yet, young people grow up with an ideal view of love and marriage, without the reality of the work and commitment it takes to make a marriage strong.

So, young people grow up thinking the world and life is all about themselves, but then they hit the reality, and get disorientated, depressed, angry, and detached from society. This is also happening to the Christian faith. Young people are losing their belief in this person called Jesus and in the church, because we have given them an unreal picture of what the Christian faith is about.

A lot of what church is about has given young people an unreal view of the Christian faith. We have given young people a packaged Jesus where you get all you want and Jesus will keep you happy, fulfilled, healthy and wealthy. What a load of rubbish - Jesus is not a “Me” God, but he is an “Us” God.

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