by Todd Pheifer

Created on: May 07, 2008

I suppose every new generation of parents assumes that their teenagers are faced with more problems than any prior generation. This may have some merit, but it would probably be difficult to quantify in terms that were applicable to a number of generations. Regardless of comparisons, there are definitively problems that American Christian teenagers face. Here are a few issues that they deal with in today's society.

IDENTITY

Every teen has to discover who they really are as a person. This is not just an issue for Christian teens. The period of adolescence is a time to adjust to changing bodies, shifting friendships, and self-discovery. The issue that affects Christian teens is that they must do this in a society that is increasingly relativistic. People are respectful of religion and spirituality, but oftentimes they are intolerant of organized religion. This can put Christian teens in the crossfire, which can be particularly difficult as they may already be unsure of themselves.

MEDIA

Another challenge for American Christian teens is media influence. Like most teens, they are constantly bombarded with advertisements and product-placement. In addition, their attention spans are continuing to be shrunk as media offerings are faster and harder for the brain to track. Media influence can be particularly hard for impressionable Christian teens because the morals expressed in advertisements and general media can be in broad contradiction to their belief systems. This puts then in difficult situations where they must avoid media or try to filter it in some way without becoming desensitized.

SEX

Of course, American Christian teens must deal with the issue of sex, and sensual behavior. This goes hand-in-hand with media issues because what they see on television can be in stark contrast to what they are being taught at home and at church. They must deal with the restlessness of adolescent biology while at the same time maintain their spiritual standards. What can be very confused for them is the fact that certain types of behavior are perceived as "gray" areas. In other words, teachings may not address particular boundaries of "proper" physical intimacy. This can leave the teen to experiment in physical ranges, which again leaves them open to exterior influence.

PEER PRESSURE

The Christian teen must also deal with the classic teen problem of peer pressure. Again, their situation can be somewhat unique because their upbringing may be in stark contrast to the behavior patterns of their peers. This puts them in a situation where they must defend their beliefs, but it can be complicated if they are unclear as to why they believe what they believe. For the Christian teen this can be a "crossroads" moment because they are beginning to reach an age where they must decide whether or not they believe that which they have been taught. It is at these moments where the teen develops their true spiritual identity that may stay with them for the remainder of their lives.

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