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COMMON PROBLEMS FACED BY AMERICAN CHRISTIAN TEENS

America: land of the free, but home of the unbelievers.

Amazingly, God's offered presence, forgiving mercy, and ultimate salvation are not enough for many people. America, a country founded on Christian values and beliefs, has become a hotbed of reckless sinners. All Christians find it hard to understand and grueling to fight against, but teens, who are already dealing with the mental and physical challenges of the teenage years, have it worse. Christian teens in America face the same problems as any teen. Drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, and overall peer pressure can touch the life of a teenager and make it difficult to live a healthy, normal existence. But Christian teens have all that to deal with and more.

School

Since the early 1960's, United States courts have heard numerous cases against religion in school. The opportunity to have formal prayer and Bible readings inside the building during the school day has passed, thanks to Presbyterian turned Atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair. Though schools are permitted to hold Christian-based clubs as extracurricular activities, students spend a large part of their waking hours in school having to keep their faith under wraps.

Other Teens

Non-Christians do not understand the importance or significance of leading a Christian life, and their ignorance spawns mocking. Think Jamie Sullivan in the Nicholas Sparks novel-turned-movie, A Walk to Remember. This pastor's daughter was a beautiful, intelligent, talented, and caring girl, but her love of Jesus often made her the butt of insults and jokes.
Human nature causes us to question the unknown and things we do not grasp. When a Christian teen publically demonstrates his or her faith, other faith-free teens may not know how to respond. They therefore act in a rude or character-bashing manner. These negative peer influences can be hard to overcome, and could lead to a separation of faith.

Media

The old adage of Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll holds true. With adult themes, horrible language, and explicit violence, media sources build major roadblocks to teenage faith. Secular entertainment teaches lessons of hatred and revenge. Artists like rapper, Eminem, and movies like Kill Bill show the fun side of these wrong actions. Celebrities, who are role models for youth, do the same by happily acting inappropriately in the public eye. Magazines boast almost unattainable body types. News stations focus only on the bad things in this world rather than showing them in combination with the good deeds that occur. Media set horrible examples of life and the world today, discouraging teens and leading them to poor self images.

Christian Adults

Christian adults know that it is right to accept everyone, however they often become frightened by a generation they know nothing about. Because of this, teens are often overlooked based on their unusual hairstyles, dress, or interests. Out of sight, out of mind, I suppose. This abandonment, though, can make teens feel unwelcome in the church, therefore avoiding Christ's house altogether.

With added stress simply from trying to live a righteous life, Christian teens can often move away from God. Remind them of His promises because it is our duty, as fellow Christians, to lead by example, showing teens that no matter how difficult, no matter who may try to persuade them otherwise, a Christ-led life is the best choice. Amen.

Learn more about this author, Marisa Hefflefinger.
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