Media Alert!
July 2023
Blog #45
“Don’t live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NIRV)
“Cultural Controversies!”
America, the land of immigrants whose motto is E Pluribus Unum – “out of many, one” – used to have an American ethos of beliefs and values which represented the ideals of America. Our families, churches, schools, youth organizations, and communities may not have been totally in agreement on all topics, but there was general harmony regarding the larger issues, such as patriotism, sanctity of life, the dangers of drug use, the value of the US Constitution, the importance of education and hard work, and helping others in need.
Today, we are embroiled in controversies about what Americans really want, what Americans really believe, and in which direction America should go. The controversies are everywhere: in schools, in the media, in social media, even among family members and friends. Some of the most defining principles of American life are maligned, leaving teens caught in the swirl of multiple opinions on everything – even the value of life itself!
Consider these subjects:
• Abortion: a mother’s prerogative to decide or the right of the baby to live
• Censorship: restrictions such as “cancel culture” or freedom of speech
• Climate change is caused by: human activity or natural weather phenomena
• Education: public schools or school choice (such as charter or home schools)
• College costs: should be paid by individuals or free and paid by the government
• Beginning of life: gradual evolutionary changes or created all at once by God
• Gun control: individual freedom to own guns or government restrictions
• Gender: a person’s right to select their gender or gender predetermined by DNA
• Drugs: legalize drug use or control drug use by laws and regulations
• Trans athletes: their right to compete or an unfair advantage
• Euthanasia: freedom to end someone’s life or life is sacred and in God’s control
• Foundation of the Earth: “Big Bang” theory or created by Almighty God
• AI: a wonderful technological innovation or a cause for concern
• US immigration: need controls and policies or all people have the right to enter
• Truth: there is no absolute truth or God’s Word is Truth
Certainly, there are many additional controversial and significant concerns that we all must deal with. Remember Pontius Pilate, when questioning Jesus in John 18:38 asked, “What is truth?” Without a firm foundation for our thinking, we can be jostled by the various viewpoints and assumptions of the world which surrounds us.
Fortunately, we have the “Grid of Truth” – God’s Word, the Bible! What seems to be a patchwork of opinions that are indiscriminately tossed about in our culture can actually be resolved by our Creator and the sound thinking that proceeds from His Truth. (2 Timothy 1:7)
So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?
Make reading the Bible part of the routine. Teens can learn to depend on the moral guidance and teaching in it as they make daily decisions. Try these discussion starters:
• Share: “Living in this world is not easy. It requires a moral foundation that is definitive and unchanging. The Bible is the reliable ‘Grid of Truth’. When you know the Truth, it exposes the lies in our culture. What are your ideas for setting a specific time to read it together?”
• Share: “Every day in our culture, we’re all living in a war zone of ideas. What issues confuse you? Let’s create a list of topics and delve into them over the next few weeks.”
Share: “The first chapter in Genesis is foundational to our belief as Christians. Let’s read it out loud right now.” Then ask, “What issues do you find in this chapter and how are they resolved?”
• Share and discuss this scripture:
“Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Ephesians 6: 13-18 (The Message)
• Ask, “What is Paul talking about here?”
• Share: “The bottom line of this scripture is ‘Stand Firm!’ What does that mean and why is it important?”
• Make a copy of this scripture from Ephesians and put it where everyone can read it on a regular basis.
Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.
//
Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.
She is the Director of Media Alert!
Contact Info:
Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org
Website: http://www.MediaAlert.org
Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org
#MediaSavvyKids, #ChristianParenting, #ChurchAndCulture, #YouthPastors, #YouthGroupCurriculum, #HelpForChristianParents, #TeensAndCulture, #AChangingCulture, #CriticalThinkingAndTeens, #IAmNotDefinedByTheCulture, #StandFirm, #CulturalControversies, #GodsWordIsTruth
Join the movement!
“I am not defined by the culture®” tee shirts are now available.
Navy blue, men’s sizes:
Medium – XL: $20
2XL – 3XL: $23
FREE SHIPPING!
PayPal is now available for purchases at: www.MediaAlert.org
© Sue Summers 2023
Media Alert! 