Issue #3 — Storytelling, Teenagers, & Our Culture
In this issue: Telling our stories, Understanding Gen Z, a fragile Democracy, and ETS
What I'm Blessed By: People’s Stories
At the beginning of this ministry year, we encouraged everyone, especially those in small groups, to tell their life stories to each other using these simple instructions. In both Peterson’s small group and my own, we have been doing just that. It has been a rich blessing, both for the storytellers and story-listeners.
How about your group? Are you sharing stories? If not, what’s holding you back?
Drew Peterson deftly demonstrated this process on Sept. 17 — watch his story here:
For more info or if you have any questions: contact one of the Drews.
What I’m Listening To: Podcasts about Teenagers
Recently, the Holy Post podcast has issued a series of episodes dedicated to Gen Z. Each episode includes an interview with an expert followed by some brief discussion between the podcast host and Kara Powell (the first ever graduate from my Practical Theology program at Fuller).
Considering that I’m a parent of teens in Gen Z and considering that this has been a hot topic for all parents of teenagers at Faith Reformed, I am keenly listening. If you are a parent who wants to help encourage other parents as we raise our teens, please contact me.
In the meantime, check these out:
Are the Kids Alright? Ep. 1: Understanding the Teen Mental Health Crisis with Lisa Damour — here.
Are the Kids Alright? Ep. 2: Smartphones, Social Media, and Loneliness with Jean Twenge — here.
Are the Kids Alright? Ep. 3: How Technology is Forming Young People with Felicia Song — here.
Are the Kids Alright? Ep. 4: Why Gen Z is Leaving the Church with Ryan Burge — here.
Are the Kids Alright? Ep. 5: How to Walk Alongside Gen Z with Tanita Maddox — here.
What I'm Watching: Democracy after Babel
Wow. I hope you take an hour and watch this presentation by Jonathan Haidt — Democracy After Babel: Self-governance in an Era of Fragmentation, Outrage, and Anomie (although the video is 85 minutes, the talk is little less than 60).
If you want to understand a huge piece of this cultural moment, you should watch it.
If you're a parent of teenagers (or soon-to-be teenagers), you should watch it.
If you care about the next generation, you should watch it.
As you hear him present the data and his analysis, I hope you do some prayerful self-reflection: "What does this mean for those like me, those that claim allegiance to Christ and His Kingdom?"
Trigger warning: if you strongly identify with either of the major political parties, some of his comments may hurt your feelings. I hope you can manage those feelings so that you can hear what he's really trying to say—esp. because he makes a great case as to why "trigger warnings" for adults are ludicrous! (and yes, I see the irony in what I have just written)
BONUS: speaking of democracy, I would also strongly recommend this In Our Time podcast about the most important documents ever written about democracy: The Federalist Papers — see here.
What I'm Reflection On: ETS
As mentioned in the last issue, I was set to attend the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, Nov. 14-17. I typed up a little report that you’re welcome to view here. As I mentioned to the staff: If the minutiae is of no meaning or value to you, I would, at the very least, recommend this: pay attention to the last two items in the report, especially the books by Favale and Watkin. Both speak to present, hot-button issues and both look extremely promising.