The Fight for the Mind of Today’s Youth - One Christian’s Standpoint

By: Bethany Chastain

It's definitely not an easy task to be a Christian parent of a teenager these days. The struggle to raise them to become responsible adults is so difficult, that about the only thing harder is actually being a teen.

There's an obvious war going on today, and it's objective is to influence the minds of today's youth. The battlefields are numerous; fashion, music, television and movies are just the start.

Films are really the worst. Nowadays the majority of movies produced are rated as "R". Movies that have the potential to be good and decent are sprinkled with profanity and sport sexually explicit scenes just to bump them up to that "R" status. For teenagers it is not difficult to see these movies on DVDs, satellite television, or through a cable. More mature teens are able to walk into the theaters and view them, with out any setback what so ever.

You should pay attention to movies with PG-13 ratings that are targeted to teen viewers. Some have demonic themes and are filled with ghosts, demons, or witchcraft, which can all be designed to entice the teen to watch simply for the thrill of the scare. After these movies have ended, these nightmarish scenes continue to dwell in their minds.

Another example is that of Harry Potter, the source of a complete marketing industry of books, games, movies, clothing, and a wide variety of other items. Were your children permitted to read the Harry Potter book series? "As long as they are reading" was the thought process of some parents who allowed their kids to partake. Are they serious? Are you are aware of what the Bible says about witchcraft? The command given in Exodus 22:18 (NIV) is "Do not allow a sorceress to live." That is pretty clearly worded.

Television is not any better. You can see the casual sex everywhere, a hamburger commercial is not an exception. Some portray the occult as being fun and powerful. Mediums and Ghost Whispers have shown regular people who claim to talk to people who are dead. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states :"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…."

What can a parent do? Pray hard, and make sure to speak with your kids about the things they see, and discuss the good and bad points. Consider putting controls on televisions in your home to prevent shows with certain ratings from being viewable.

Your teen should be encouraged to try to attend Christian youth groups so they will have friends who are under the same restrictions and understand the reasoning. It will also help to have peer pressure that works toward your goals.

Secular music provides a battleground where sex, violence, drugs, and suicide are glorified. Currently, there are many Christian-themed bands that offer a contemporary music style, which appeals to younger listeners. Guide your teenager towards that direction. Be proactive and monitor what they are listening to on their CDs, and remember to also check their Ipod content.

Fashion designers have made it appear that our daughters are leaving home to work the “oldest profession” instead of simply walking to school. Finding modest apparel is at best, difficult. If your teenager's shirt is to make a statement, be sure that life is the message it conveys. Finding stylish clothing in local stores that make a bold Christian statement may be difficult. Christian clothing companies, available through the internet, may offer a pleasant surprise with their affordably priced selections.

Stay involved in your teen's life and pray hard for guidance. Sometimes your patience will be tried, but you and your teen really will survive through the teen years.

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Bethany Chastain is a dedicated Mother raising a strong Christian family of 4. She highly recommends the awesome products offered by C28 for teens and young adults, including a Christian clothing line, Christian tee shirts, jewelry, Christian music, gifts, and accessories that reflect a clean and positive Christian lifestyle.

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