Should the Fourth ‘R’ for ‘Generation X’ be ‘S’? The Religious Education of Youth in the Global Village

Abstract

‘GENERATION X’ HAS a pluralistic, post-modern consciousness, and regards religion as a discarded option – an impression which churches, subject to culture-lag, do nothing to dispel. Attempts to bridge the gap have included the search for a global ethic, advocacy of religious universalism and discourse privileging spirituality’ over ‘religion'. These tend to ignore the resurgence of devout conservatisms in the world religions. Amongst these is an Evangelical response I commend as ‘Renewalist'. From this position may be derived religious education policies that foster young people's search for personal meaning amidst uncertainty, guide them in dialogue with other faiths, valorise morally responsible life-styles, and enfranchise them in the life and leadership of the church.