TEEN NATION—'RELIGION REALLY DOES MATTER'

"THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN TEENS believe in God and worship in coventional congregations, but their religious knowledge is remarkably shallow and they have a tough time expressing the difference that faith makes in their lives, a new survey says. Still, the notably comprehensive National Study of Youth and Religion concluded that 'religion really does matter' to teens.

"The research found that devout teens hold more traditional sexual and other values than their nenreligious counterparts and are better off in emotional health, academic success, community involvement, concern for others, trust of adults, and avoidance of risky behavior.

"The four-year effort was conducted by 133 researchers and consultants led by sociologist Christian Smith of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Smith reports the full results in the new book Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives American Teenagers (Oxford University Press), written with doctoral student Melinda Lundquist Denton. ... Smith says the material 'is not just about teenagers. It speaks more broadly about the direction of American religion.'

"The project involved a telephone survey of 3,370 randomly selected English-and Spanish-speaking American, ages 13-17, followed by face-to-face interviews with 267 of the respondents in 45 states. ... Researchers will continue to track the same teens through 2007."

"Survey finds teens are true believers"
Associated Press. Reprinted with permission. February 27, 2005

ALLIANCE HIGHLIGHTS COMMON GROUND AMONG FAITHS

"TALKING ABOUT YOUR FAITH in the company of others with different religious viewpoints can be difficult and uncomfortable. Often, though, all it takes is a willingness to listen to realize that you have a lot in common. Helping people get along and find their common bonds are the primary goals of the Interfaith Alliance of Central California, a Fresno-based group formed seven years ago. Made up of laity and clergy members, the group tries to help foster relationships among people of various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. ...

"Each year, the group sponsors an annual Fourth of July picnic ... on the campus of California State University, Fresno, attracting more than 800 people ... The alliance also responds when religious tensions flare up. After the September 11 attacks, the group held community forums to educate people about Islam. The group also has sponsored a conference on racism ... But its work doesn't stop there. Alliance members support and take part in relationship-building events sponsored by other organizations, including the Interfaith Scholar Weekend ... and the Fresno Varitas Forum ...

"The Interfaith Scholar Weekend, sponsored by local religious organizations, brings people of different faiths together for lectures, discussion, and worship. ... At the Varitas Forum at Fresno State, scholars from Oxford, Yale, and other universities will discuss faith, truth, and the pursuit of knowledge. By hosting their own events and being active in others, Interfaith Alliance members hope to help people see the benefits of affirming religious pluralism ..."

Ron Orozco
"Getting Along—Interfaith Alliance members from bridges among different faiths in the valley"
The Fresno Bee. February 5, 2005

ABORIGINES PUT CULTURAL FACE ON ANGLICAN WORSHIP

"DANCING THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE according to their own culture is bringing a new generation of [Australian]

Aborigines to church and helping heal many wounds, according to Anglican minister Wayne Connolly. 'Since we revived our culture, there has been a big interest in God; Mr. Connolly said yesterday. 'Young people want to know more, where before they said that's for old people.'

"Mr. Connolly, the minister at Yarrabar Aboriginal Community, an hour's drive south of Cairns [Queensland], his wife Valmai, and three dancers from church [were] brought to Melbourne for a week by the Anglican Board of Missions, which supports their ministry. [On February 13] they danced the Gospel account of the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the desert, powerfully moving the combined Anglican and Uniting Church congregation at Heathmont. One dancer represented Jesus, one Satan, and one the Holy Spirit. Mr. Connolly said the Yarrabar church was having a powerful impact on the 3,000-strong community ...

"There's a lot of anger in our community, a lot of unresolved issues. ... But gradually, healing is taking place.' He said the whole community increasingly looked to the church for counselling and support on social and moral issues, and were gaining hope and a vision. 'So many haven't got a vision for themselves, and the Bible tells us that without a vision the people perish.'

"Mr. Connolly said he was an alcoholic and abusive before becoming a Christian. ... The three dancers, who dance in church every week at Yarrabar, designing the performance according to the message of the day, also said they had been trapped by drugs and alcohol. ... Shaun Davidson said: '... If I wasn't the Lord, where would I be today?'"

Barney Zwartz
"The Gospel according to traditional Aboriginal dance"
The Age. February 14, 2005

SPIRITUAL FARE IN THE REEL WORLD

"BEGINNING ... FRIDAY, March 11, Stephen Simon and Gay Hendricks, co-founders of The Spiritual Cinema Circle, will be hosting weekly one-hour radio show called Spiritual Cinema.

"The show will air each Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (PST) at www.hayhouseradio.com.

"On the Spiritual Cinema Show 'live' interviews with acctors, directors, screenwrites, and transformational luminaries who are making movies for the heart and soul will be featured. Discussions with artists as Mark Vicente (Director of What the Bleep) on March 11 and Kenny Loggins on March 18 will revolve around the movies that have changed their lives. Additionally, there will be recommendations about new movies that are coming out the theaters or on DVD ... movies that entertain, inspire, and remind us all that the force really is with us.

"Stephen and Gay invite you to share your ... commitment to movies that enlighten, inspire, and make you feel better about being a human being."

The Spiritual Cinema Circle
www.spiritualcinemacircle.com. March 3, 2005