FROM THE EDITORS June 13, 2005 Issue

HAPPY PARTNERS—DISCIPLINE AND FREEDOM

For 30 Years or more, people in many Western societies—especially the parents of teenagers—have been concerned about a turnaround in family dynamics that often allows young people to call the shots. An overriding emphasis on self-expression has challenged several of the well-proved, successful disciplines.

In schools, the old academic disciplines that underpin mathematics, ancient languages, and grammar are sometimes regarded as obsolete—even unimportant. And to a generation that hasn't been encouraged to know the Scriptures, the disciplines Moses and Christ Jesus taught and practiced seem less than relevant or threaten to impinge on personal freedom.

However, there are signs that things are changing. An April 14 Christian Science Monitor story reported that for many American college students, a fourth essential has been added to their striving for the right balance between study, work, and play—and that's prayer. As the students grapple with meaning-of-life questions, many schools are responding by making more space for spiritual exploration.

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