Hopeful and Mormon

Catching up on the news this morning this headline caught my eye: More teens becoming "fake" Christians. The author of a new book, Kenda Creasy Dean, asserts that when youth pastors or parents water down the costs of being Christians, teenagers are less likely to become passionate or articulate about that religion.

Exceptions? Paragraph 13: Mormon and evangelical teens:

"In 'Almost Christian' [author] Dean talks to the teens who are articulate about their faith. Most come from Mormon and evangelical churches, which tend to do a better job of instilling religious passion in teens, she says.

No matter their background, Dean says committed Christian teens share four traits: They have a personal story about God they can share, a deep connection to a faith community, a sense of purpose and a sense of hope about their future."

I find it hopeful that dedicated, religious adults are committed to teaching their children about Jesus Christ. And I love that the Mormon teens in the study represented well. This Ensign article from President Hinckley addresses some similar issues that Dean is working through.