Is it possible to accompany the young on their spiritual journeys today?

The World of the Young and Spirituality in Today’s Context

English Speaking Group Members:
Deli Kapani, Prakash Vijaya Maramreddy, Roshan Miranda, John Peter Savarimuthu

Discussion on chapter 1 of the text, held on 26 October 2016

First theme: 

Is it possible to accompany the young towards an integral spirituality through the main characteristics of the present day expression of religiosity or spirituality? If so, how?

Prakash and Roshan

As educators of the young, we have to take up the challenge upon ourselves to accompany the young towards an integral spirituality through the main characteristics of the present day expression of religiosity or spirituality. The following steps are proposed:

1. Build up friendly rapport with the young.
2. Educate the young to a proper and judicious use of mass media.
3. Present the Gospel message in a way that is attractive to them.
4. Appreciate the good qualities that are seen in them.
5. Instil in the young the sense of solidarity and universal brotherhood.
6. Inculcate in the young appreciation for values, especially towards commitment and loyalty.
7. Introduce them to team work, group prayer service.
8. Educate them to responsible adulthood.
9. Help them form their conscience following the Gospel principles.
10. Encourage them to take up leadership roles.

Second theme:

Why there is an inhibition in most the parents towards the expressions of modern culture and the expressions of religiosity?

John Peter and Deli

1. There is a cultural gap between parents and children. While most parents were educated in the old school, their children live in a digital world. Values are not viewed from the same perspective and religion seems to make no sense to many young people.
2. Most parents are apprehensive about anything that influences the growth of their children, be it pop culture, mass media, New Age.
3. Parents must be made aware that for a healthy emotional, psychological, social, intellectual growth, the child must be given the needed space to exercise their freedom.

Summary by Deli Kapani