Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Teenagers by Christian Smith with Melinda Lindquist Denton: Oxford University Press, 2005.

This book is certain to elicit discussion, controversy, and challenge in youth ministry circles. Hopefully, it will also impact how we approach the formation and engagement of youth.

Easy to read though not necessarily to digest, Smith’s book offers an
analysis of the findings of the National Study of Youth and Religion out of
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Based on study data and follow-up—personal interviews with teens—Smith presents a snapshot of teen attitudes and knowledge of issues dealing with religion and spirituality. Religious denominations are categorized as conservative Protestant, mainline Protestant, Black Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Mormon/Latter-Day Saints. Variables such as culture, ethnicity, family of origin, and geography are examined in detail. The emerging picture of the religious and spiritual lives of youth (and in many cases their families) is bleak.

There is something for everyone in this volume: tables and statistical analysis for those inclined to detail, plenty of references and appendices to substantiate the content, and a conversational style of writing all make this work both informational and engaging. Entering into the lives and stories of the youth who were interviewed, Smith at times offers a bit more editorializing and judging than necessary. On more than one occasion, phrases like: “those genes can’t help any teen” (10); or “…is a really nice guy” (204), while adding to the readability, detract from the objectivity and essence of the book’s content.

Be sure to read the chapter on Catholic youth with a copy of the actual data for this population nearby. This is available from NFCYM as National Study of Youth and Religion: Analysis of the Population of Catholic Tenagers and Their Parents: A Resource Report Produced for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry by Charlotte McCorquodale, Ph.D., Victoria Shepp, M.A., and Leigh Sterten, M.T.S., M.S.A.S. (Ministry Training Source).

Guaranteed to challenge and enlighten, consider sharing this book as part of the local youth ministry network discussions, engage youth ministers from neighboring churches and denominations in a discussion group, invite parents to read the book and talk about implications for their families. This work is also an excellent starting point for parish staffs to become more aware of the lives of young people.

Do not miss reading this book. As a leadership community, it will impact us far into the future.