The Disconnected Generation

McDowell, a well-known evangelical writer and speaker with Campus Crusade for Christ, writes that post-modern youth culture is different from that of any other generation of youth. Teens, she claims, are no longer just rebellious but have no concept whatsoever of right and wrong, or any absolute standard of morals. McDowell blames the disconnection on long hours of passive entertainment with computers, televisions and video games that isolate kids from human interaction, and on adults who are too busy with their own lives to forge deep, close relationships with kids. This has resulted in an upsurge of youth violence and killing rampages at schools. McDowell says that children desperately need both relationships and rules to function in a healthy and responsible fashion. His book explains to parents and youth workers how he thinks kids can be connected in a healthy fashion. Adults need to give youth a sense of authenticity, security, significance, lovability, importance and responsibility. The result is a relationship of trust that can help teens deal with disappointments, relational losses, conflicts, love and sex. McDowell's last goal is to help them to connect with their Christian faith. Written in an accessible, practical and positive style, this should be a valuable resource for parents, teachers and youth ministers. (July) FYI: Word will simultaneously release a companion ""video curriculum resource"" to supplement the book.