The crisis of faith among youth

Abstract

Our Age is characterised by a lack of a sense of direction. This manifests itself acutely in the uncertainty, frustration and inner conflict that brings confusion into many lives and make this age an age of nervous tension as well as shifting morals. There are many causes accounting for this situation but none more influential than the secularization which has sapped the religious sense of life's meaning and drained off the resources for effective living which faith in God imparts. Obviously several things need to be done for the reconstruction of contemporary life, but without revitalizing of religion no widespread or lasting increase in personal stability can be achieved. In my opinion one way to bring back a real faith in God is to revitalize it in youth as to-day's young people are tomorrow's generation. This is no easy task but by hard work and complete trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit much can be achieved to this end. In fact His Holiness Pope Paul VI, in his message at the close of the Vatican Council II called on youth to be enkindled by the light of the Church and by sincere faith in God to be the builders of the new society. This society would respect the dignity, the liberty and the rights of the individual. The Pope affirmed the belief that modern adolescents can place their youthful energies at the service of those who are in need. They can fight against egoism, so that by their generous, respectful and pure life they may build a better world.