The Christian Post reports the findings of a new study out of The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University which was released on Tuesday. Their findings report the rise in mental health issues for young people, such as anxiety, depression and fear, might have more to do with the lack of Biblical Worldview rather than “psychological or chemical imbalances.” https://www.christianpost.com/news/worldview-drives-mental-health-more-than-chemical-imbalances-acu.html
There is no questioning the fact that mental health issues among Millennials and Generation Z have been on the rise from many years. Care providers in the field are mixed as to the source of this sudden rise. After conducting research among the two groups, Center founder George Barna points to his team’s research findings as a possible indicator.
Barna concludes, “Only 1% of Generation Z and 2% of millennials possess a biblical worldview. It is not uncommon to find a young adult who trusts feelings more than facts, sees no inherent value to life, believes in Karma, and rejects the existence of the biblical God. Add to this a lack of any sense of purpose or meaning, and the idea that truth is subjective. This common set of components results in a lifestyle that is inconsistent, chaotic, frustrating, and lacking hope. Anxiety, depression, and fear are virtually inescapable in such a life…However, embracing a biblical worldview offers a sense of purpose, security, and peace that can alleviate many of these mental health challenges.” https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CRC-Release-AWVI-5-Sept-24-2024.pdf
I do not believe that Barna is suggesting that all mental health issues can be fixed by adopting a Biblical Worldview, but I do believe that he is correct in suggesting many of the problems and issues that I learn about and experience as a pastor could be helped by viewing life through the teaching and application of Scripture. We are warned not to trying figure out life on our own. (Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. & Jeremiah 17:9 -The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?) Proverbs 22:6 tell us to: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. And in Deuteronomy 6 & 11 we are commanded to teach the ways of the Lord to our children. In other words, we are to teach them about life.
Yes, Barna and his findings make a great point, but the results point us to a possible greater issue; the breakdown of the home. Adults have a great advantage over youth, experience. It’s our job to share that knowledge. Proverbs 9:10 tells us The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. You don’t just wake up one day knowing that truth. Too many young people today are lost and trying to find their way amongst a sea of wrong choices. Make a point today to help others who struggle to make sense of the chaos. Life through the lens of Scripture brings everything into focus.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
There is no questioning the fact that mental health issues among Millennials and Generation Z have been on the rise from many years. Care providers in the field are mixed as to the source of this sudden rise. After conducting research among the two groups, Center founder George Barna points to his team’s research findings as a possible indicator.
Barna concludes, “Only 1% of Generation Z and 2% of millennials possess a biblical worldview. It is not uncommon to find a young adult who trusts feelings more than facts, sees no inherent value to life, believes in Karma, and rejects the existence of the biblical God. Add to this a lack of any sense of purpose or meaning, and the idea that truth is subjective. This common set of components results in a lifestyle that is inconsistent, chaotic, frustrating, and lacking hope. Anxiety, depression, and fear are virtually inescapable in such a life…However, embracing a biblical worldview offers a sense of purpose, security, and peace that can alleviate many of these mental health challenges.” https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CRC-Release-AWVI-5-Sept-24-2024.pdf
I do not believe that Barna is suggesting that all mental health issues can be fixed by adopting a Biblical Worldview, but I do believe that he is correct in suggesting many of the problems and issues that I learn about and experience as a pastor could be helped by viewing life through the teaching and application of Scripture. We are warned not to trying figure out life on our own. (Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. & Jeremiah 17:9 -The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?) Proverbs 22:6 tell us to: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. And in Deuteronomy 6 & 11 we are commanded to teach the ways of the Lord to our children. In other words, we are to teach them about life.
Yes, Barna and his findings make a great point, but the results point us to a possible greater issue; the breakdown of the home. Adults have a great advantage over youth, experience. It’s our job to share that knowledge. Proverbs 9:10 tells us The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. You don’t just wake up one day knowing that truth. Too many young people today are lost and trying to find their way amongst a sea of wrong choices. Make a point today to help others who struggle to make sense of the chaos. Life through the lens of Scripture brings everything into focus.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
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