In Search of Adolescence
There’s been an internal Cold War in youth work thinking for the last few decades, simmering along with occasional vicious skirmishes breaking out in books and articles.
At the heart of this war is the question: is adolescence a modern invention? Or to put it another way, if you went back in time to Ancient Greece or Victorian London, would you find teenagers as we see them today?
Crystal Kirgiss’ In search of adolescence seeks to answer this by looking at the historical evidence for adolescence. It turns out, there’s a lot of it. The book is split into five chapters: an introduction to the issue, three chapters on the historical evidence and a final chapter drawing some conclusions. A couple of pages into the first chapter of historical evidence and I was persuaded that adolescence has always existed. Kirgiss quotes extensively to prove her point, such as this gem from 1681, which you could probably preach to most churches now and gain nods of approval: ‘Of all others, young persons are most apt to neglect the fear of God and be unmindful of the Maker through the temptation of sensual pleasures and youthful lusts... their age is most inviting to the Devil to bend his chiefest forces against them, rather than against children, or aged persons, the former not being capable of making a choice, and the latter being fix’d and resolv’d in their way; his principal endeavours therefore are levell’d against youth, to draw off their hearts from God and holy things, and to divert their thoughts from the consideration of death and judgment, which would otherwise restrain and check them in pursuit of their lusts.’
As interesting as the next 60 pages of evidence were, I’m not sure if anyone needs that many examples to be persuaded. You should stick with these pages (or skim over them) for the final chapter, which is worth the price of the book. Crystal gives some conclusions and points out how this affects the way we do ministry. She also has a go at answering the question: why did God decide to give humans a period of adolescence?
Do you need to buy this book? It’s definitely a useful book to be aware of. When someone challenges you on whether a teenager is a modern construction, knowing there is strong evidence that they are wrong is important. It’s also useful if you’re discouraged about whether specific, specialised work with young people is important. Knowing that there is a definite period of adolescence means it’s wrong to try and skip straight to adulthood which means there is need for specific work during this period working with young people as young people is important.
Mark Walley is a volunteer youth worker for his church in central London. He occasionally trains youth workers.
Let It Echo
Play the first track of Jesus Culture’s new album Let it Echo and, as expected, you’re presented with a big-hitting, incredibly-produced track in the form of ‘Never gonna stop singing’. One of the reasons I love Jesus Culture albums is for their production: the massive drums and searing lines of guitarist Jeffrey Kunde always make me squirm with delight! Don’t fear though, Let is Echo isn’t all show and no substance.
Amid some massive songs, the standout track for me is ‘God with us,’ featuring Bryan Torwalt. The huge bridge declares, ‘Where there was death you brought life, where there was fear you brought courage, when I was afraid you were with me, and you lifted me up’. This is a song I can imagine leading on a Sunday, remembering together the promises of God with us, God for us.
I think this is Jesus Culture’s most balanced album to date, going high in celebration with Coldplay-esque tracks like ‘In the river’, but also pressing deep into intimacy and vulnerability as front man Chris Quilala leads the song ‘Miracles,’ written after he devastatingly lost a new-born son in 2014. This song, written out of a place of pain and confusion is spine-tinglingly moving as he declares, ‘I believe in you, you’re the God of miracles.’ It is a beautiful reminder that God is the constant, loving, all-powerful father, despite our circumstances.
This album is a really strong offering from Jesus Culture, giving us a rich breadth of songs. I am not so sure how many of the songs will make it into our Sunday services, but it is a beautiful worship experience nonetheless.
Colin Hamilton works in the media and is a worship leader at Kings’ Cross Church, London.
