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Transformers
Following the Littleton tragedy, Martin Marty pointed to the fact that "the faiths" do well "at reteaching a culture that there are dense black holes of evil." Then he threw down the challenge: "Does the religious world also have a language to do more than notice such evil?"

Yes, and more than language. In the particularity of Christian faith (not just generic "faiths"), we know firsthand the transforming power of the gospel. Thus we take with utmost seriousness the roles we have as Christian parents, leaders, church members, and Sunday-school teachers to point young people to the reality of God in this world, of his claims on their lives, and that fulfillment comes only through living for him. We also take seriously the need to give American teens something to live for other than consuming. Unless they experience the joy of helping others, they will assume that life is about helping themselves. Fortunately, short-term missions trips are becoming a standard part of church youth programs. And urban service outings and fasting to fight hunger are becoming common, transforming experiences as well. Give our youth anything less, and we fail in our responsibility.

Youth violence is a complex, multifaceted problem. To reduce it, many cultural phenomena must be addressed, including the atomized family, the entertainment culture, and guns. Yet, we also need to speak to the God-shaped hole in each of us, our craving and need for God at the center of our lives as humans. If we don't, we are offering the spiritually hungry only half a loaf. Or maybe even only crumbs.

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June 14 1999, Vol. 43, No. 7