Biema, D.V. (1999, May 31). "A surge of teen spirit: A Christian girl, martyred at Columbine high, sparks a revival among many evangelical teens." Time, p. 58.

OVERVIEW

The April 21, 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado seems to have sparked a revival of Evangelical Christianity already in progress. It also coincides with new interest among young people in ancient traditions (see [1999, June 7]. Back to the yarmulke...and to the latin mass. Time, p. 65).

In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that allows prayer clubs on public school campuses—after class hours and without adult supervision. Encouraged also by movements such as "Meet You At The Pole" thousands of such Bible and prayer groups have been growing. According to the article, "The (current) enthusiasm caps a decade of extraordinary growth for Christian youth groups in middle and highs schools."

Cassie Bernall’s story has circled the world. According to these stories, when she was asked at gunpoint whether she believed in God, she replied either (according to different accounts):

‘Yes,’ or ‘I believe in Jesus Christ,’ or ‘There is a God, and you need to follow along God’s path.’

Whatever her exact reply, Cassie was immediately shot and killed and has become a teenage martyr celebrated by many. A Teen Mania mission in Pontiac, Michigan rather spontaneously became a memorial to Cassie Bernall with speakers telling her story to 73,000 kids. Young Life and Campus Life clubs around the country have found new fervor as young people examine their faith in the light of Cassie’s sacrifice. Heather Miller, 18, attended that rally and says, " ‘...a lot of martyrs have been older, and you don’t hear about teens.’ "

A few weeks after the Littleton tragedy, the parents of Rachel Scott said they understood their daughter had also been asked about her faith by the killer who shot her in the leg and then asked if she believed in God. Like Cassie she replied, " ‘Yes’ " and was told, " ‘Then go and be with him now!’ " before being killed. These stories have inspired faith around the world.

Wendy Zorba (Generation 2k: What parents and others need to know about millennials) believes, " ‘Cassie captured in that moment a blind faith in something greater than instantaneous gratification.’ "

Kevin Bieri, 14, is a student in Carrollton, Texas. Enthusiastically he has found opportunity in these events to share his faith. " ‘My unsaved friends keep asking why Cassie said yes (to the God question). Sometimes if a lot of them are interested, I will get a Bible and walk them through Scripture to help them understand.’ "

Randall Balmer, religion professor at Barnard College sees a contrast in young people and their parents and describes the revival in this way: " ‘(These students) are willing to engage the culture on its terms. They understand what’s going on and speak the language.’ "

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you think many young and older people would be willing to die for their faith?
2. What would you be willing to die for?
3. Do you think there is a spiritual revival among young people going on? How would you support your answer?
4. If you were discussing this article, what would you emphasize or point out?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Religious faith seems to flourish in adversity rather than prosperity and calm.
2. Young people have become models of many things to their parents around the world in the past twenty years. How can adults learn from their examples?

Dean Borgman cCYS