Shelter

The past couple of weeks I have been addressing the issue of creation/evolution with my youth group. They have responded well, but it has really made me realize how sheltered this area is. Even the kids attending public schools are either taught creation or a heavily creationist slant on the pitfalls of evolution. One kid's teacher even gave a disclaimer before teaching evolution saying, "I'm sorry I have to teach this crap, but it's in my job description." Now, some may say that this is the way things should be. To some extent I would agree with this, but I also believe that these kids need to be readily prepared for the attacks awaiting them outside of the proverbial "heart of Texas." Some of these students were shocked to hear that in some parts of the country teachers could lose their jobs for teaching creation. My concern for this group is that they will leave the comforts of this town only to find themselves faced with a world much different than the one in which they currently reside. I suppose it is the task of every youth pastor to try and equip his students with the knowledge they need to resist the attacks of the world. However, I also know that if all they have is knowledge, their faith will crumble under the duress. They need to be overcome by the Word of God in such a way that it fills not only their minds, but their lives as well. Some shelter is a good thing, but there is a fine line which must be walked in order to prepare the next generation for the battle that awaits them.