The Christian Science Monitor reports today that the majority of college students view key political issues through a moral lens. This is according to a poll released by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. Collectively, 9/11 terror attacks have shaped their political worldview. In addition to the traditional issues of abortion, gay marriage, and stem-cell research, their issues include the federal government’s response to Katrina, education policy and the Iraq war.
Although college students identify less with specific denominations than previous generations, they have a high interest in spirituality. They are more involved in community service and are voting more than their immediate predecessors. Political strategists are identifying these students as a swing group in the 2008 election.
Is this kind of commitment to justice issues welcomed within congregations? These matters are the kind Jesus addressed, but we seem to feel uncomfortable discussing them as they might be divisive within our churches. It would appear that we need to make sure there is a place for those who find healthcare, sustainable environment and other moral issues important to their understanding of faith. We need them to remind us how we are to live in God’s world.
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