According to sociologists Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton, most American teenagers believe in what they termed "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" (MTD). Within this MTD "religion," God is a cosmic therapist and divine butler, ready to help out when needed. He exists, but isn't really apart of our lives. We are supposed to be "good people," but each person must find what's right for him or her. Heaven, most teens believe, comes after a life of general good works, and we shouldn't be stifled by organized religion in which somebody tells us what we should do or what we should believe. In the end, God just wants us to try hard and be happy.
MTD isn't a religion like Buddhism and Hinduism, but rather a melting-pot belief among American teenagers. Historical distinctions between such denominations such as Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists aren't important to teens because they see their Christian faith as just one part of their lives like anything else-be it sports, friends, school, or family. The typical criticism goes something like, "Why can't they all just get along? Besides, aren't we supposed to just love and accept everyone and not judge others?"
Brian H. Cosby, Giving Up Gimmicks: Reclaiming Youth Ministry from an Entertainment Culture
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