The structure of the ecclesias is changing rapidly under pressure of their natural development. The accent is now more upon youth and its activities than at any time in our short history; and this brings in the need for various adjustments in the organisation, not least among them being in the matter of education and training for the future.
This changing scene gives evidence of the power of the Gospel to attract and to arouse serious thought about salvation and the service of Christ in the adolescent mind. The recent Youth Conference was evidence of the energy and seriousness with which the matter was being tackled from the youth end.
It is often remarked that this age sets a difficult background of social conduct against which to hold our children within the influence of an association which rests almost completely on spiritual foundations. Most likely it was always the same, except that the fashions of family and social life have changed so much and so fast that many parents have not caught up with them and are thus faced with disadvantage in giving guidance to their children. The home is naturally the best place for instruction and training in all the religious features of life, but there are times when parental authority needs some backing from outside influences.
We have been reminded of this by a booklet entitled “Days of Youth”, written by Sister Jean Pearce, which sets out to give some sensible, encouraging advice on a number of problems affecting young people, especially those who are given to self expression. The chapter headings are: Days of Youth; The Blessings of a Christian Home; A Sense of Values; Manhood; Womanhood; Courtship and Approach to Marriage; Marriage; The Way of Wife and Mother; and Building Our Life. The discussion of such matters necessarily introduces some delicate points, and the author has handled them, not on secular lines, but on broad fundamental lines of divine instruction and with a gentleness and delicacy of touch that will evoke a wide admiration and some thoughtful meditations.
The author writes in introduction:
“I have been prompted to write a few thoughts on matters that affect a person’s future life, according to the approach made to them during the early years of life. How often when trouble comes is it said, ‘If only I had known’. It is with the purpose in mind of discussing various problems and factors that will affect our lives and have reactions later that we bring this booklet to the young. It is intended for the teenagers and for those a little older who have marriage in mind. It is also for those who are interested in the welfare of young ones. . . The writer’s knowledge and experience is that of the average mother, and I humbly offer my counsel”.
It is a pleasure to recommend this booklet for general reading. It has a far wider application than to the young people themselves, because of its humble approach to problems that are recurringly perplexing ecclesial leaders.
Reflections on the Potter and the Clay