How do you treat young people?
Main idea
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Educators must present mature information that corresponds to the youth’s level; not childish trivialities with secondary or university students, but culture, books and magazines appropriate to their growth.
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The importance of providing examples and role models of virtue and gallantry: heroes of faith, martyrdom, repentance, and practical virtues so that the youth take them as models to emulate.
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Utilizing the youth’s love of debate and discussion: in secondary and university stages they must be taught points of doctrinal firmness and methods of responding to doubts in a rational and systematic manner.
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Teaching basic concepts clearly: restricted freedom (respecting others’ freedoms and conscience), the concept of strength in its forms (physical, intellectual, strength of will, and strength of endurance and forgiveness), responsibility, belonging and ambition.
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Emphasizing that true religiosity is inner purity that appears in practical appearance, not merely external appearances; and that life is not an ongoing conflict between body and spirit when one is spiritually settled.
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The necessity that the youth curriculum includes contemporary issues and real problems (AIDS, addiction, smoking, diaries…) with explanation of causes and scientific and moral effects instead of mere prohibition.
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Building the youth’s virtues on strong and clear foundations so that they can respond to doubts and the surrounding society, and also teaching when silence is a virtue and when wise speech is beneficial.
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Conclusion: an integrated curriculum for youth that combines reason, faith and heart, offering facts, ideals and practical spirituality that qualify the youth to live a responsible and conscious faith in society.
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