A community functions not only to make its members feel accepted, but also to challenge their thinking. In an active faith community, people feel free to explore their faith, to ask tough questions, and to evaluate traditions. Questioners don’t fear reprisal or exclusion because they are seeking truth. In fact, a caring faith community understands that making our faith our own is a necessary step in the faith maturity process.
As your youth group discusses Christianity’s response to the challenging issues of our day, encourage each member to ask specific questions that help clarify the issue and lead to truth-filled conclusions.
You can further this process by encouraging the development of what are known as critical thinking skills. Apply these skills frequently:
Essential Critical Thinking Skills
- Defining the Issues
- Identify central points
- Compare distinctive attributes
- Determine relevant information
- Ask clarifying questions
- Understanding the Issue
- Distinguish fact from opinion
- Check context and consistency
- Identify unstated assumptions
- Recognize clichés and stereotypes
- Recognize bias and propaganda
- Recognize value orientations
- Drawing Conclusions
- Determine data adequacy
- Predict probable consequences
From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.
