New Voices: By and about young adults

Senior prank consultation is an interesting element of my job. While it is not listed in my job description, students come to me each year to share their ideas, using me as a sounding board, either forgetting that I’m on the school faculty or thinking it wise to test the idea with someone before trying to pull it off. Maybe they want to make sure this particular prank will not hinder their ability to participate in their graduation ceremonies. At times, this has prevented pranks that might be problematic, such as those that would block the school’s emergency vehicle entrances.

Senior pranks are only one area where youth frequently fail to think through the consequences of their actions. In youth ministry circles, it is common to hear people make note of the scientific studies showing that the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for complex decision-making and discerning consequences, isn’t fully developed until our mid-20s. In other words, those in their teens and early 20s are still growing in their ability to think through decisions.

As a result, youth are more inclined to respond out of passion than to weigh consequences carefully. This often manifests itself in negative behaviors such as sexual activity, substance abuse, reckless driving or the many comical moments captured on YouTube videos.

While youthful passion can result in immoral and destructive decisions, this immaturity can also be a gift to the world and to the church.

For instance, youth are generally more likely than adults to give money to a homeless person on the street because they see a need and are moved to compassion, whereas an adult is more likely to think critically about the situation and consider the reasons for the homelessness or the possibility that it is only a farce. In such a situation, a young Christian is more likely to give money to someone who may abuse it, but an adult is more likely to miss the opportunity to meet a legitimate need.

Also, youth and young adults tend to be quick to respond to issues related to human rights, and college students are often on the forefront of advocacy. Another example is seen in the many high school seniors who pursue a gap year of mission or service following graduation, perhaps with little or no concern about the financial ramifications of such a choice.

In these ways, young people are less likely than adults to analyze away an opportunity for action.

There are several theological words that describe categories of prioritization. Different church traditions or individual Christians tend to incline more toward one than the others. Orthodoxy, right belief or doctrine, orthopraxy, right action or practice, and orthopathy, right feeling or affections, are potentially competing priorities as we think about our beliefs, actions and passions. While young Christians are shaped by their own tradition, a fourth category could be used to describe a shared priority among young people.

Youth and young adults are inclined to pathopraxy—an emphasis on a passionate or emotional pursuit of action. Often this passion for action trumps orthodoxy, orthopraxy or orthopathy. While an action may come from a desire to do what is right, it is more likely to be about what feels right. Unlike the other three categories, pathopraxy lacks an up-front emphasis on “ortho” or right. Instead, passion and action come first.

Passionate action leaves a great deal of room for mistakes, so it is tempting for adults to step in and prevent negative consequences. However, it is crucial that we allow room for pathopraxy while also coming alongside with words of guidance. If we only do the latter but fail to do the former, we may ultimately squelch their spirits, which could lead them to redirect their passion elsewhere.

Christian history is full of youth and young adults who acted with tremendous passion. I’m not convinced they all thought thoroughly about the consequences of their decisions before they acted. The disciples of Jesus, the early Anabaptists, countless missionaries and the flood of young Mennonites moving into urban areas around the country are all examples of young people acting in response to passion.

Alongside orthodoxy, orthopraxy and orthopathy, our church must make room for pathopraxy, allowing space for healthy, youthful mistakes. Youth need mentors who will guide in godly pathopraxy, which sometimes involves hard lessons. Meanwhile, the church needs this youthful passion to spark us all to action. While it may be the messiest way faith is lived out, it may also be the place of our church’s greatest vitality and growth.

Jon Heinly is youth minister for Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite Conference and Lancaster Mennonite School.