THE EDITOR, Sir:I REFER to your Page 2 story (Monday, June 27) 'Solutions to violence' and have noted the responses of the selected experts. Dr. Maureen Samms Vaughn's opening comment "Research shows ... successful" puts the right perspective on the problem; the situation must be addressed on all fronts. And, in my view, the contributions, together, have put forward a comprehensive plan of attack minus one very significant component - a strong spiritual base. Dr. Loraine Barnaby alludes to it as "improvement in spiritual belief base" - the eighth point of the first eight solutions offered by her!
The value of Christian faith in the life of young people is now a well-researched reality.
Findings out of institutions such as Duke University, Indiana University, the University of Michigan, The Centre for Disaster Control, Barna Research Group and the National Institute for Healthcare Research report one consistent potent factor for "what works" in improving the lives of young people and it is "active participation in a faith-based community". The research also indicates that this works as well in the lives of adults.
At the local level, studies commissioned by the US Drug Agency - looking at urban youth and drugs - have found that religious youth have a much lower incidence of drug use and a high percentage keep away from even cigarette smoking. Further, Dr. Maureen Samms Vaughn in her book, Serving Adolescents & Youth has indicated the findings: Faith-based youth lead a more productive lifestyle than their counterparts.
Dr. Leachim Semaj's reference to air play for songs "encouraging destructive behaviour" is right on target. The pervasive nature of music makes it a powerful tool; the same applies to advertisements. In light of this, I would broaden Dr. Semaj's call for the society "to start by expressing itself... destructive" to include not just the music but the advertisements as well.
In my view, a faith-based foundation is the only viable route back to acceptable standards of behaviour and morals. And it must begin from the cradle. The church must become more creative and innovative in our efforts to reach our children and young people and sustain their interest. This will require high levels of investment in personnel, time and finances as we make use of the electronic and print media, the Internet and other agencies of communication. If we fail in these initiatives we would have failed our children, our nation and our God.
I am, etc.,
LOIS GAYLE
loisegayle@yahoo.com
