Hello everyone! In my fifth blog post I will be further breaking down my inquiry question with 3 final sub-questions.
I will first review existing studies and articles talking about how Christianity helps improve overall well-being by providing support. Next, I will explore a Christian practice, Bible study. Finally, I will look for real-life stories and testimonies from Christian organizations or mental health professionals that show how faith has positively impacted the mental health of teens. These steps will provide me with a better overall understanding of how Christianity can help struggling teens.
Many people turn to religion to help cope with stress in their lives, and a recent study focused on one particular religious coping resource: reading the Bible(2). The study aimed to test three key ideas(2). First, it looked at whether reading the Bible helps improve hope in stressful situations(2). Second, it looked at whether people who read the Bible more often are more likely to use a type of coping strategy that involves seeing things in a positive, faith-based light(2). Lastly, the study wanted to see if the people who used this coping approach felt more hopeful about the future(2). The results showed that all three ideas were correct, showing that reading the Bible can help people feel more hopeful and better equipped to handle stress by encouraging positive, faith-based coping strategies. This is why scripture is so powerful in terms of helping people through difficult times with hope and strength.
Another study looked at how African American men and women read Bible verses to feel better when they are going through hard times, like when someone in their family is sick or when someone passes away(1). They used Bible verses that talked about God helping them, protecting them, and giving them hope for life after death(1). Women liked verses about God protecting them, while men liked verses about God’s greatness and helping them feel better(1). This study shows that reading the Bible can help people feel happier and stronger when they’re feeling sad or stressed, especially during tough times(1). It also helps healthcare workers understand that faith can be a big part of feeling better, so they can help take care of both the mind and the spirit when people are going through things(1).
Many people turn to the Bible for guidance during hard times, but that does not mean religion can only calm people down(4). Christianity can inspire people, and energize and motivate them(4).
Reading the Bible is like opening a special book that teaches us about God(3). As we read, we discover how deeply God loves us and how kind and good He truly is(3). The Bible guides us in making wise choices, being kind, and growing to be more like Jesus(3). When we read it daily, it helps us think more clearly and be better friends and helpers(3). To make sure we read it regularly, we can set aside a specific time each day to explore the Bible and ask God for understanding(3). We can also invite others to read with us so we stay motivated. Reading the Bible shows us how to love God more and strive to be our best selves(3).
The story of Joshua Low is one that i think majority of teenagers can relate to. Joshua Low is a Malaysian kid who grew up in a Christian family where church and prayer were part of his daily life(5). Although life was mostly smooth, there were moments when he needed God’s guidance and help(5). One of those times was when he was in Grade 6(5). He studied hard but still got a bad mark on his test. So, Joshua prayed, asked for forgiveness, and remembered that Jesus is in control(5). This helped reassure him that he could trust God, no matter what(5). When Joshua started high school, making friends was a struggle(5). But after praying, he discovered that there were other Christian students in his class, and they became close friends(5). God has helped him through many challenges, whether it was with his schoolwork or understanding the Bible(5). He believes the best way to honor God is by following Him and worshiping Him forever(5). The main idea I hope you take away from this is that even when life gets tough, trusting in God and staying true to your faith will guide you through challenges(5).
Thank you for reading, I hope you learned something!
