World Religions Collide in New Tropical Reality Series
Buddhist, Jew, Mormon, Muslim, Christian…A group of young strangers meet in Hawaii to discuss spirituality

Buddha, Joseph Smith, Mohammed, Jesus.
Torah, Book of Mormon, Qur’an, Holy Bible.
Polygamy, terrorists, hypocrites.
Osama Bin Laden, Mitt Romney, Billy Graham.

Maui, HI–Six young strangers, between the ages of 18 and 23, from various religious backgrounds will meet in Maui to kick start 2008 with intense conversations about spirituality. During their time together, this group will take part in a variety of experiences such as helicopter and boat rides, whale watching, snorkeling, zip lining through a forest, horseback riding, rappelling through waterfalls, surf lessons, and a luau…all the while tying in conversations about what they believe and why they believe it. (more…)

Ultimate Escape is a site for teens who want to be free from sexual addictions or addiction to pornography.

What a Horrible Friend!
I felt betrayed when Jennifer gave away my perfect gift.
by Christy Heitger

Ignite Your Life – Campus Life, December, 2007

The bell rang loudly.

It was the sound I’d been waiting for all day—the bell that not only symbolized the end of the school day, but also the start of Christmas break.

I scooped up my books and bolted from class. With Christmas carols ringing in my ears and peppermint lingering on my lips from eating candy canes, I flew down the hallway, bursting with holiday cheer. Little did I know that my giant yuletide bubble was about to burst.

“Hey, Christy!” my friend Stephanie shouted from her locker. “Look what Jennifer gave me for Christmas!”

I ran over, eager to see what Stephanie was so excited about. But when she revealed the gift, my heart broke into a million pieces. There in her hand was a silver swan ring holder—the same ring holder I’d given Jennifer for her birthday. I was certain of it. There couldn’t be another like it. I’d looked everywhere for this unique gift and finally found it in a city several miles from the town I lived in.

My cheeks burned hot with anger.

(read rest of this article)

According to the 2007 online survey for Junior Achievement and Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, an accounting firm, nearly 40% of teenagers says that you have to lie and cheat to succeed.

The teens said that includes cheating on tests to get ahead, stealing if you are short on cash, and lying if it gets you out of a scrape.

Is breaking rules necessary to make it in life?

(picture from USA Today)

 

Joyless World

by Lydia Rule, RTF Teen Staff Writer

In a mall located in Omaha, Nebraska, a shooter killed eight people and then took his own life as well.

As I read this news article, I couldn’t help but wonder WHY? Isn’t this the time of the year when people are supposed to be joyful? When little children sit and stare at their presents and wish that Christmas would arrive soon? Isn’t this supposed to be the time where people sing “Joy to the World” and think of others above themselves? (more…)

I used to have a strong faith in God, but junior year has messed me up, I don’t feel close to him anymore, my grades have been falling. I have suffered from depression and Ii always feel doubtful. I don’t know what to do about falling into the wrong relationships with guys who don’t have the same religious faith as me, but I really need some advice from someone who has more faith than I do… Emi

(more…)

From Planet Wisdom
Amazing Grace
Rated PG for thematic material involving slavery, and some mild language.
reviewed by Christopher Lyon

Excerpt: “Amazing Grace” might not have the fanboys lining up around the block like star Ioan Gruffudd’s next film, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” But his role as the real-life 1700s slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce is far more heroic than Reed Richards could ever hope to be.

And Wilberforce didn’t need a costume to change the world.

(more…)