An increasing number of people in the Church as well as in the world around it have taken notice of this angst-laden mass of disenfranchised individuals. But what of it? The whys and hows are far easier to fathom than the solutions. And a lot less costly to the rest of us. Therein lies a key.

In a society that is increasingly narcissistic, individualistic, hedonistic, and preoccupied with the "apparent meaninglessness of life," is it not obvious why an individual like Kurt Cobain chooses suicide? It seems one of several likely conclusions to a tragic--but increasingly normal--existence.

Can't trust parents, cops, dope dealers. Can't believe in structures, authorities, marriage. Commitment leaves one open to the sucker punch. Established boundaries are automatically oppressive. Accountability and responsibility are only of value to the Rush Limbaugh ultra-conservative religious right. Full stop. Grunge philosophies rule!

Remember abortion? What more thorough way is there to announce to a generation that one's self is the ultimate deity. That one's personal choices are the ultimate "holy grail"? You, Generation X, are a mistake, an unwanted, uncherished, valueless assemblage of tissue that should never have been. A generation has been literally sold and indoctrinated by this philosophy.

Plenty of politicians, cops, and religious leaders have indeed ripped people off left and right. It's no wonder that a growing portion of society is angry, hurt, and disgusted at any attempt to lend credibility to various offices, structures, and leadership roles.

And of course, "churched" as well as "religious fringe" individuals and musicians reflect some of the above in attitudes, lyrics, and lifestyle choices. And has the Christian community at large trained up its children in the way they should go? In many cases, we have not taken the time to communicate the actual biblical/practical reasons as to why various choices are poor and damaging choices. It takes great patience and major effort to forgive offenses and real humility to admit one's faults. It takes faith, God's grace, and tons of genuine agape love to raise/be raised in a biblical Christian family and church that can seem--and in reality may at times be--largely irrelevant.

Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." Why indeed keep the law of God when we witness in so few Christian leaders, laypersons, and others a consistent life of biblical love and obedience? Without a vision, a revelation--in many cases via another person--why restrain oneself at all?

When leaders in both societies commit various kinds of suicide, who has anyone to follow? We might answer, "Jesus!" and that is certainly true, yet people must have mentors who reflect Him as well.

A friend (outside of JPUSA) recently stated that every person who attends Cornerstone Festival ought to be required to read Jean Vanier's Community and Growth. He said that if they weren't willing to enter into the struggle, humility, and accountability of being responsible, with all of its inherent pain and suffering, they shouldn't waste their time surfing in a "dialogue of change" which in fact they weren't willing to pay the personal price to attain. I was a little shocked that he would state it so succinctly. But he has a point.

A generation that has lost, denied, or been offered little real and daily reason for personal sacrifice is a generation that will self-destruct. How could it do anything else? It must see the Jesus of the Book, the true historical Jesus of the poor and rejected, the Jesus of the Church (which is the "pillar and foundation of the Truth--1 Tim. 3:15). It must see this Jesus reflected in the lives of Christians. It must be presented with undeniable evidence--beginning with me. It must be won with the fruit of the Holy Spirit and a genuine sense of welcoming, yet not sin-condoning, community.

And if in fact what it mostly notices in the Christian Church is self-centered, self-righteous, nonthinking, and uncaring people who claim Christ but live cynical, individualistic lives, what in fact are we offering Generation X in the way of hope?