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This survey was done in Jamaica,
USA and the UK via printed
questionnaires and our online
form respectively. The intention
was to measure how youth ages
16-35 year old, feel about being
a Christian. In keeping with the
focus of this issue, I wanted to
know if the fear of persecution/
ridicule was a significant factor in
how Christian youth conducted
themselves. The questionnaire
was formatted to look simple but
if answered thoughtfully; would
have deep connotations. All
respondents were anonymous.
Summary of Results - JA
At the locations where the
interviews took place I could
see them deliberating over
what to answer. I worried if the
respondents would be honest with
themselves, or to me? My findings
led to the conclusion that; Jamaica
is a free country, with little or no
restriction on religious beliefs.
The youth are allowed to thrive in
a seemingly open environment.
With a small foundation of Church
going doctrines; the youth feel
comfortable in a world where belief
in Christ is not shunned. They can
praise Jesus out in the open. It is
almost easier to find a friend that
is born again/saved, as opposed
to an unbeliever. They all think
that the Bible is relevant although
it doesn’t completely shape their
personal world. However, when
it comes to denouncing Christ;
more people would do it than you
would think, possibly they have
portrayed their answers otherwise.
It is not unheard of to discuss the
Bible with friends but how many
of these actually do it often?
Answers were bold and to the
point. They are not too influenced
by their peers, they are the main
sources of learnt behaviour
in their social groupings. This
lead to the freedom of loud
prayer (This question receiving
a straightforward yes) but two
individuals expressed a feeling of
insecurity towards talking to God
out loud, I found this refreshing
as a seemingly crazy demeanour
is off putting to most people who
are not in your circle.
Jamaica is a gem among the
masses but have we lost our
sense of purpose and gotten
comfortable in a religious faith?
Christianity on the whole in this
Jamaica is not very limited, so
youth can claim that their beliefs
affect their actions. Unless they
are over twenty-five or a youth
leader; they have not experienced
an iota of mistreatment because
of their faith, so saying they have
also been shielded from ridicule.
Summary of Results - USA
Generally, peer pressure is still
a strong influencer of youth
behaviour in the USA where
confidence to express Christianity
outside of Christian peer circles
is low because the No Bible
in schools policy makes it a
very personal matter. They still
believe and follow its teachings
but pray and practice privately,
also the degree of uncertainty
surrounding possible persecution
in a very litigant society, makes
many unsure if they would not
denounce their beliefs under some
circumstances. It was interesting
that being picked on for their faith
was true for almost half of the
respondents. They need wisdom
to not appear as Bible bashers in
expressing their faith.
All agreed that the Bible is still
relevant but were not confident
in their application of it to their
everyday lives. However, here
again it seems that persecution
would be the leveller of the
truly faith believers. They have
low confidence in taking the
initiative among their peers but
interestingly will express their
faith even though they may be
ridiculed for it. These youth seem
only to need confidence to stand
their ground.
Conclusions
What we can draw from here is
that Jamaican youths are living a
sheltered life, free from any real
persecution that could test their
faith. The questionnaire may
have been the biggest challenge
that most may have received to
their Christian walk. They live in
paradise, they should prepare
themselves for what is to come,
and enjoy the peace while they
can.
The youth in the USA and UK
already have a challenge against
their faith to cope with and it is
the fear of state persecutio