American Teens and Religion

On MSNBC, a recent survey is quoted which details the current state of religious belief by American teens. Unfortunately, their understanding of core beliefs seems to be a bit shallow (perhaps like their parents). The view portrayed in the last two paragraphs is particularly concerning. I've copied a bit of the article below:

While America is becoming a more diverse nation, at least 80 percent of teens still identify as Protestant, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Mormon or Jewish, with most teens adhering to their parents’ faith tradition, the report said.

Substantial majorities said they:

Were affiliated with a local congregation (82 percent).
Had few or no doubts about their beliefs in the past year (80 percent).
Felt “extremely,” “very” or “somewhat” close to God (71 percent).
Prayed alone a few times a week or more often (65 percent).
“Definitely” believed in divine miracles from God (61 percent).
Fifty-two percent said they attended worship two to three times a month or more often.

Many were so detached from the traditions of their faith, says the report, that they’re virtually following a different creed in which an undemanding God exists mostly to solve problems and make people feel good. Truth in any absolute, theological sense, takes a back seat.

“God is something like a combination Divine Butler and Cosmic Therapist” who’s on call as needed, Smith writes. He says the trend reflects tendencies among teens’ Baby Boomer parents. The report speculates that poor educational and youth programs, and competition for teens’ time from school, sports, friends and entertainment also are part of the picture."