Are the millenials worse than we were?

There's been a lot written lately about "the millenials," the generation of kids born from 1977 to 1995. They are alleged to be narcissitic, irresponsible, and unprepared for failure. As if baby boomers were uniformly thoughtful, respectful and responsible in our early 20's. Check out these links to hear what's being said about the younger generation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv52oVIcUKk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyVwY5b6-1g&feature=related

I know students who bristle at any suggestion that they are not perfect. They believe they should receive an "A" in a course for just breathing. But such attitudes are not limited to the young; occasionally students in their forties expect top grades for little work. Most students in the College of Education work hard, welcome high standards, and want to make the world a better place.

I won't tell you what I was like at their age. And I doubt that those who criticize the millenials remember what they were like in their youth.

Weight as a moral issue

Speaking of his own vices, the Rev. David Woody once preached against Reese Cups. This past Sunday, Rev. Michelle Buckles spoke of how people go on diets this time of year. She didn't say we should, mind you, but hearing a ministers mention dieting made me consider how we associate dieting with morality. When someone eats salad for lunch or oatmeal for breakfast, or abstains from desserts, people will say they are being, "good." I imagine, many people in my church consider hot fudge sundaes a greater evil than white wine. Sundaes are certainly more fattening.

When I was twenty years old, I decided to be baptized. But first, I went on a diet. I must not have thought it was fair giving my life to God when I wore a size 14. I thought a follower of Jesus should wear a size 8. My understanding of theology was definitely limited. I finally compromised and was baptized when I'd gotten down to a size 10. The dress was an A-line and ran large.

To be this obsessed with the shape of one's body is a form of self-absorption. It's also a kind of self-rejection. Neither of these things is good. Some of us have lots of trouble staying thin, especially as we get older. God's the one who made us. Maybe you don't have to wear size 0 to size 8 to be part of His kingdom.

So this year, I've resolved to swim or walk most days, and to try to eat healthy. I'm also trying to remember to say grace before meals, and fast now and then-- and not so I'll wear a size 8.