I Believe In …: Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Young People Speak About Their Faith

More than 80 percent of American teenagers hold some religious affiliation, according to researchers with the National Study of Youth and Religion. But how does religion matter in their lives? How do young people stay true to their faith while growing up in a secular society? In What Do You Believe In?, award-winning journalist Pearl Gaskins gives us her in-depth interviews with approximately 100 young Christians, Muslims, and Jews about what it means to belong to a certain faith. Some of them claim that faith saved their lives, like the young man who escaped a violent youth gang with the help of his church. Some describe their daily struggle to be observant and moral in a temptation-filled world. Many wrestle with doubts, conflicts, and the prejudices of others. Often poignant, at times shocking, and very honest, the words of these young people offer valuable insight into the complexity of religious identity and the beliefs that unite and divide us. Also included are original poems and essays by young authors about the topic.