For teenagers who are skeptical of religious institutions, films and television shows featuring supernatural themes may offer deeper religious reflection than conventional churches, according to a University of Colorado at Boulder journalism professor.
Lynn Schofield Clark's new book, "From Angels to Aliens: Teenagers, the Media, and the Supernatural" explores teen spirituality using evidence from more than 250 in-depth interviews with teens and their families. Clark is an assistant research professor at the CU-Boulder School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Teens have long been interested in the paranormal, according to Clark, and their current interest is reflected in films and television shows like "Harry Potter," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The Matrix: Reloaded."
"Movies like 'The Matrix' speak to two trends among young people - a rise in skepticism toward religious institutions and a strong interest in spirituality. It's up to religious organizations and spiritual leaders to offer something beyond entertainment," Clark said.
Young people tend to feel powerless, and the common themes in popular movies and television shows address youth anxiety, according to Clark. "They feature young people who, working with a small circle of trusted friends, can use their knowledge and skills to overcome powerful, often otherworldly adversaries."
"It's not that films or television programs have more influence on contemporary teens than religion does," Clark said. "It's that young people today consider themselves the ultimate authority on life and what it means, and are no longer prepared to be told what to believe by an institution.
"At a time of increased religious pluralism and declining participation in formal religious institutions, we must completely re-examine what young people mean - and what they may believe - when they identify themselves as 'spiritual' or 'religious,' " she said.
A background in marketing and TV production provides Clark with additional insight into the phenomenon and her writing style has garnered praise from critics as being accessible and engaging to general readers. She recently discussed the book at a luncheon for the General Assembly meeting of the Presbyterian Church USA in Denver and was a guest on the PBS program "Religion and Ethics Newsweekly."
This summer and fall she will travel around the United States and to Rome to promote the book.
For more information about Clark's book visit .