Background: MercyMe has been a staple of contemporary Christian music since forming in 1994. Their crossover hit "I Can Only Imagine" helped their debut album, Almost There, go double-platinum. MercyMe, which has been nominated for numerous Dove and Grammy awards, was recently named Billboard's Christian Artist of the Decade.
Albums: The Generous Mr. Lovewell (2010), Coming Up to Breathe (2006), Undone (2004)
What Parents Should Know: MercyMe holds a unique position in contemporary Christian music, appealing to adults as well as teenagers. They've helped with charity events, including raising money for kids with diabetes.
What MercyMe Says: Lead singer Bart Millard says the band hopes the new album creates "a movement of encouraging people to make a difference in the world, whether it's helping your neighbor or just loving each other."
Discussion Questions: How can acts of kindness change people's lives and surroundings? What are some simple ways you can show kindness to others? Read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:15. How would daily life be different if everyone followed this advice? Is that a realistic expectation? Why or why not?
|
|
 |
musicspotlight
 |
Albums:
My World 2.0 (2010), My World (2009)
|
Background: Canadian R&B singer Justin Bieber, 16, was discovered on YouTube. His boyish good looks and songs about teenage love make girls swoon. Bieber's new album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. He's already sung for the president, presented at the Grammys, and scored the opening line in the "We Are the World" benefit remake.
What Parents Should Know: Bieber's lyrics are clean, and other than a duet with the often-crude Ludacris, Bieber seems to be making good choices. He wants to follow the career trajectory of Usher and Justin Timberlake, but time will tell if he steers clear of their penchant for sex-soaked lyrics.
What Bieber Says: "There's a lot of stuff [on the album] that's not just about love. .. Real life isn't perfect, so my album kind of portrays that. You just have to make the best of what you have."
Discussion Questions: Have you known someone whose life seemed perfect? How can appearances be deceiving? What pressure, if any, do you feel to be perfect? Read aloud Matthew 23:25-28. Why was Jesus so harsh to people who pretended they were perfect? Does this mean we shouldn't strive for godly behavior? Why or why not?
|
|
Contrary to media reports and popular opinion, not all teenagers are into drugs and alcohol. Check out a few of the latest findings:
Most teenagers are left to get their information about alcohol from unreliable sources. Some learn from their friends. Others learn from the media. Only about one in three middle school and high school students say their parents talk to them "often" or "a lot" about tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Alcohol education should start when we tell our preschoolers not to accept candy, gifts, pills, or rides from strangers. As they grow older, educate kids on the different types of alcohol they'll encounter and the dangers and effects of each. Don't overstate the danger by saying that everyone who drinks beer will die. Rather, tell kids about the potential short- and long-term harmful effects of alcohol abuse in a truthful, realistic manner. Don't assume that because teenagers are likely to experiment it's best to give them both the alcohol and a place to drink "safely."