With the 10-year anniversary commemorating that attacks of September 11, 2001 fast approaching, how will you talk with students about it?

I realized today that this year’s traditional college student (age 18-22) would have been in 3rd – 6th grade when this life-altering event took place.

I’m curious to find out what they remember of it.

I want to know how they think it’s shaped them, and life in America, over the past 10 years.

I wonder how it may have influenced their faith, or even prompted some sort of faith decision, 10 years ago.

I wonder how it’s influenced their view of life, death, security, God, others and the world.

And now, with the recent uncovering of a terrorist plot to inflict further pain and tragedy on America, I wonder how our students interpret such things.

How does their view of America, our role in the world, and the adverse feelings that some hold towards America (and the American way of life) differ from those of us who serve as their pastors?

How would an attack, 10 years later, impact today’s college students?

How would they respond?

How would it shape, or re-shape, their priorities?

And how does the increased interest in conversations around heaven, hell and the after-life influence it all?

If students believe in a literal heaven and hell, how does it shape their response towards those who make threats — or worse — against America (and ultimately each of us)?

How does God’s grace fit into the equation?

Forgiveness?

How do our students understand these wars, and rumors of war, in light of Jesus’ words in Matthew 24?

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

And ultimately, how to we keep our students from crumbling under the weight of some of these questions and issues, while choosing to live in the tension of unanswered questions and a need for a growing, tested faith?

A lot of questions today, I know.

But here’s what I’d like to hear from you:

• How will you talk with students about these things?
• Is your ministry and/or campus doing anything to commemorate the events of 9/11?
• How do you think the events of 9/11 have shaped the faith of this generation of college students? How have the shaped you and your ministry?

God’s grace and peace be with you as you walk with students on this journey of faith!