Nancy Pearcey has been writing important books that every Christian should read. Her book, Total Truth, won the ECPA Gold Medallion Award many years ago. Her most recent book, Saving Leonardo, reminds us of the importance of applying a Christian worldview to every area of life, including the arts.

In a recent interview, she mentioned a study in that book that is relevant to pastors, parents, and youth leaders. The study asked why so many young people lose their Christian convictions when they leave home. In the process of asking that question, the researchers discovered what they believe is the single factor most significant in helping young people keep their faith.

It is not what you might expect. Most of us might think it might be something like: attending a bible-teaching church, graduating from a Christian school, or joining a Christian group on campus. Those may all be important and are certainly helpful.

Actually the most important factor was whether they were allowed as teenagers to wrestle with doubts and questions. The study concluded, “The more college students felt that they had the opportunity to express their doubt while they were in high school, the higher [their] levels of faith maturity and spiritual maturity.”

At the Probe Mind Games conference, we often meet students who were never allowed to ask questions or express doubts. The mindset in some youth groups and in some homes is that you should never question the Christian faith. Perhaps the assumption behind that is that the Bible and Christianity cannot stand investigation. That, of course, it not true. Unfortunately, many students aren’t allowed to evaluate the claims of Christ or research the reliability of the Bible. We are sadly setting them up for failure.

Every generation needs to receive biblical instruction from the previous generation. But they also have to make their faith real to them. We should encourage a safe environment where students can express doubts and ask questions. Christianity can withstand their examination and pass the test.