Carlos De Guzman

02/02/16
121188

TH

151 J
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
In his observations of teenage religion and spirituality in the United
States, Christian Smith identifies the dominant religion among these teens
as a Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. This de facto religion, as Smith calls
it, has emerged as a popular way of spirituality amongst contemporary
teens, and as reflected by the religions creeds, Moralistic Therapeutic
Deism gives particular focus on a moral approach to life. Such a moral
approach puts value on the existence of God and identifying Gods wish
for people to be good and fair to one another. This approach perceives
living a happy life constitutes becoming comprehensively good and moral
in all things and towards all people. An approach that calls for its believers
to look upon oneself and display a certain nature of kindness, respect, and
responsibility that others would look fondly to.
The therapeutic aspect of the religion comes from its stark
contrast to other religions that give considerable focus to repentance,
sacrifice, prayer, and to keeping the Sabbath. Unlike such religions,
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism steers away from actions and practices that
might seem arbitrary or routine to some believers. Instead, believers of
this dominant religion concern themselves primarily with feeling good,
happy, secure, and at peace. Moralistic Therapeutic Deism aims its
attention towards promoting a subjective well-being through moral and

voluntary actions. What becomes evident in Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

then, is that it is a flexible religion that is capable of adapting to the everchanging lifestyle of teens in todays society. It is a religion that appeals to
young peoples desires to fulfill their social needs, and to be able to live
amiably with others in goodness and well-being without certain pressures
or demands from their faith.