Axis Ideas

We are no longer posting episodes to this podcast channel. If you'd like to keep receiving our weekly updates on teen culture search for The Culture Translator on Spotify spoti.fi/3abpL9m, Apple apple.co/2xPho54, or Google podcasts bit.ly/2J3pz07.  

3/3 in our Evangelism series with Evan from Axis.  If you want to get the full video series mentioned multiple times in this mini-series, go to https://virtual.axis.org/evangelism/  It's quite worth the time and money to get these conversations started now so they can build over a lifetime.  Please enjoy the conversation, wisdom, and advice from Evan and Axis. Thank you for embracing the paradox of our faith - that we must be both bold and meek in our world. Patient and filled with action. Preaching and listening.   

2/3 in this mini-series on Evangelism.  What is the Engel Scale??  We draw today from Evan's research on evangelism, some personal experiences in the church, and dive deep into one of the biggest pitfalls for conversations about faith:   - Sexuality  - Biblical interpretation  - Sexuality  - (yes, sexuality is a big obstacle in both content and communication of The Gospel for a lot of people) https://virtual.axis.org/evangelism/ 

Episode 1/3 in a special series about the topic of "evangelism." Join Matt and Evan for a discussion that will draw topics and content from our new Parent Guide and Conversation Kit on Evangelism.  In episode #1, we go through a bit of the history of the term evangelism and all the baggage it can bring with it all the way up to putting terms and diagnosis as to how it is viewed and executed today.  https://virtual.axis.org/evangelism/ 

It's a little non-traditional episode today, but solid content and great topics:   - Mirrorworld  - How did Valentines Day affect your teen?   - The surprising stats on Millenials' devotion and confusion toward evangelism. 

This week in teen culture - What does it mean to spill the tea? What is Snapchat dysmorphia? Get the Culture Translator, our free weekly newsletter, here. More resources on gossip, social media and more!    

A special episode featuring the entire interview with Dr. Aaron Metzger that can give you a deep understanding and researched insight into how your relationship with your teen ACTUALLY can change their lives.  Unfortunately, it's not rules, snooping, catching them in the act or even boundaries that offer the statistical best outcome of adolescent or teen behavior -- it's good, old-fashioned relationships and dinner with the family.  Listen in for some specific ways to improve your relationships and create the time to have the important opening conversations that provide a different vision for your teen concerning thing slike drinking, smoking, or sex before marriage.  Find this interview and more like it in video, audio, and text summary at https://www.parentingrelationships.com 

Today, we have something very special. This entire episode is a 1/50th excerpt of the brand new Parenting Relationships Summit releasing for free on February 14th.  To learn more about this episode, Elizabeth Behrens, or get MANY more episodes like this + the video that accompanies the audio, go to https://www.parentingrelationships.com  Thanks for listening!  We love when we can do little in-between-isodes like these!  We have 49 other subjects, interviews, and experts from the summit, and we want to send a few more of them your way!  Please email matt@axis.org if you want any specific speakers/talks from https://www.parentingrelationships.com featured on the podcast BEFORE the summit is released!  As always, feel free to subscribe so you keep getting these cultural insights dropped straight to your device so you can start conversations about them as soon as technologically possible. 

1. NewsGuard What it is: A web browser extension that aims to detect fake news not via algorithm, but by having real humans review an article, the site, and even the company behind it. Why it’s a step: With unreliable sources given prominence on social media because of their ability to increase user engagement, it’s good that some are dedicated to combating the problem. Their color-coding system and “Nutrition Label” make it easy to see why a site is given its rating. However, as good of a tool as it can be, it’s important to realize that it’s not a solution because it doesn’t solve the real problem: our lack of discernment. This simply moves our trust from proven-corruptible orgs to another potentially corruptible org. So rather than using it as our or our teens’ filter, let’s treat it as one of many tools we can use to grow discernment and critical thinking skills.   2. Roo What is it: On Thursday, Planned Parenthood launched their new chatbot Roo, which seeks to “get young peoplepersonalized answers to their questions on topics that are often stigmatized.” Why it’s revealing: The chatbot is “meant to help Planned Parenthood give information to hard-to-reach audiences like teenagers who don't receive sex education or are receiving abstinence-only education.” This exposes two possibilities: 1. In our efforts to encourage a Christian view of sex, we’ve neglected actually teaching teens about what’s happening to their bodies; and 2. For whatever reason, teens are afraid of or unwilling to ask parents their burning questions about sexuality. And while it’s smart to keep kids from getting sexual advice from who knows who on the internet, we parents should make our kids feel safe enough to come to us, not a chatbot, with their questions—no matter how uncomfortable. Check out our Parent's Guide to Tough Conversations for help. 3. Meme & Theme What it is: Teens and tweens, particularly girls, are curating Instagram accounts that merge aesthetics and memes into one. Why it’s more than just images: Taking advantage of Insta’s carousel, the accounts look like mood boards at first glance. But swiping left reveals a bunch of memes underneath, offering not just protection from prying eyes, but also the ability to more fully express themselves: “‘The theme is like the outside of me, then the memes [are] my inside self,’ said [16-year-old] Esther.” Users also admit that it’s “ultimately just ‘a way to get closer to people.’” Social media appeals to all of us where we are most vulnerable: in our ongoing search for identity and significance. Every teen is asking these very normal, first-half-of-life questions: Who am I? What makes me special? Does anyone notice me? If you can help them find answers through Scripture, they have an incredible opportunity to let go of their overdominant ego and embrace this paradox of identity: We’re all both incredibly ordinary and eternally significant. Parent Guide Spotlight: Ever wondered how we do what we do? Ever wanted a simple process to help you start discipleship conversations with your kids around the topics that matter most to them? If yes, check out our newest Parent's Guide to Discipling Teens. In it, we walk you through how we think about teen culture and use it to start Christ-centered conversations about sexuality, technology, media, and entertainment.

1. Gen Z & the “L” Word What it is: Pew Research believes today’s teens may be the “most liberal” generation to date. Why it’s maybe not what you think: If you were raised in the culture war era, words like “conservative” became synonymous with morality, while “liberal” was akin to evil. But if we strip away the political baggage associated with these words, their meanings might change. Pew believes Gen Z is “liberal” because they are far more open and inclusive of racial and ethnic diversity while simultaneously supporting larger government involvement in climate care and societal problems. Webster Defines liberal as “one who is open-minded” and “marked by generosity.” Ask your teens if they think of themselves and their friends as liberal and if that word still carries the same negative stereotypes for today’s generation. Why or why not? Read through the characteristics listed by Pew and see if they resonate with them.   2. Phickle Phriend What is it: A letter from a psychologist to teens delves into the science behind why we long for popularity. Why it’s worth reading: Social media has commodified popularity, transforming it from a nebulous target you were never quite sure you’d hit to a quantifiable goal measured in likes, followers, reposts, streaks, etc. But as the letter shows, popularity isn’t exactly all it seems to be, nor does it actually pay off in the long term. Yet because it’s now a number staring us in the face day in and day out, it’s hard not to become focused on—if not obsessed with—it. Whether your kids are already entrenched or yet to enter the new popularity race, it’s worth reading the letter together. What do they think about it? Does it help them understand what’s happening when they engage with social media apps? Why or why not? 3. Expert Advice Awaits What it is: Our brand new online Parenting Relationships Summit starts soon! Why it’s worth your time: What’s the key to deeply connecting with your child’s heart? Are there best practices? How do you teach your teen to follow God in the midst of our loud culture? By joining the FREE summit, you’ll learn from 50 Christian experts who teach and discuss the key role relationships play in answering all of these questions and raising your teen with a vibrant faith in Jesus. Reserve your free spot today and make sure to put it on your calendar! Parent Guide Spotlight: Speaking of Gen Z, are they really just “Millennials on steroids”? Or do they have their own unique hopes, dreams, fears, influences, and identity? What makes them Gen Z? Check out our brand new Parent's Guide to Generation Z to get a better understanding of them as a whole and how they differ from other generations so that you can better connect with and relate to them.

1. Teens Fight Back What it is: Meme accounts on Instagram, many of which are run by teens, are spamming certain hashtags to thwart child p*rnographers’ efforts to reach more people. Why it's innovative: The hashtags in question are seemingly innocuous ( #dropboxlinks, #tradedropbox), but the teenagers discovered that p*rnographers would covertly advertise “young boys” or “young girl links” in their posts, then DM links with illicit images to anyone who commented on the posts or used the hashtags. When reported, Instagram initially responded by saying that their Terms of Use had not been violated, so the memers banded together to overwhelm the hashtags with memes, thus making the p*rnographers’ posts harder to find. We love their ingenuity and willingness to take action, but it’s clear that we need to talk with our kids about this sad reality and what to do if they come across it. (Instagram has since deactivated some hashtags, but that just means new ones will be used.)   2. Danger on Discord What it is: Free messenger apps are increasingly being used by terrorist groups like ISIS to disseminate info and recruit new members. Why it's concerning: In the past, terrorist orgs have tried to set up websites and use platforms like Tumblr, but they kept being hacked or shut down, so they’ve begun turning to smaller, less well known, and less regulated apps like Telegram, RocketChat, Viber, and gamer-specific Discord. Of course, the chances are slim that your kids will ever be contacted by ISIS or another terrorist cell, but they’re not the only predators on these apps, and all of them capitalize on users’ lack of awareness, young ages, and hesitancy to tell others about something questionable. Have you created an environment where your kids feel safe enough to talk with you if something strange or threatening comes through one of their apps? Our Parent’s Guide to Discord can help. 3. Live Listen What it is: ICYMI, Apple has a feature called “Live Listen” that allows you to use your iPhone or iPad like a microphone and your AirPods as the receiver. Why it can be creepy: It only works with iOS 12 and AirPods (other headphones don’t work) and was designed to turn AirPods into hearing aids by magnifying sound. But as this Instagram post (may have to log in) shows , it can be used to spy on someone in another room without them knowing. All they have to do is leave their phone in the room with Live Listen activated and walk away. Two things: 1. Please don’t use this against your kids. As tempting as it might be, good relationships are built on trust, not secrecy and control. And 2. If your kids have the ability to use the feature, have a conversation with them about why you won’t use the feature on them and how you hope they’ll show others the same courtesy. Did you know we also create in-depth Parent Guides on a weekly basis to aid you as you disciple teenagers? We’ll be featuring one each week in the new section below in order to better serve you! Let us know what you think. Parent Guide Spotlight: As Billboard’s Artist of the Year for 2018 and Spotify’s most-streamed artist in 2018, Drake has massive influence, not just on culture, but also on music lovers. Our brand new Parent’s Guide to Drake will help you better understand him and his influence so you can disciple teenagers to be thoughtful and intentional about who and what they listen to.   The Humans Trafficked In Our Homes Today, January 11, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and the entire month of January is dedicated to raising awareness to end modern slavery. Today’s slavery is radically different from the Atlantic slave trade that brought millions of Africans to work the plantations of the antebellum South. Present-day slaves are mostly women, young girls, and even boys coerced into commercial sexual exploitation. Experts believe as many as 4.5 million people are currently trapped in sex slavery. The average annual profit from a woman forced into sexual slavery is $100,000, meaning this black market is a lucrative business. While this all sounds horrible, you may be wondering just how it touches your family. If pornography is being consumed in your home—which, sadly, is likely; of the most-visited websites in the US, numbers 6, 7, and 8 are all porn sites, beating out eBay, Instagram, and Twitter—then in very real ways that act is aiding and enabling the sex slave trade. Porn and sex trafficking go hand in hand: 49% of women rescued from the industry said pornography was made of them while they were in bondage. Here’s a disturbing, yet informative video on the inextricable link between porn and trafficking. So what can your family do? First, have honest conversations about the porn pandemic. There are no innocent users. The industry is filled with victims and perpetrators, and viewers become complicit, fueling supply and demand. Second, harness your child’s passion for social justice by raising awareness online or by starting a trafficking club at their high school. Third, get involved with local or national groups actively engaged in the fight to end modern slavery. Here’s a great list to choose from! Finally, check out our three-part Parent’s Guide to Pornography detailing how porn appeals to and impacts both boys and girls. Editor’s Note: Axis links to many different sources within this e-newsletter; a link does not equal an endorsement. We cannot guarantee the content of each site (especially its ads). Please be forewarned. Also, we highly recommend something like AdBlock.

The year is wrapped, put under the tree, pulled out, and unwrapped again -- time to reflect, and look back on the biggest cultural developments for teens in 2018.  Today, we go through the top 10 of 2018 and look forward into 2019. It's a fun, action packed episode today as we try to sum up an entire year!  PS - There's a bit of fun discussion about New Year's Resolutions and what can be learned from them. We wish you a belated but Happy New Year and encouragement with your goals and resolutions.  May your family thrive and adversity be met with patience, grace, and love this year.  In Christ, the Axis team. 

Axis challenges parents, leaders, and teens to think critically about the culture and their faith - and the way the two interact with one another.  We tackle 3 or 4 big cultural moments that happen within the week and publish a translation for those who don't live in teen culture every moment - because teens speak a different language and live in a different world, am I right?  Let this week's translation and discussion on Lauren Daigle and homosexuality, major developments for content creation on Youtube (site where users spend the most internet time, hands down), and how to discuss/rationalize doubts and subjective truth with "Biblical truth" in an empathetic way that loves the other.  Love the idea of "culture translation??" Subscribe to the podcast - we would love to give you weekly updated like this one with the occasional focused series. Look for the 3 pt. "Shame" series... You can get the "print" version of The Culture Translator in your inbox, instantly, every Friday by subscribing to the email.  

**Subscribe and leave a comment about your experience with Advent. Were you raised talking about it, just hearing of it now, or was a weird thing someone tried to introduce you to with candles and wreaths?    1. Social Media Is...Good? What it is: New stats from Pew reveal that the overwhelming consensus among US teens ages 13-17 is that social media is a largely positive force in their lives, though they’re willing to acknowledge some of its drawbacks. Why it's interesting: 81% of teens agreed that “social media makes them feel more connected to what’s going on in their friends’ lives,” while only 43% said they feel pressure to post content that makes them look good. So case closed. Let them have free reign! …..Or not. Pew’s research contradicts a recent studyfrom the UK that found that only YouTube had a net positive effect on teens’ mental health (Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram had net negative effects). This could indicate that UK teens are less healthy...or that they’re more willing to be honest. It could also indicate that US teens want social media to be good for them, so they go easy on it. No matter the reason, we need to keep the conversation about social media and its effects going.   2. Palessi What it is: The newest high-end shoe brand that social media influencers can’t wait to get their hands on. Why it's crazy: Though it’s only been around for a short while, the brand has made waves, with influencers lining up for their invitation-only pop-up in LA, spending hundreds on a pair of their shoes. One problem: It doesn’t exist. Payless created a fake website and fake Instagram to “rebrand” their discount shoes and prove that people don’t know the difference between luxury and bargain. Their experiment is an opportunity to not only talk with your teens about the power of branding, image, and presentation, helping them avoid the pitfalls of consumerism, but it’s also a chance to talk about quality. Is there a difference between Payless’s $20 shoes and Jimmy Choo’s $1,000 shoes? Is it actually as big of a difference as the prices suggest? Is it ever worth paying more for “handcrafted” or better materials? Could there be a negative side to both bargain and luxury? 3. Are You Influential? What it is: Speaker Josh Shipp’s newest FB video is something anyone who works with teens should watch. Why it’s an important reminder: Let’s face it. Between teenagers’ rolling eyes, their incredulous gasps that you don’t know what “yeet” means, and our own insecurities and negative self talk, it’s easy to wonder why we even wanted to be parents/educators/pastors/youth volunteers in the first place. “What’s the point? I have nothing to offer, and they don’t even listen to me because I’m not ‘cool’ enough. Besides, why should they listen to me when I have no idea what I’m doing?!” We all go through periods of self-doubt, and his video speaks truth to encourage us, give us perspective, and remember that these teenage hearts are worth it.   Patience and The Promise of Advent Sunday is the first day of Advent, a four week season of patient expectation as we await not only the promised Christ-child, but the eventual return of Christ the king. Advent also reminds us that things are not as they one day will be: that although war, poverty, sickness, and injustice remain, God is making all things new. Just not quite yet. As Mary labored delivering Jesus, the world itself is laboring through birth pains as the present order passes away and a new creation is born. Our task therefore is to embrace the tension between patience and promise, to live with hope in the midst of despair, and to never grow weary of doing good because we trust in the God who will “rend the heavens and come down” to save us. One day. Maybe not tomorrow or the next, but someday soon. We hope. So, for the next four weeks lean into the promise of Christ with patience. To help you do so, read this prayer with your family every Sunday of Advent as we await the Christ-child… “In our secret yearnings we wait for your coming, And in our grinding despair we doubt that you will. And in this privileged place we are surrounded by witnesses who yearn more than do we and by those who despair more deeply than do we. Look upon your church and its pastors in this season of hope which runs so quickly to fatigue and in this season of yearning which becomes so easily quarrelsome. Give us the grace and the patience to wait for your coming to the bottom of our toes, To the edges of our fingertips... Come in your power and come in your weakness in any case come and make all things new. Amen.” -Walter Brueggemann

It was a brief week for culture translation, and we have a quick conversation about the difference between "thanks" and "gratefulness" this week.  The big highlight, of course, is that WE'RE HIRING!!!  Our Apprenticeship Program is designed to expose young adults to public speaking situations, non-profit-ministry-related responsibilities, student mentorship interactions, and team-centric ministry. We’re looking for people who have completed at least two years of college credit and are passionate about discipling teens and resourcing adults. If you know anyone in your community who may be interested, send them to apply.axis.org for more info and shoot any questions to apprenticeship@axis.org WE LOVE applications. Well over 50% of our staff have joined full-time because of their experience as part of our live teams. Almost every speaker heard on the podcast is one of those people, and I, myself (Matt) traveled and spoke with Axis after taking this Apprenticeship for almost 2 years! 

This week's episode focuses on how to talk about race, stories and the way the move us, even foster families. It's great. Many thanks to Lexi for being a "mom" for our teams and her insights. 

If you've listened to #1 and #2 in this mini-series, you have notes on AMAZING resources to help along the way with shame.  This episode focuses on how we apply our relationship with Christ to the concept and existence of shame in our lives and our teen's world.  Enjoy.  If you want more episodes like this in between regular issues of the Culture Translator Podcast, subscribe and let us know what topics you want to see!  Get the newsletter: https://axis.org/ct/  

1. Zion Williamson is taking Duke and college basketball by storm, and thanks to 1.9 million Insta followers and a huge Youtube presence your Gen Z-ers probably already know him.  2. Arianna's new song that covers breakups and relational history without being savage...interesting...it shows a growth mindset and strong self-reliance... 3. Churchome Global is the new app that claims to give you church on your phone. Nothing new here, but it's one of the biggest to make this jump and will strongly go for the modern parent and hipster crowd.  4. (excerpt from  https://axis.org/vol-4-issue-45/) Kristallnacht Motivated by governmental lies, the fear of outsiders, and militant nationalism, 80 years ago todayordinary men and women participated in a sudden and deadly campaign of terrorism, killing 100 Jews and destroying 7,500 Jewish businesses. Kristallnacht or “Night of Broken Glass” foreshadowed the legal and state-sanctioned annihilation of European Jewry. In 1930s Germany, “Racial hatred and hysteria seemed to have taken complete hold of otherwise decent people.” And just when we think our culture is immune to historical atrocities, a 57% rise in anti-semitic incidents, white supremacist marches, (((echoes))) being used online to flag things as Jewish, and the murder of 11 Jews in Pittsburgh should tell us otherwise. Kristallnacht and Pittsburgh aren’t aberrations that spontaneously erupted in a vacuum. The Holocaust didn’t originate in the gas chambers; it started with words. Language matters, fear-mongering matters, labeling people matters (“wingnut”, “invading horde”, “Thot”). Whether its on Instagram, the news, or in school hallways, help your students spot and stop dehumanizing language in its tracks. Because those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. Thankfully, the opposite of dehumanization is empathy, compassion, and the recognition that every human being—no matter their religion, skin color, or nationality—is made in the very image of God. Here are seven convicting reads to help you and your teen combat a culture of violence and intolerance. Dehumanizing Always Starts with Language by Brené Brown Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies by Marilyn McEntyre Ordinary Men by Christopher Browning Night by Elie Wiesel Boy 30529: A Memoir by Felix Weinberg Survival in Auschwitz by Primo Levi The Complete Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman (graphic novel, so might be a good way to engage those who don’t love reading)   We'd love for you to subscribe and comment - it helps us know this podcast matters to you. We want everyone to use The Culture Translator as a discipleship tool and theory. 

Subscribe to the show and leave a comment. Do you like little mini-series like this focusing on a specific idea with the "culture translation" perspective applied?  Get the full Parent's Guide to Shame-Free Parenting from Axis. Extra links and resources:  Craving Grace, Ruthie Delk “Shame and Vulnerability,” The Work of the People Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck The Allender Center Brené Brown’s website (especially her videos) Subscribe to The Culture Translator newsletter.

Jess is a writer for Axis, and we'll list the resources we've found on shame throughout these episodes.  Get the full "Parent's Guide to Shame-Free Parenting" In this episode:   - What is shame? A definition by application and with every-day language.   - Where does it come from?  - Why does it matter?   - Why is it so ubiquitous and universal?  "Shame is different from other emotions, in that, I don't have to do anything to experience shame."  Resources:  Parent Guide table of contents that guide the podcast conversation.  Andrew Bauman, article - "When Shame is Deeper than Salvation" Dan Allender - The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse Dan Allender - "The Healing Path: How the Hurts in Your Past Can Lead You to a More Abundant Life"

This is a good episode to notate directly from the supporting text.  Please enjoy this week's full issue of The Culture Translator, email newsletter edition.  ----------------------------------------------- Three Things This Week 1. Boy Erased What it is: Based on Garrard Conley’s memoir, this new movie tells the tragic story of the son of a Baptist preacher forced into gay conversion therapy. Why it's challenging: Especially for Christians, the movie asks some tough questions: How should I react if my son/daughter is same-sex attracted? How do I model the love of God while calling my child to pursue purity? Why does pop culture portray the church as an unsafe place for LGBT+ teens? How does your church respond to LBGT+ individuals? Luckily, Lead Them Home ministries has a movie kit to help you navigate this conversation with your teens. Following Jesus means living as He lived, and that is often uncomfortable. He always moved toward the outsider, included the marginalized, and embraced the outcastwhile calling them to repentance. May we learn to do likewise as we seek to embody Christ to our LGBT+ friends and family in a way that transforms us all. (BTW, Timothée Chalamet is the newest teen heartthrob actor, and his new interview—language—by fellow heartthrob Harry Styles is illuminating.)   2. Instagram > Snapchat What it is: According to new research, Instagram now tops Snapchat as the most used app among teens. Why it makes sense: 85% of teens say they use Instagram at least once a month, and the company reported 1 billion monthly users back in June. Crazy. Interestingly enough, Silicon Valley parents seem obsessed with keeping their children from the very devices and platforms they’ve created, as one former Facebook employee states, “I am convinced the devil lives in our phones.” Is she right? Image-based apps can feed compulsive behavior by targeting three key developmental needs in teens: socialization, significance, and the longing to be heard. And when the app fails to fulfill these desires, it fuels feelings of isolation, unworthiness, and neglect. 3. #NoP*rnovember What it is: Fight the New Drug has released a new Conversation Blueprint in order to help us all start conversations about the effects of p*rn this November. Why it’s what we all need: Whether your loved one has never seen p*rnography or is deeply addicted, this tool aims to help you in your specific situation and offer helpful tips, practical advice, and a framework for beginning this difficult conversation. With the ability to customize things like who you’d like to talk to and why you want to talk them (including confessing your own p*rn habits or addiction), the Blueprint is thorough, easy to use, full of resources, and tailored for you. Now’s the time to talk about this plight on our hearts and minds, and with the Blueprint, you can be better prepared than ever. Also, check out their upcoming documentary Brain. Heart. World.   Shame on You You’ve felt it. Your kids have felt it. We’ve felt it. That gut-wrenching feeling of utter unworthiness due to something you’ve said or done: a bad grade, losing your temper with your kids, being overweight, getting unfriended on Facebook, etc. (Did you feel it just from reading the title of this article?) Shame attacks your very identity, whispering lies that you aren’t enough, you don’t measure up, and you’ll never get it right. Where guilt can be helpful as a catalyst for change, shame engenders despair and hopelessness. As Christians, the key to overcoming shame lies in our ability to trust in God’s inherent goodness. But, like Adam and Eve, when we sin, our inclination is to run and hide or play the blame game. Why? Because we struggle to believe in God’s radical mercy. Instead of “original sin,” we could simply call this primordial reaction “original shame.” Fortunately, when we look deeper into the creation narrative, we see at the center of the story a nurturing, gentle Father who doesn’t amplify shame, but instead sews garments to heal and remove Adam and Eve’s shame. It’s one of the most beautiful and overlooked passages in all of Scripture. The next time your teen disappoints you, fails, or just willfully disobeys, pause and ask yourself how you can respond to their behavior in a manner that encourages confession and true change instead of humiliation. And in those tough moments, do your best to remember shame breeds destruction while mercy leads to transformation. To help you, we’ve created a Parent’s Guide to Shame-Free Parenting. It’s a practical tool to help you identify and eliminate shame from your home and disciplinary methods.

1. Literal neuroscience on your teen's brain from Jerusha Clark. 2. Streamys celebrating the best and favorite Youtube streamers this year.  3. "Going Off-Grid...and Paying the Consequences" A non-tech weekend journey from Melanie.     ***Helpful links:  - Neuroscience for the masses  - How to Bridge the Gap  - Streamys summary  

Three Things This Week 1. Peace Prize What it is: Nadia Murad became the second youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts “to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.” Why it's a start: In 2014 Mrs. Murad was kidnapped and taken into sex slavery by ISIS, where she and hundreds of girls were repeatedly raped and beaten. Thankfully she escaped to champion the rights of young women caught in the crossfire of war. In our slacktivism world, it’s encouraging to see a young person turn their empathy into action. It’s one thing to express outrage on social media, it’s quite another to go to work to end injustice. Whatever justice movement your teens are passionate about, help them mobilize their beliefs toward real change. Because “emotion without action is irrelevant.”   2. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina What it is: Releasing October 26 on Netflix, this sister show of Riverdale stars Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina in a dark spinoff from the original 1970’s Archie Comics character. Why what you watch matters: It seems every TV reboot is more malevolent these days. Shipka even admits, “there’s something next level dark” about the show. This modern makeover has “tons of horror, the occult, and plenty of witchcraft.” Remember, there is a difference between gore and suspense. Research suggests students who prefer gory entertainment have reduced levels of empathy while students partial to suspenseful thrillers express higher than average levels of empathy and compassion. Which type shows are your teens watching and what conversations should you start with them based on their preference? Here’s an interesting video on the psychology of horror-based entertainment. 3. Debunking the Vaping Myth What it is: A new study by the American Physiological Society significantly debunks the myth that e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes. Why you have to talk about it: FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb says, “E-cigs have become an almost ubiquitous--and dangerous--trend among teens.” Due in large part to the mythic narrative that vaping is safe. This recent research shows that not only vapor harms the lungs, but the added flavor in e-cigs exacerbates the detrimental impact of vaping. It’s a double whammy. Your teens probably believe e-cigs are safe and more significantly they may be drawn to them because vaping just looks cool. Here’re some great tipson how to talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping and smoking.   Should Your Family Celebrate Halloween? Jamie Lee Curtis brings chills and thrills to a new generation with today’s release of the newest installment from the Halloween franchise. Over on Netflix, shows like Veronica, Creeped Out, and The Haunting of Hill House have teens and adults losing sleep from sheer viewing terror. Which should beg the questions: What’s with our culture’s obsession with death and darkness? Why are so many neighborhoods just as festively decorated for Halloween as they are for Christmas (Americans spent $9.1 billion on Halloween last year)? Why do we wait in line at haunted houses and pay for someone to scare us? It is a bit weird. Making sense of your family’s response to and involvement in celebrating Halloween is complicated. As Christians, we are commanded to think on things that are good, beautiful, and true. How should we reconcile those precepts with our penchant for the macabre? Thankfully, we just released a Parent’s Guide to Halloween which gives you practical and theological guidance on how to navigate this holiday with your family. You just might be surprised by our suggestions! Get your copy today! It will equip you with the questions, answers, and framework to think holistically and biblically about Halloween.

1. Environmental Apocalypse? What it is: The United Nations released a disturbing scientific report forecasting a global climate crisis by 2040 if extreme environmental changes are not implemented. Why it's our duty: If true, our children and grandchildren will inherit an earth drastically harmed by drought, rising sea levels, and food shortages. Regardless of your take on the report, as Christians, the theology driving our ecological involvement is centered in the belief that God made a very good world and He’s asked us to take care of it with Him. Therefore, caring for the environment isn’t optional for Christians, it’s a part of our vocation as God’s image bearers. Here’re 28 practical ways your family can steward God’s good creation in daily life.   2. World Mental Health Day What it is: October 10th was World Mental Health Day. This year was specifically focused on the mental health of young people in a changing world. Why it's necessary: Mental health has long been fighting a stigma of being a personal failure and a burden to be dealt with alone. While mental health awareness has made big strides in recent years, most cases still go undiagnosed in young people. This leads to statistics such as depression being the third leading cause of disease in adolescents and suicide being the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds. By continuing to have conversations about the importance of mental health and reminding teens that there is no shame in seeking treatment, we can help further the reversal of the negative trends that poor mental health can have on our youth and their futures. To get started check out our Parent’s Guide to Depression and Anxiety. 3. The Issue Is Not Unanswered Questions What it is: The issue is unquestioned answers. This is a phrase that we’ve used at Axis for ten years. We use it to uncover the deeper cultural issues facing us. Why it's still important: In her article (note: crude language and divisive politics), this author makes a good point — regardless of her conclusion. She states, “Every generation is a slop-sink of prejudices, norms, and ideologies, and since we humans are more sponge-like than rock-like, we naturally absorb our share of generational sludge.” A perfect description of unquestioned answers. It’s the stuff that we absorb from the culture around us that we don’t even think about. That just becomes normal. There are plenty of questions that we don’t have the answers to and maybe never will. But if we take the time to step back and truly examine the answers that we’ve already been given, then we can decide if they are good and correct answers. Only then can we work to change them. We can accept that “boys will be boys” or we can choose to raise our young men to be the kind of humans that don’t take advantage of others. We can accept technology’s answers that humanity’s worst impulses are valid search results, or we can question the biases and stereotypes that surround us. We live in culture, there’s no escaping that fact. And we will be given answers. What we do with them is up to us.   Top 10 Songs Last week we referenced Twenty One Pilots new album Trench, which was arguably the most anticipated album of 2018. And so far, it hasn’t disappointed. The group continues to create new music with subtle, if not subversive Christian messages for those with ears to hear. Unfortunately, the rest of pop music continues to produce the same old same old. Here’s this week’s Billboard top 10. (Assume that most or all of the songs below have some kind of offensive language or crude references) “Girls Like You” by Maroon 5 (Featuring Cardi B) “Mona Lisa” by Lil Wayne (Featuring Kendrick Lamar) “Lucid Dreams” by Juice WRLD “Better Now” by Post Malone “Don’t Cry” by Lil Wayne (Featuring XXXtentacion) “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott “Uproar” by Lil Wayne “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer “In My Feelings” by Drake “Let It Fly” by Lil Wayne (Featuring Travis Scott)

Three Things This Week 1. Big Bad Bully What it is: October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Why you can help end it: Research shows that direct adult responses to bullying ends the behavior over time. If you see it, stop it! Bullying is the result of an unequal power dynamic, where the dominant person attacks a weaker individual. It happens in politics, on the playground, and in schools, the workplace, churches, and homes. Whenever you witness an altercation or public exchange, ask yourself these questions: Who has the power in this situation? Are they using that power to dominate, control, or manipulate? If so, you’re witnessing bullying. If your teen suddenly doesn’t want to go to school, is having trouble sleeping, or manifests signs of anxiety, its possible they’re being bullied. Watch our Conversation Kit on Bullying with your teens or youth group. Remember, hurt people hurt other people. Use the film to start these needed conversation with your students today.   2. TOP Drops Trench What it is: Twenty One Pilots released their long-awaited fifth album today in anticipation of the duos’ Bandito Tour starting next week in Nashville. Why it's creative: Fans are already trying to make sense of Trench, the cult-like world Tyler created on the album. Watch the music videos with your teens. Which songs do they resonate with and why? What is the real meaning behind “Jumpsuit” or “Nico and the Niners”? What are Tyler and Josh asking fans to “wake up to”? 3. The Politics of Gen Z What it is: A new study shows the political divide in America to be at an all-time high. Why teens might be different: While much of public life is sharply divided along party lines, Gen Z seems to be primarily independent, and many students will soon cast their first votes in November. Specifically, today’s teens appear fiscally conservative, yet they are very concerned about climate change. They enjoy a highly individualistic capitalistic economy while also supporting gun control. Gen Z represents a hybridized version of many liberal and conservative values, and according to pastor Tim Keller, this might be a new model for Christian political engagement. Do you agree or disagree? Ask your teens which political issues they are passionate about and why. How can they help foster unity in the Body of Christ in an age where believers are so hotly divided along party lines?   This Week in TV… As fall TV season gets into full swing, two notable releases are on teens’ radars. First, the third season of teen fav Riverdale begins airing on the CW next week. Though based on the beloved Archie comics, the series isn’t something grandma would approve of. It uses sex, sensationalism, drama, and beautiful people to capture its younger audience’s attention, and nothing is as it seems in this campy adaptation. Unlike the original comics version, Riverdale reveals the dark, deeper issues bubbling below the surface in small town Americana. For more on the show and how to talk about it with your teens, check out our brand new Parent’s Guide to Riverdale. Second, the entire second season of Netflix’s Big Mouthreleases today. In case you weren’t aware the first time around, this highly sexualized animated series is filled with adult themes, but geared toward teens. Think Southpark, just ten times cruder. It highlights the awkward nature of adolescent life, puberty, hormones, and shame. Rolling Stone calls it “astonishingly filthy,” yet still endorses the series for its ability to force a cultural conversation about the acceptance of all forms of sexual expression. We appreciate the desire to talk with teens about sex, but that’s not Netflix’s job; it’s ours. Our kids need to hear from their parents about what physical changes they’ll go through and how they’re normal, that their sexual urges aren’t sinful, and that God designed all of this as a good and healthy process in human development. Help them see that Christianity isn’t anti-sex. God created sex, designing it to function and flourish within the parameters of marriage, but it’s also dangerous and can be harmful when misused. Check out our related Parent Guides: Big Mouth (season 1), the Sex Talk, Dating, and Tough Conversations.

1. iOS 12 A useful link for iOS users: https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/how-to-use-screen-time-in-ios-12  2. Social Justice Statement (Nope, not Kaepernick yet...) 3. Just Do It (There it is.) +++ Biggest video games of the fall. 

 - What are the 5 steps to Culture Translation?   - "The world will always have an answer for our confusion - and it will always be apart from God's word." Agree? Disagree?   - How to have cultural conversations without being dualistic or off-putting to teens.   - What do the life of Jesus and culture translation have in common?   - Is CT a way of living missionally?  Subscribe to the show: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/axis-ideas/id1167709389?mt=2  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://axis.org/ct/archive/ 

Three Things This Week 1. Madden Shooting What it is: On Sunday, a gunman killed two of his fellow gamers at a Madden esports tournament in Jacksonville, FL before shooting himself. Why it can stop: The shooter actively targeted fellow gamers as revenge for being eliminated from the tournament. Most mass shooters... 2. The Legacy of John McCain What it is: Republicans and Democrats are gathering to honor the life and legacy of Senator John McCain, who died this week at the age of 81. Why it's encouraging: Incivility in U.S. public discourse is at an all-time high, leading to a social contagion of aggression, blame, labeling, and bullying. Partisanship is now a bigger wedge between Americans than... 3. A Little Privacy Please What it is: “It’s none of your business!” “Stay out of my room!” “Stop snooping!” Sound familiar? Why it’s normal: From a locked diary a generation ago to private social media activity on today’s smartphones, parents and teens continue to... Why They Can’t Stop Gaming Fortnite’s global phenomenon has parents all over the world wondering if their children are addicted to gaming. The answer? Probably not. Gaming appeals to three psychological needs that make it difficult for children to put their console down: competence, autonomy, and relatedness...   For more, subscribe to the podcast ( https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/axis-ideas/id1167709389?mt=2 ) or the updates ( https://axis.org/vol-4-issue-35/ ). 

Today, you get a special treat to sit down with Melanie and Gary Alan who compile, write, and edit The Culture Translator (CT) every single week.   They have the best eyes at Axis on the idea and process of Culture Translation.   - Hear their personal perspectives on parents/teens relating (even differing perspectives?! Whaaat??)  - Why did culture translation become to integral to Axis and how we serve our people?   - What does every day culture translation look like?   - Understanding differences between the generations  - How to "rest in the tensions" of the world.   - How does a team of 20-some experts on culture research, curate, and produce the written and audio CT every week? You'll hear the actual process we go through every week. Surprise Subscribe to the show: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/axis-ideas/id1167709389?mt=2  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://axis.org/ct/archive/ 

1. Teens getting paid for their posts on Instagram 2. Tattoos -- that's probably enough for today, eh? Tattoos alone could give us an episode.    Any topics you want to see us focus or do a special episode on?? Let us know at support@axis.org  Subscribe to the podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/axis-ideas/id1167709389?mt=2  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://axis.org/ct/ 

Show notes coming soon... For now:  Culture Translator updates: https://axis.org/ct/  Promised link (Facebook creating music talent app to rival Musical.ly -> Tik Tok) https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/31/facebook-is-developing-a-singing-talent-show-feature/  Thanks!  Shoot us recommendations and ideas at matt@axis.org then subscribe to keep getting the CT Podcast promptly so you can stay up to date on translating your teen culture. 

Show notes coming soon...  Get the Culture Translator in your inbox: https://axis.org/ct/  See past issues: https://axis.org/ct/archive/  Go deeper and get the CT Premium: https://axis.org/insider/ 

1. A BIG thank-you from Axis!!!  2. Momo game 3. Confusing Christian-ese + What is our culture's biggest religion...hint: It's not something from a church.  Subscribe: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/axis-ideas/id1167709389?mt=2 

Today is special -- Below, you'll find a full issue of The Culture Translator that corresponds with your podcast episode today!  Three Things This Week 1. Keep The Culture Translator Free What it is: July 31 is our second-annual Axis Giving Day. Join us in raising the $50,000 needed to fund this email for another year! Why we need you: Every week, we research, write, and give The CT to over 46,000 families worldwide—trust us, it’s not easy. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into it, check out this behind-the-scenes video with Gary Alan and Melanie ;). It’s because of friends like you that we can continue to pour so much time, energy, and love into it while still keeping it free and accessible for everyone. Will you join us in that endeavor? Click here to make your online gift to keep The CT free in 2018. Thank you! We couldn’t continue serving families without you.   2. Barb’s Back What it is: For any Stranger Things fans who thought Barb deserved better, she’s back (well, the actress is) in Netflix’s upcoming Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, a modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac. Why it's an opportunity: There are countless beautiful works of art from ages past that often are drowned out by our modern barrage of entertainment options. CdB is one of those, so our hope is the film is a great way to contextualize its timeless lessons for today’s students, as well as to spark interest in the original play. Since we have yet to see the film, we can’t vouch for how closely it sticks to the original story or even if it preserves its richness, but it seems it will delve into identity, the ethics of catfishing, romance, friendship, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to read the play first, then watch the film (releases Sept. 7), and do a little comparing and contrasting. What did the play do well/poorly? What did the film do well/poorly? Which did your teen like better? What did they learn? 3. Relay What it is: Dubbed “the anti-smartphone” by PC Mag, it’s a screen-free device for keeping in touch with your younger children. Why it's illuminating: We’ve written a lot about the dangers of unfettered smartphone access and constant screen time, to which many parents respond, “Yes, but how do I keep track of my kids without a phone?” Enter Relay! It offers both connectivity and safety, without the addictive nature of a smartphone. The device is small, durable, water-resistant, and has single-button communication (similar to a walkie-talkie) with nationwide range. They’re also working on providing “channels” that can offer parent-curated games or music. Check them out to see if they might solve a major pain point for your family.   11 Audiobooks for Family Road Trips Ah, family road trips. It’s amazing how quickly they can transform from a fun bonding experience into Armageddon, amiright? Or maybe road trips are frustrating because everyone is often in their own world, thanks to screens and headphones. No matter your road trip woes, audiobooks can be a great way to pass the time, learn together, have great discussions, or simply get lost in a beautiful story. Books have a unique ability to change our perspective and cultivate compassion in a way that many other mediums can’t replicate. For students, a great book gives them a sense of belonging. Their connection with the author or a character reminds them they aren’t alone in this world, that someone else has felt or experienced the things they are going through. And audiobooks have the added bonus of making all of this a shared experience, rather than an individual one (avoiding motion sickness is another plus!). Here are 11 audiobooks worth listening to and discussing with your teens as the countless miles (and cows) pass by. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (abridged = 3 hours; unabridged = 54 hours!) The Giver by Lois Lowry (5 hours) Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (5 hours) The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas (7 hours) The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (7 hours) The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (10 hours) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (12 hours) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (12.5 hours Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (19 hours) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (20 hours) The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis (or his Space Trilogy for older listeners) (32.5 hours for all 7 books) There are many ways to get and listen to audiobooks via your car’s speakers. To get audiobooks for free, just ask your library what services they subscribe to (OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla, etc., each of which allows you to download to your device via an app)—or see if they offer the CD for checkout (“Mom, what’s a CD?”). For paid books (and larger libraries), Audible and Audiobooks get great reviews. If you have a newer car, you can use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, bluetooth, a USB cable, or an auxiliary cable to listen. If you have an older car without any of these features, you can use either an FM transmitter or a cassette-tape adapter. Happy trails!   Editor’s Note: Axis links to many different sources within this e-newsletter; a link does not equal an endorsement. We cannot guarantee the content of each site (especially its ads). Please be forewarned.

It's not just a provocative title - it's the name of Arianna's newest (provocative) music video. That's one of the topics on this show -- along with Kylie's billion, FOMO, and a bit of discussion on "divine condescension."  Links mentioned:  https://axis.org/guides - Get the FOMO Parent's Guide https://axis.org/ct/ - Get The Culture Translator  

This week... 1) Drake talks pop culture and technology!  2) Tinder adds video 3) A theory on pop culture from the experts And the big deal conversation -- How do we serve God in the "ordinary?" The church has entered what is known in the liturgical calendar as "ordinary time" meaning, simply, nothing big is happening nor or for the next 6 months.  Ordinary is not desirable to Gen Z. How, then, do we make an "ordinary" faith and existence appealing when Gen Z thinks we are made to only be extraordinary - but so much of our lives will be drudgery and regular. 

Melanie from Axis was just featured on the "Heroes for Her Podcast" from The Bible Belles.   She was showcased as a woman in the business world and interviewed about her life experience in a unique ministry position with Axis and how it influenced her life.  There is definitely conversation about "culture translation" and handling smartphones in the family, but mostly - this is a fun, unique opportunity to showcase one of our wonderful employees who is being recognized for her work and character. We say "Brava, Mel!"  "How do you raise a child who understands the phone the will inevitably handle someday?" "How do you raise a child who won't be shocked by the world they live in when they reach independence and exposure to culture?"  This is a short excerpt. You can find the whole episode here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-68-melanie-mudge-translating-culture/id1137225719?i=1000414848479&mt=2  To get your own Culture Translation each week, subscribe to this podcast from Axis or get weekly updates on teen culture in your inbox: https://axis.org/ct/ 

Serious thoughts on a number of things this week including pornography. There is nothing explicit, but just know if you want your young kids to listen with you it will encourage more serious conversations!    We missed a couple weeks -- APOLOGIES!  We've had some serious business in the office.  If you want to get the Culture Translator in your inbox every Friday, go to https://axis.org/vol-4-issue-26/ and you'll see this week's content there as well!   

1. Post Malone is breaking Beetles records.  2. #byebyebikini Miss America Pagent changes some controversial rules to surprising response. 3. What social media platform has THE most users/time spent there?  Surprise, it's Youtube.  ***Bonus: It's Pride Month. What does that mean for you and your family?  [from weekly newsletter] "when deciding whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong, our kids don’t automatically go to Scripture to find the answers; they instead ask their friends or the internet. So how should we respond?"  Get your free subscription to The Culture Translator now: https://axis.org/ct/ 

This week's episode comes with music -- The Top 10 for the summer and so much more!  Subscribe to the show or get your own e-dition of The Culture Translator via email Friday at https://axis.org/ct/  Every Friday via email ad Every Monday/Tuesday via podcast.  Excerpt: Social media is an unforgiving beast, and whether you make a mistake on TV or on the playground, the voices can be relentless. “At its best, social media has given a voice to the disenfranchised. At its worst, it’s a weapon of mass reputation destruction.” For your teens, social media has the power of life and death, and what might seem like a funny joke can lead to shame. Help them remember that “online shaming is a door that swings only one way: You may have the power to open it, but you don’t have the power to close it. And sometimes what rushes through that door can engulf you too.”

This week - Focus on Smartphones.  We're doing the 30 Day Smartphone Family Reboot in June.  Hope you can join us!  Get updated on all manner of cultural events, happenings, icons, and Axis events with the weekly Culture Translator: https://axis.org/ct/   

This week: Yanny vs. Laurel - This is what's been blowing the minds of every teen this week. Ramadan - 1/4 of the world is celebrating the Muslim holy month right now. What can we learn from another faith? "Fall in Line" - The latest song (Christina Aguilera feat. Demi Lovato) providing teens a picture of "female empowerment." ***Porn literacy: "Teenagers are turning to pornography for sex education, which means they’re learning extremely warped ideas about pleasure, intimacy, power, and normalcy." "We’d say porn literacy isn’t the answer; parents are." - Axis Half of today's episode focuses on the dire need for conversation within your family about pornography. Jess, former Axis traveling team member and current freelance writer, appears on the show today to offer a summary and some of her views from the most recent addition to Axis Parent Guides: - Understanding the Porn Threat - Talking to Girls about Porn - Talking to Boys about Porn   Enjoy the conversation where she offers some of her best tips about opening and having an effective conversation about pornography, when to do that, and how guys and girls may or may not differ on their attraction and involvement in it.

It's time for the weekly Culture Translator Podcast - we know you’ve been anxiously awaiting!   This week...3 things to know:   Teens love to be challenged. Not in necessarily in school but rather through social media. See the next internet sensation challenge - The Deodorant Challenge.  This is just the latest hit in the long string of popular challenges (Tide Pod, Kylie Jenner Lip, Ice Bucket, Mannequin, etc.). This challenge involves spraying aerosol deodorant on someone else for as long as they can stand it. Sound weird? Try a bit dangerous. People are walking away from this challenge with severe burns and maybe a bit of pride. What’s at the root of this and why would students want to participate in something that is hurtful? The reason is not all the shocking or uncommon - peer pressure and FOMO. Teens want to be a part of what their friends are involved in. They don’t want to look like they can’t hang and so will do something that to others may look idiotic just to belong. That’s a driving force that will lead all of us to do things that we wouldn’t typically do. It is necessary to acknowledge the reality of peer pressure and the need to belong. Let’s not minimize that but rather call it out for what it is. This is a good starting point for conversation with your student- acknowledge the appeal of the challenge and how real peer pressure is. Topics to dive into from there include consequences of this challenge and where we get our identity and belonging from. Dive into their culture and then dive deep into conversation.   Wanna dive in deeper? Check out the links below: Deodrant Challenge Breakdown   Parents, How You Can Help   Apparently, this is America according to Childish Gambino - if you haven’t heard already, Childish Gambino (aka. Donald Glover) released a new song and music video that overnight became a cultural phenomenon. Celebrities were tweeting about the genius of it, fans were raving about the intentionality of it, and due to the nature of the content there were many others who didn’t feel positively about it. Regardless, there was talk. In the music video, Childish Gambino represents America herself taking a stance on the violent culture that we live in and the ways we utilize media and entertainment and internet fads as rose-colored glasses. Warning...this is a violent and fairly graphic music video. So know that if you watch it, which we encourage you to. Why? We encourage you to because it is a form of art that comments on the world we live in. GenZ is known to be culturally aware and socially sensitive - the issues Childish Gambino addresses (race, gun violence, and other taboo topics) are ones that your teens most likely care about and have opinions about. Here’s a great opportunity to Culture Translate [what we do with every piece of media we encounter]. Ask these questions about the song and music video: 1. What was good? 2. What was missing? 3. What was confusing? When we start with these questions we are acknowledging all sides of the art. First ask these questions to your teen and then you answer! Keep diving: Watch the Music Video Here   This Is America Hidden Meanings Explained!   Hidden Messages You May Have Missed   Why This Is So Popular    All Night is a new Hulu show that is pulling at high schooler’s heart strings. Not because it is so heartwarming though, because it walks with high school seniors as they are about to graduate. The impending end of their high school career drives them to live it up and try everything they always wanted to. They are really buying into that passé phrase, “Yolo.” All Night isn’t all that unique with the storyline but grabs at the experience of many teens - that desire to fully live and the urgency to do so. The characters live as if their lives will end after high school pushing them to do things they would typically never have had the courage to do. Although the show doesn’t offer much depth or substance, the conversation we find stemming from it does! Is this the message being taught to teens? Is there an example be modeled for students that this moment is all that life is about? It is not new for teenagers to be living for the here and now without so much as a nod to the future or consequences. However, where do we move from there? We encourage disciplers to paint a different vision as to what life is about. We rarely find lasting fulfillment from momentary pleasure, from the here and now, from a split second. Help them to identify consequences and to take a longer view than just this moment and just high school. There is a difference between being present and yolo-ing. Watch an episode if your teen is watching it. Then chat about it.   To the depths: All Night Official Trailer   BONUS TRANSLATION   Ninja vs. LeBron is essentially begging the question sports or esports. The virtual world at times seems to be becoming more of a reality to teens than reality itself. There are careers in which teens can play video games. There are scholarships now for gamers to go to university. Thirteen year olds are even being signed to professional esport teams. Yup, this is reality for gamers out there now. Here’s where it breaks down for us. We need to know and learn about the things that our students care about. What an act of love to meet them in the things that they love. This act goes past words and demonstrates care! At the same time, healthy boundaries are still okay and needed. The reality is, too, that if you are meeting them in their space and they know you care - there is a greater chance of them respecting the boundaries.   Last links, we promise: The Argument Heats Up Esports takes the lead   If you want to get this sent directly to your email to get you this info as soon as we do- check out the link below. All we need is your name and email and BOOM. Free. Goodness.   FOLLOW ---> https://axis.org/ct/

It's been a while, but we're back with a new direction for the Axis podcast!  You'll be seeing one episode a week of The Culture Translator Podcast starting now plus the occasional "in-betweenisode!"   This week...there are, as always, 3 things to know: The Boy Scouts are dropping the gendered title to simply be called "The Scouts." Their statement says, simply that this is because the character development emphasized by The Scouts is relatable and necessary for anyone, regardless of gender. They began admitting girls last year, so this should come as no surprise. It has ignited a fierce debate politically and socially, though, as you can imagine. With such a controversial change, this is a great opportunity to enter into conversation with your teen! It could open up topics such as inclusivity and gender. No matter where the conversation goes, try inviting your teen to share their thoughts first. Some of the trademarks of GenZ include acceptance and openness to other idea. “Scout Me In” reveals a glimpse into the world GenZ-ers often find themselves in!   Wanna dive in deeper? Check out the links below: https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/scout-me-in/   https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/07/opinions/girls-boy-scouts-surbaugh-opinion/index.html   https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/05/02/boy-scouts-scouts-bsa-girls-joining-cub-scouts/572036002/   13 Reasons Why is on its way back with a new season full of new issues and more drama. Netflix released the date, May 18th, of Season 2 along with a new promo video. The video is already filling fans heads with intrigue and preparing them for the episodes to come. If you missed the first season, the show follows the story of a girl named Hannah Baker who died by suicide. It was a widely popular show as well as one that is extremely graphic as it unapologetically depicts the struggles many high schoolers face including suicide, rape, abuse, drinking, drugs, loneliness, etc. Many people who followed the series praised it highlighting real issues. Teens found themselves identifying with certain characters and seeing some of their stories played out on a screen, albeit a bit magnified, hopefully. However, it wasn’t adored by all - many spoke out against the ways they talked about these all too prevalent issues. Netflix listened. For season 2 they are adding warning videos and extra precautions to help eliminate negative effects while still maintaining the riskiness of the show. So do your research! If your student has seen season 1 - discuss it! Who did they identifiy with? What parts of the show did they agree with and feel encouraged by? And if they want to watch season 2, maybe watch it with them. You can then monitor the graphicness while engaging in their world! The show talks about issues that are one way or another in the world of your teen (maybe not directly) but we encourage that you enter that conversation!   Keep diving: https://virtual.axis.org/suicide   https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/13-reasons-why-season-2-address-suicide-controversy-warning-video-1096070   https://13reasonsresearch.soc.northwestern.edu/index.html    A new app was released and is gaining popularity: Discord. It is a free multi-platform app that lives in the gamer world. It is a voice and text-chat app designed to bring gamers together in community. The designers were inspired by the ways video games used to build community and saw a need for connection and created one! We are excited about the ways this encourages teens to not just live in a reality they created by themselves but rather to build connections in the real world. Win! But with any kind of app where you can chat and text, there is the possibility of inappropriate material to be shared. So - check out the app. See what you think and if you teen has it you can find solutions for the dangers. Encourage them to utilize Discord only when you are present or have access to it so you can be aware of what is being shared! As always, we desire for connection and relationships to be built out of these cultural happenings.   To the depths: https://axis.org/guides   https://discordapp.com/   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discord_(software)   https://discordapp.com/features?   https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/discord-chat-for-gamers/user-reviews/adult   BONUS TRANSLATION   Avengers: Infinity War came out April 27. People were jazzed and flooded the theaters and sold out the seats. The long awaited build up of this film [ahem - 18 Marvel films later] did not disappoint. The movie achieved over a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has remained extremely popular.  Yet throughout the fight scenes and the uniting of all of your favorite characters (no spoilers, don’t worry) - there was an intriguing depiction of the Gospel woven throughout. Or perhaps a better way to explain the message in this movie are through the words ‘mercy’ and ‘sacrifice.’ The main “villain” Thanos exemplifies a certain definition of these two words that lives in contrast to how the Avengers live those out. And honestly different from the way Christ lived these out in His own life. What a great place to start a conversation with your teen while meeting them in what they love! Sounds like Culture Translation to me :)   Last links, we promise: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154756/   https://factsandtrends.net/2018/04/27/avengers-infinity-war-packs-a-punch-hits-on-spiritual-themes/ >>>If you want to get this sent directly to your email to get you this info as soon as we do - check out the link below. All we need is your name and email and BOOM. Free. Goodness.   FOLLOW ---> https://axis.org/ct/

Every week, we offer The Culture Translator Podcast. Subscribe so you don't miss any cultural updated (always through the lens of faith, media, and culture) into your teen's world at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/axis-ideas/id1167709389?mt=2  This is a new project that will keep expanding and and improving in the future - if you want to see any special features, guests, or changes -- let us know by email at support@axis.org  Enjoy - and thanks for diving into teen culture with us in order to help build lifelong faith through discipleship! 

Drew and Kaitlin dive into College Masculinity, the trending app Friendo, and Rites of Passage for Teenage Girls, and welcome a special guest to discuss the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and what Dr. King's nonviolent activism can mean for today's world. 1. Redefining College Manhood Male university students enroll less, misbehave more, and graduate at a slower pace than their female counterparts due in large part to distorted cultural notions of masculinity. 2. FriendO “Sure, you’re a ‘friend’, but are you a true Friendo?” A new app testing the depths of your friendship 3. A Voice Becoming Moms, what if there was a framework for creating rites of passage for our daughters that draw them into deeper, purposeful, life-changing faith in Christ as they become women? As of this month, there is! http://amzn.to/2mGTvUm Dr. King's Dream: In his book The Stride Toward Freedom, Dr. King lays out the six principles for resisting evil nonviolently. 1. Nonviolence is resistance not passivity. 2. Nonviolence seeks an end to hostilities by winning a friend. 3. Nonviolence attacks injustice not people. 4. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. 5. Nonviolence believes suffering is redemptive and transformative. 6. Nonviolence believes the universe is on the side of justice. Want more? Check out axis.org/ct

Allison and Bryan take a tour of the new Axis Offices while discussing the Rose Bowl, End of the F***ing World, Looking forward to 2018, and Black Mirror! 1. Roses are Georgia Red What it is: The Georgia Bulldogs won the Rose Bowl in an historic come-from-behind win against the Oklahoma Sooners on New Year’s Day. 2. The End of the F**ing World What it is: I’m James. I’m 17. And I’m pretty sure I’m a psychopath.” That’s the opening line from Netflix’s new series that reviewers are calling “a violent, un-nostalgic look at teens on the run” (warning: graphic language). 3. What to Expect in 2018 What it is: Last year, our community of “CT” readers grew from 19,000 subscribers to 38,000! And, thanks to your financial partnership, we were able to keep the “CT” free. Thank you! Season 4 of the controversial show Black Mirror released to Netflix recently, bringing with it more disturbing-yet-not-unrealistic portrayals of what might lie in our not-so-distant future. Episode 2, titled “Arkangel,” is no exception. Want more? Check out axis.org/ct