Internet resources

Group, Nov/Dec 2002 by McKee, Jonathan

"I had no idea the Romans were so cool or the Greeks were so weird."

-Mark Usher, college classics professor, on what his students tell him when they read ancient literature (college kids are fueling a burgeoning interest in classic cultures among young people), quoted in Cool News of the Day from www.reveries.com

What's hot on the Web? Glad you asked.

Brian is one of your leadership kids, and he comes to youth group talking about a video he's just seen called Orange County. You've never seen it-is it bad? Should Brian have seen it? Is it even worth talking about?

How can you keep current? Here are a few good ways to stay informed.

www.screenit.com-This is a secular Web site that reviews new movies and videos. It details all language, violence, sexual situations, and nudity.

www.trueliesyouthtalks.com-- Phil Chalmers, national speaker and author, put together this Web site as a resource to educate parents about music and the media.

www.almenconi.com-Al Meconi has great articles about media influence, and even if you don't agree with his conclusions, he'll still make you think.

www.ministryandmedia.com-- usually don't recommend Web sites that charge a fee. But for an annual fee of less than 30 bucks, you get a great resource for reviews of movies, videos, and music. I especially like the fact that the reviews not only provide summaries but also suggest ways to talk to students, including Scripture references and lists of discussion questions.

Jonathan McKee is creator of The Source for Youth Ministry at www.thesourcefym.com and editor of The Source E--

zine, a free newsletter for youth leaders. He's also the author of The Top 12 Resources Youth Workers Want (Gospel Light).