Mei L. Chung

Chinese Young People and Spirituality Mei L. Chung

Research studies suggest that young people from immigrant families inherit at least two different cultural traits in the process of identity formation, and the factors affecting the identity of young people play an important role in the development of their spirituality. Thus for the Chinese second generation in a multicultural society, what are the main factors for their identity forma­tion that may lead to a distinctive spirituality? Do they inherit the Chinese culture from their parents and the culture in the society in an equal way? What are the characteristics of these young people's spirituality? While the churches seek to nurture the spirituality of these young people, it is important to understand their characteristics and find the effective ways in their culture to meet their needs. This book describes the young participants' spirituality from their own perspectives, discusses their construction of identity that led to their distinctive spirituality, and studies their parents' worldviews and the role of their church that have affected their spirituality. Finally, it concludes with development of theories of spirituality related to Chinese young people in a multicultural society, and proposes ways in which churches and families may encourage the development of spirituality for Chinese young people in a multicultural society.