UBC News

Ruth Retold for Teens: Why This Bible Story Still Speaks to Young Readers

Episode Summary

https://bettyjohansen.com/ruth-finding-my-true-love/A widow gleaning barley, a quiet act of loyalty, a shocking family twist leading to King David - why does this ancient story still move nearly 97% of spiritually curious young people today? Here's what a new retelling reveals.

Episode Notes

Here's something that surprised me: a study by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA, which surveyed young people ages sixteen to twenty-four and ran focus groups with those ages fourteen to twenty-four, found that nearly ninety-seven percent of religious young people say they've been spiritually moved or comforted by online content. [excited] So today we're asking why an ancient story about a widow gleaning barley in a field still lands with teenagers now. There's a new retelling of the book of Ruth aimed at young readers, and we're digging into why her story keeps resonating. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/