Michael Kruger, president of Reformed Theological Seminary, thoughtfully blogged about the cultural phenomenon of “You Do You” and how it fails us in moments such as these. Kruger writes, “‘You do you’ embodies our culture’s commitment to personal fulfillment, self-actualization, and the dismissal of any truth claims outside of the self. It means we get to create our own realities, our own right and wrong, and, perhaps most importantly, our own meaning.”
In short, “You do you” is the epitome of postmodernism, the notion that there is no absolute truth and that those who put their faith in the God of the Bible should be distrusted. And postmodernism will not work in a global pandemic. During this time we must consider the facts, act on behalf of those other than ourselves, and acknowledge the finite limitations of our own thoughts and emotions. Even more, we must never lose sight of the the gospel, and the call on our life to serve others even as Christ served us through His life, death, and resurrection.
Encourage your older teenagers to read the article, then discuss using the questions below. For younger teenagers, consider reading excerpts of the article together and then discussing. We’d love to hear how it goes!
- What do you think people mean when they say “you do you?”
- Is there anything you like about this statement? Why do you think it’s appealing to so many others?
- What is the underlying truth claim “you do you” is making? Do you see any contradiction in terms here in regard to absolute truth?
- In the midst of a pandemic, how does “you do you” fall short as a solution?
- Is there anything in the Christian ethic that’s more helpful in dealing with COVID-19?
- Read John 1:14 and John 14:6 together. What does these verses tell us about where truth ultimately comes from?
- How did Jesus embody a “you serve others” way of life, instead of a “you do you” life?
