The importance of moral values

What is the importance of moral values or life long lessons to a young adolescent? The majority of our youth in America know very little about this question. The behavior of children in this society proves that my question is hardly even a subject of importance. Today, the violence and crimes in this nation mostly occur when a troubled teen or a fragile child cannot handle the pressure and stress of reality. The influential factor of violence spreads so easily; a child finds this influence simply by turning the television set on. In fact, any news channel disappointly shows the actions of teenagers committing the violent act of murder without any remorse. All of this animosity and chaos within children begin with not knowing the difference between right and wrong. The positive influence of reiligion, education, and peers greatly effect a child's manner and behavior pattern. Traditional values and important lessons from these sources certainly help a child to understand the distinction between the right and wrong choices in life. An important value for children to be aware of is the benefit of religion. The church teaches children to accept the existence of a being higher than man. By accepting a higher power, the children should follow the rules and guidelines of this higher being. In the church, scriptures and books warn the followers about the consequences of their actions. The Christians believe that God determines our fate to heaven or hell. The Holy Bible, also the book of Christians, tells many descriptive tales about lessons and values that draw a line between evil and righteousness. God presents a path with different choices; one choice could lead toward deciet while the other to joy. "Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil:but to the counsellors of peace is joy."(Proverbs 12:20) By understanding the responsibility of choice making, the youth of America learn to think about the consequences or aftermath of their decision. Religion serves as a