Seventeen mag gets religion

Faiza worships five times a day, while Rhianna is as likely to believe in God as in the Easter Bunny. Kristin prays too, but to the God and the Goddess.

This teenage religion debate can be found on the pages of a magazine better known for explaining how to match lipstick to blush -- not exploring the concept of a higher power.

But under editor-in-chief Atoosa Rubenstein, the girls' publication Seventeen has added a faith section that includes inspirational messages, personal stories of spiritual struggle and testimonials.

Verses from the New Testament are printed beside sayings from the Prophet Muhammad. The teachings of Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama are also featured.

Rubenstein said she started the section to provide a forum on an issue she believes is important to this generation of girls.

''I feel, and had sensed that my readers felt, that there was an entire magazine that wasn't speaking to a part of them,'' Rubenstein said. ``I just noticed more and more our readers were talking about their faith.''

Experts on religion and youth trends agree. They theorize that teens are rebelling against the broad, undefined spirituality of their baby-boomer parents, and are seeking out environments -- like those in church -- with clearer rules that help them cope with day-to-day problems.

In a study by Teenage Research Unlimited, a market research firm, 58 percent of teens ranked faith as among the most important parts of their life, said Michael Wood, the company's vice president.

Rubenstein said she considers herself spiritual. She was raised Muslim and she prays for help and inspiration in difficult times.

''It's a part of my life that is important,'' she said. ``Yes, I'm into fashion. Yes, I'm into makeup, but . . .my faith is very important to me.''