Religion is sounding more and more toxic to the generations coming into the mix now.
The desire for something more authentic and organic is strong. Can the church fit into the new schemata? I think so but our demeanor needs to continue to change.
The Christian population is becoming progressively more irreligious. Or, they are dropping out of church all together. The stretch isn’t just music anymore. I am seeing signs that this battle front in churches may be losing its teeth. But there is a real desire to become irreligious and it is a stretch.
I think the new pattern of church life that is spontaneous, simple, organic and anti-institutional is the only element growing today at any pace.
Bono in a U2 song “Under the Trash” expressed the agony of the new pursuit:
“I went looking for spirit and found alcohol; I went looking for soul, and I bought some style; I wanted to meet God but they sold me religion.”
I couldn’t agree more Doug…
Doug,
Just finished talking with someone about this topic. Her comment was ‘I think I’m done with church as we know it.’ She wasn’t being critical, but merely expressing that her experience of following Jesus wholeheartedly is not being reflected in today’s church.
I work with Campus Crusade for Christ, and I see each new generation of freshmen being more and more suspicious of authority and demanding of authenticity. Something definitely needs to change!