Beautiful thinking and writing. This makes sense to me based on what Im observing as well. I would also suggest that this "revival" is informed by the sociological phenomenon known as "schismogenesis" - the tendency humans have to make choices based on "what we are against more than what we are for". IMHO organized religion reaped what it sowed - it promoted ritualized, meaningless and power hungry forms that young people said no to and in saying no to also said no to the benefits of community. Now their children as saying no to the fixation their parents had with hyper individualism and all the down sides it brings. Where is the church that will bring these things together - the incarnation - and give people a reason to believe and to practice and to attend. When will this cycle cease? When will the church stop being just another institution without imagination, commitment and courage? Maybe this quiet revival will be the breakthrough into reality.
Hi Jim, I had to look that term up, very apt for this moment! schismogenesis.
Forms of church offered religious goods and services to consumers who ritualised themselves into hyper isolation. I pray that those moving to church, or returning, or reacting to their parents, discover something that the traditional community around identity in Christ, for the sake of others, can offer. That consumer infection is so strong. It is interesting to me that the churches wth a long-traditioned imagination and deep understanding of identity are picking up these younger people. Altars instead of platforms, perhaps. When Pope Leo visits the US, I suspect we will see many young people flocking to engage with him.
So nice to hear your thoughtful voice. When are we going to catch up :-)
Soon, I will email you now :-)
Beautiful thinking and writing. This makes sense to me based on what Im observing as well. I would also suggest that this "revival" is informed by the sociological phenomenon known as "schismogenesis" - the tendency humans have to make choices based on "what we are against more than what we are for". IMHO organized religion reaped what it sowed - it promoted ritualized, meaningless and power hungry forms that young people said no to and in saying no to also said no to the benefits of community. Now their children as saying no to the fixation their parents had with hyper individualism and all the down sides it brings. Where is the church that will bring these things together - the incarnation - and give people a reason to believe and to practice and to attend. When will this cycle cease? When will the church stop being just another institution without imagination, commitment and courage? Maybe this quiet revival will be the breakthrough into reality.
Hi Jim, I had to look that term up, very apt for this moment! schismogenesis.
Forms of church offered religious goods and services to consumers who ritualised themselves into hyper isolation. I pray that those moving to church, or returning, or reacting to their parents, discover something that the traditional community around identity in Christ, for the sake of others, can offer. That consumer infection is so strong. It is interesting to me that the churches wth a long-traditioned imagination and deep understanding of identity are picking up these younger people. Altars instead of platforms, perhaps. When Pope Leo visits the US, I suspect we will see many young people flocking to engage with him.