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Post by robin on Mar 10, 2009 7:42:01 GMT -8
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Post by moritz on Mar 10, 2009 9:16:36 GMT -8
Predictions of that sort have a long tradition. No matter what will happen to specific denominations, the general market for fundamental evangelical Christianity (and for Christianity and religion in general) exists and will keep on existing. In that sense nobody has to worry. Since this is touching the topic of secularization, I posted a relevant quote in an older thread I created for this particular discussion (see "On secularization, reply #21). |
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Post by Margot on Mar 10, 2009 16:42:42 GMT -8
Hmmm, from a writing perspective, I thought this was kinda weak, Robin. It was a lot of "I think, I think, I think," without out a lot to back it up except personal observation. --Keep in mind, I am not saying I disagree---or agree. But in Journalism school they emphasize things that are heavily backed up by fact and example, so that is always my bias ;D Can you tell me more about why you liked it? Maybe I'm missing the big picture here ...(wouldn't be the first time !) |
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Post by Josh on Mar 10, 2009 20:38:24 GMT -8
I felt it was a bit too optimistically doomsdayish ;D, and there were some parts I might disagree with (or at least feel more neutral on). However, some of his conclusions really resonate with me. Here were some of the statements he made that I viewed pretty positively:
Likewise, I'm curious what stood out to you, Robin.
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Post by Margot on Mar 11, 2009 7:17:50 GMT -8
optimistically doomsdayish . Harrumph! Josh! Optomistically Doomsdayish are you? Only one who talks this way I thought I was." --Yoda |
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Post by robin on Mar 11, 2009 8:40:01 GMT -8
Hi Josh,
Well, the author made some good points as to why the collapse is taking place. Here are some that I thought were spot on.
"Evangelicals have identified their movement with the culture war and with political conservatism. This will prove to be a very costly mistake. Evangelicals will increasingly be seen as a threat to cultural progress. Public leaders will consider us bad for America, bad for education, bad for children, and bad for society.
The evangelical investment in moral, social, and political issues has depleted our resources and exposed our weaknesses. Being against gay marriage and being rhetorically pro-life will not make up for the fact that massive majorities of Evangelicals can't articulate the Gospel with any coherence. We fell for the trap of believing in a cause more than a faith. "
*Bold mine
"Despite some very successful developments in the past 25 years, Christian education has not produced a product that can withstand the rising tide of secularism. Evangelicalism has used its educational system primarily to staff its own needs and talk to itself. "
"Even in areas where Evangelicals imagine themselves strong (like the Bible Belt), we will find a great inability to pass on to our children a vital evangelical confidence in the Bible and the importance of the faith."
I also thought this was an interesting.
"Evangelicalism needs a "rescue mission" from the world Christian community. It is time for missionaries to come to America from Asia and Africa. Will they come? Will they be able to bring to our culture a more vital form of Christianity?"
Hi Margot,
It was written as an opinion piece. Keep in mind, the author said at the end of the article "I'm not a prophet. My view of evangelicalism is not authoritative or infallible. I am certainly wrong in some of these predictions. But is there anyone who is observing evangelicalism in these times who does not sense that the future of our movement holds many dangers and much potential?"
I don't know if it is fair to insult the man for expressing an opinion, and a educated one at that. As far as facts go, there have been numerous studies and surveys done that would support this notion that Christianity, as it has been practiced for the last 100 years in America, is changing drastically. What Christianity in America will look like in a decade or two is speculative. However, certain trends are emerging that seem to indicate where we are headed. Tightly nit Christian communities, like the one we have at alethiea, are become more popular among serious Christians. Perhaps we will see large denominations disappear in favor of small Christian communities that exist without that overbearing structures that denominations bring.
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Post by Josh on Mar 11, 2009 20:04:15 GMT -8
Yeah, I agreed with this statement too.
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Post by Margot on Mar 12, 2009 7:11:54 GMT -8
Tightly nit Christian communities, like the one we have at alethiea, are become more popular among serious Christians. Perhaps we will see large denominations disappear in favor of small Christian communities that exist without that overbearing structures that denominations bring. I agree. Very First Century, too. Isn't it amazing how what goes around comes around?  |
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Post by Josh on Mar 15, 2009 19:15:30 GMT -8
Yeah, we feel very ancient at ACF.
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