New Generation Christians
God gave me a mind that I might use it. Many religious people today would have followers suspend rational thought and just trust what someone else tells them. I have always rebelled at this kind of thinking regardless of the subject. Many religious people disregard science because it comes from rationalism.
Using our intellect is not a sin. Understanding how God's universe works continues to reveal the true glory of his creation. And doubt and faith are brothers not enemies. The opposite of faith is not doubt, it is certainty.
God speaks to me through many media: the Bible, other writings, sermons and words spoken from others, from TV programs on history, travel and science, and most of all through revelation and answers to prayers. God has even shown his humourous side by communicating to me through fortune cookies. Three years ago He was trying to tell me to be patient and for a couple of months nearly every fortune cookie talked about the virtues of patience, as did several readings and sermons at the time. I took His reasurance and was rewarded 6 months later when the plan was revealed.
So it was interesting reading an article from a minister I know. I can identify with what it says because I have been there for decades. I copied part of the article below. it gives me great reassurance in the future of Christianity and of the U.S. and even the world. Yes, it is different than how we approached religion for 2000 years, but is way overdue.
In the book "Unchristian" by David Kinnaman, the thinking of the new generation is described as a result of a study by the Barna Group. It suggests many of those in their 20's and 30' believe churches are sheltered places, lacking spiritual vibrancy, with narrow even ignorant thinking. The new generation prides itself on a practice of investigating for themselves and searching for their own answers to the hard questions.
They are not worried that they don't have the ultimate answers yet. They are not easily persuaded to someone else's view and resist experst (like ministers), but they appreciate discussing things with people, especially with htose eho have broad differences and experiences. An important part of their lives can be described as a search to satisfy their quest for God and answer to life all around them.
What does connect with many members of the new generation is: authentic regular Christians of all sorts, who pray to God, wrestle with sin in their lives, trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, care for all others without bias, listen and then speak from the heart like Jesus did, and who take care of creation.
Using our intellect is not a sin. Understanding how God's universe works continues to reveal the true glory of his creation. And doubt and faith are brothers not enemies. The opposite of faith is not doubt, it is certainty.
God speaks to me through many media: the Bible, other writings, sermons and words spoken from others, from TV programs on history, travel and science, and most of all through revelation and answers to prayers. God has even shown his humourous side by communicating to me through fortune cookies. Three years ago He was trying to tell me to be patient and for a couple of months nearly every fortune cookie talked about the virtues of patience, as did several readings and sermons at the time. I took His reasurance and was rewarded 6 months later when the plan was revealed.
So it was interesting reading an article from a minister I know. I can identify with what it says because I have been there for decades. I copied part of the article below. it gives me great reassurance in the future of Christianity and of the U.S. and even the world. Yes, it is different than how we approached religion for 2000 years, but is way overdue.
In the book "Unchristian" by David Kinnaman, the thinking of the new generation is described as a result of a study by the Barna Group. It suggests many of those in their 20's and 30' believe churches are sheltered places, lacking spiritual vibrancy, with narrow even ignorant thinking. The new generation prides itself on a practice of investigating for themselves and searching for their own answers to the hard questions.
They are not worried that they don't have the ultimate answers yet. They are not easily persuaded to someone else's view and resist experst (like ministers), but they appreciate discussing things with people, especially with htose eho have broad differences and experiences. An important part of their lives can be described as a search to satisfy their quest for God and answer to life all around them.
What does connect with many members of the new generation is: authentic regular Christians of all sorts, who pray to God, wrestle with sin in their lives, trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, care for all others without bias, listen and then speak from the heart like Jesus did, and who take care of creation.
Labels: rationalization
posted by Scott | 10:02 AM
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