Isn't that just your reality?

Brett Lawrence wrote an article in the Leadership Journal in the fall of 2002 describing the spirituality of Gen-Next in their twenties who are far from God. He addresses three questions Christians need to answer when dealing with this generation. The questions reveal the hearts and fears of this generation.

Question 2: Isn't that just your reality?

The spiritual smorgasbord is at work in this generation. You pick your reality and I will pick for me. According to the article, "You can't say either Christianity is true or it's false. Reality is also/and . . . They [early Christians] helped create the facts they observed, and then reported them out of their interpretation of reality. Scientists do that. Writers do that. Religious people like you do that" (Lawrence 4).

Article Answer 2: The "whatever works for you" mentality is a permanent perspective that has a chink in its armor. According to the article, "People are open to Jesus . . . They just don't consider him the only way. I try to engage them in who Jesus is and not that the others aren't correct."

My response: In the Gen Next population, relative reality is as insidious and as engrained a fact as the Theory of Evolution. It weakens the eternally true message of John 14:6 to one choice among many (touted equal) choices, much to the delight of the father of lies. He is working on many fronts: lifestyle choices, marriage choices, abortion is a choice, the Bible is just another book choice, etc. The approach to engage them in who Jesus is is reminiscent of Paul's address at the Athenian Areopagus about their altar to the unknown god.

Lawrence, Brett. "Starbucks spirituality: postmoderns have three questions for Christians that you'd better be ready for." Leadership 23.4 (Fall 2002): p81. From Religion and Philosophy Collection. (2002). 3 December 2013.

Contributed by Dr. Lyle Pointer

How can I trust you?

Brett Lawrence wrote an article in the Leadership Journal in the fall of 2002 describing the spirituality of Gen-Next in their twenties who are far from God. He addresses three questions Christians need to answer when dealing with this generation. The questions reveal the hearts and fears of this generation.

Question 1: How can I trust you?

In the turmoil of the life the Gen-Next has experienced there is distrust boiling within their being that places them at odds with everything else. They distrust authority. They dislike anyone telling them what is right, what is good for them, and what is allowed. Freedom-to-choose is their mantra for living. The article quotes Rick Richardson, "When people ask questions about homosexuality, for instance, we're tempted to think they're asking questions about right and wrong. But they're not. They're asking about dominance and oppression" (Lawrence 2).

Article Answer 1: The mistrust is often directed at Christians, not Christ. Our example is a bad one. We preach a loving God with condescension in our hearts, scorn in our eyes, and rules on our hands. Trust is built on actions, then words. We are called to proclaim and demonstrate the kingdom of God. According to the article, "Let people know you've heard them and that you have compassion for the hurts people experience" (Lawrence 4).

My response: This is an eye-opener with a mixed response. Jesus explained the issue of social benevolence in Mark 14:7 and Deuteronomy 15:11suggesting our opportunity to demonstrate God's mercy in our generation. I believe it is sad but true that Gen-Next has a "what's in it for me" mentality that is requisite in getting their attention. The adage, actions speak louder than words, rings true through all societies. When people share a meal, work together, recreate together, etc., one's life speaks more profoundly than one's mouth. It seems to be because of investment. In this world, words are easy but demonstrating a doctrine shows what you are.

Lawrence, Brett. "Starbucks spirituality: postmoderns have three questions for Christians that you'd better be ready for." Leadership 23.4 (Fall 2002): p81. From Religion and Philosophy Collection. (2002). 3 December 2013. 

Contributed by Dr. Lyle Pointer