The definition of authentic Christianity has changed with each new generation. What used to be authentic twenty years ago may be seen as inauthentic today. So what really is authentic Christianity?
- My parents defined it as a literal interpretation of the Bible.
- My generation defined it as a relevant church connection.
- My kids define it as a life lived passionately for a cause.
Here is a church tapping into the younger generation’s passion to impact lives outside the church walls. They challenge us to imagine the purpose of life to be far more than simply arriving safely at death.
Arrive safely, like that guy who buried his talent? Does that challenge you as much as it does me?
Ed,
What if authenticity is tied to the condition of the world? I wonder if we would look at the word “church” a little differently what conclusions we could come to.
change “church” from a noun to a verb. If then you are a member of a church you are in action. If you attend church you are taking action.
It is said that the world is changing every day, usually with negitive connotation, I believe that the condition of man has been the same from the time of Adam and Eve to now…it just takes more to shock us awake than it did in previous days.
Thus; authenticity is changing in direct proportion to the amount of action God needs us to take in order to wake ourselves and other up?
I see the changes taking place and to be honest I am thrilled to be here living for Christ…
Joe
The Word of God will be whatever each generation or person needs it to be, to move them back into the family of God.
I think all three generations interpretations of authenticity is being used now in the church bodies that are growing in numbers. The think groups are trying to figure out why some congregations are growing and some are not. You just hit it on the head.
Imagine a church that teaches the literal interpretation of the Bible, so it can touch the hearts of people, so the connection to the church is relevant to what they want to do passionatly for Christ and the Kingdom of God. Imagine that.
Every generation really wants the same thing. The church body that is intermingling those cords of authenticity together, are going to be the ones that will continue to grow and attract all three generations to the house of God.
Joe,
Your raising some great thoughts. I like the challenge of seeing church as a verb. The consistent message that weaves its way through every speaker down here is that Christianity must be about action!
And I am thrilled with you to be living in such a time of such challenge and opportunity. I wish you could have been here to hear the vision most of these speakers shared. You’d be ready to take the hill with me.
Thanks again Joe. I see God at work in you.
Ed
Tyrone,
I like your thought here to. What we long for through the ages I agree is quite consistent. The language may change but the base needs remain consistent.
So ensuring all three definitions of authenticity are at play in the church seems like remarkable insight to me.
Thanks again,
Ed