We’ve all heard how the 18 – 29 year old “Mosaics” love God and hate the church. But does anyone know why? In his book You Lost Me, Dave Kinnaman reveals these six reasons:
1. Overprotective. The impulse towards being “in but not of the world” defines this generation. They want to re-imagine, and they want to be entrepreneurs and innovators. The church is seen as a creativity killer where risk taking and involvement in culture are anathema.
2. Shallow. Easy platitudes, proof texting, and formulaic solutions have anesthetized many young adults, leaving them with no idea of the gravity and power of following Christ. The Christianity they have received gives them no sense of calling or purpose.
4. Repressive. Religious rules feel stifling to their individualistic mindsets. They see the church as repressive.
3. Anti-science. Many young Christians have come to the conclusion that faith and science are incompatible. Yet, they see the critical nature science plays in their world.
5. Exclusive. This generation esteems open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance. Thus, the church’s claims of exclusivity are a hard sell.
6. Doubtless. They do not feel safe admitting that faith doesn’t always make sense. They find the church’s response to doubt trivial and fact finding, as if people can be talked out of doubting.
These are crippling perceptions. How do you think the church should respond?
I don’t have an answer but think this is interesting. I think that our generation does want rules…just not for the sake of them. I think all we want is a dialog on what the purpose is and that they are of God not man. We don’t need the church of the past that did terrible things in the name of the churches supremacy. God is supremacy and perfection…man often falls short and confuses everyone.
The book sounds like it may be a reasonable platform on which one might build a bible study series designed to engage this generation in a dialog (perhaps even including a few mentors – read older people) to begin to sort out these issues. This generation may need some reassurance to know that all this discussion is normal and a part of being human. And that faith is knowing that what we hope is true really is. God’s peace to all.
Hi An,
Thanks for your thoughts. I agree a big part of an effective response is more transparency. I also believe the church must challenge young people do a far deeper level of service and sacrifice.
Love ya,
Ed
Hi Rich,
Thanks for the insightful comment. We are actually trying the mentor effort you suggest with a student group on campus. The response has been quite positive. We hope to take it to another level next year.
My experience suggests you are right on. Young people long for real conversation about what it takes to make life work! It is normal stuff.
Blessings,
Ed