openswitch

Describing young Christians is a difficult maneuver, but I do think it can be done. In my opinion, this Slate article by David Sessions is one of the better descriptions of my generation I’ve come across. The article starts out as a response to a piece in Times Magazine that suggests the religious right is failing as a political force. I’m not as savvy on politics as many others are so I’ll leave the political commentary to them.

David then quickly shifts gears and what follows is a startlingly accurate (in my opinion) portrayal of young Christians in America.

“Young Christians indeed have a more redemptive view of society, rejecting the notion that America is slouching toward Gomorrah and must be warned regularly and loudly. They are interested in making society a better place in the here and now, as opposed to simply converting the lost.” … “Young Christians are interested in more than “two or three issues,” as left-leaning pastor Bill Hybels contends in the Times piece, but they are smart, educated, and usually swing conservative for reasons much deeper than the Big Two (abortion and gay rights).”

Reading the piece linked above brought me realize there is likely a good explanation why I find myself repeatedly frustrated when discussing politics or “church” with older generations. It’s more than a different take on the surface issues; it goes deeper than that. The way I view politics and/or “church” vs. how the Boomers or Builders do begins to touch at some very basic conceptions regarding Christianity.

What we’re seeing here is two generations who have different views of Christianity and the World at large. But these differences shouldn’t surprise us. This kind of fissure between generations has almost become part and parcel with growing up in America (c.f. the 1960s). I have no doubt that my son will view things drastically different than I do … and that’s a good thing.