Re: Church Next

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 13:41:35 +1000
Newsgroups: aus.religion.christian,alt.religion.clergy
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"Bradley" wrote:
> As a younger-ish person here I'd like to ask...
More youngish people are needed in this discussion! Welcome.
> The Church is
> struggling to be relevant to the upcoming generations who are brought > up
amassing hours in front of TV, computers and the like. How does > the Church
deal with the current culture it finds itself in?
I think a start is realising that the techniques and methods of yesterday
may not be relevant for today.
Example: Few people learn from what they hear in a sermon ... especially
when questions can't be asked ... or answered if asked. I learn through
visual means ... I can read the sermon faster that the preaching can speak
it ... and I retain more info by this method. Others learn from doing and
not hearing or seeing. Others learn through a mixture. Individualised
instructuion is required.
Secondly, the church has to understand the language and thought forms of the
day. We are living in a post-Christian age that uses postmodernism
extensively. How many Christians understand what that means to Christian
communication with the world?
Thirdly, the church must embrace the arts as good within themselves and not
use art as a propaganda tool. Good art speaks volumes. Bad art is easily
forgotten. In the 60s rock music was of the devil. Now it is acceptable in
CCM. But what of rap music (and other more contemporary styles) in the
church? By the time they ae included the kids of today will be middle aged.
Fourthly, the church must openly and enthusiastically embrace intellectual
thought and discussion. The mind is not evil. It is not evil to ask
questions. All truth is God's truth. We are all both learners and
teachers.
> Personally I'm all for getting back to more quiet times in Church..
> rather than the latest catchy "tunes" (which I enjoy most of the time).
There is definitely a place for quiet contemplation and meditaion in
silence. Are the "stadiums" and "concert halls" of contemprary Christian
architecture suited? Think of the transcendence experienced in the great
cathedrals of yesterday ... the high ceilings and the stained glass windows.
> I'm also up for some worship/praise that more closely relates to life
> and God (ie. not all "happy clappy" but some reflecting and
> lamenting!).
As a writer I am intensely interested in the lyric. This is why I dread the
Jesus Jingles, God Ads and Kristyun Kitsch of much of today's Christianity.
It says nothing of any importance. I listen to Van Morrison singing "Be
Thou My Vision" (from "Hymns To The Silence") and I am rapt! The hymn says
something from the heart ... and "Van the man" sings it with commitment from
the heart.