Yesterday as part of the conference in Duluth, two theologians, concerned about the serious decrease in membership and worship attendance, discussed the future of the church in America. It was more than a sociological analysis. Each raised questions regarding the essential questions young people face in today’s world.
One pointed out that the teenagers in his church did not raise what many of us would consider “traditional” questions, such as salvation or eternal life, but concerns such as gun violence in schools and climate change. Those concerns demand a theological answer from the church.
What is the response of the church? What should be the response of our faith? It cannot be a retreat into the old answers, such as, “Don’t be concerned, God will take care of it all.” Young people don’t believe that anymore. We, who call ourselves people of faith, must respond to their questions seriously and with the honesty they demand.
Prayer for the Day
Seeking new direction, O God, we are perplexed,
Needing you to be our constant companion;
Searching for new ways of thinking about our world,
We are often confused and troubled.
Bring us from our past into a future open with possibilities
So we may search for new questions and new answers.
We ask this in the name of the One who questioned,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
To seek truth requires one to ask the right questions. Those void of truth never ask about anything because their ego and arrogance prevent them from doing so. Therefore, they will always remain ignorant.
- Suzy Kassem, writer
Jesus teaches but requires more of a listener. We are invited to join the journey, wrestle with our assumptions, confront our spiritual bigotry and struggle with the humbling mystery and profound profundity of God. This is HARD faith, especially for the modern reader. … We want our stories tidy, without complication, and we do not want questions designed to coerce us beyond easy answers.
- Rev. Otis Moss III, Pastor, Trinity UCC, Chicago
The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom
Though it cost all that you have, get understanding
Proverbs 4: 7