Sorry for the Seinfeld reference. My impiety is now evident to all. Anyway, Rev. Randy Asburry has an interesting post on a report from the Southern Baptists that correlates a decline in membership with seeker-sensitive techniques. Sounds like the recent Willow Creek report. These reports do not surprise me at all. Personally, I would stay home on Sunday rather than be subject to the saccharine banalities utilized by such egotistical pragmatists. Life lessons enveloped in mawkish music is something, but it is not an engagement with the Creator of the visible and invisible.
My contention is that the human person needs to be engaged by the culture of Christ, which involves the proclamation of repentance and faith; the administration of Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and the Holy Communion; the Holy Scripture; hymns of beauty and depth; and an environment of reverence for the Holy Triune God. If these are removed or diminished, then the person is reduced to a consumer of emotion. Unfortunately, many do not care and choose to appeal to emotion rather than rely on God’s established means. After all, it works. Just see Osteen and company. Christendom in America is in jeopardy. Spirituality is flourishing, but that is not the same. Our consumption ought to be of God’s gifts rather than a consumption of our own misguided selves. Of this I am convinced. Our lives ought to be directed by life in the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church with its creeds, liturgies, texts, sacraments, seasons, and such. Of this I am convinced. What else is there?
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May 16, 2008 at 2:29 am
Wyldeirishman
Even within our own congregation, the message is interpreted (and sometimes presented) as morality; Christ is our moral example, so, go and do likewise, etc. If I were capable of THAT, I sure wouldn’t need Jesus, would I? It’s still couched (for now) within the familiar and neccesary confines of the liturgy, but more than once, we’ve had vaudville rear its ugly snout. This only adds to the confusion of the kingdoms, in my estimation, and seeks to do nothing other than tickle our ears.
Where is the hammer of the Law??? How can we fully appreciate the Gospel if we are continuously subjected to moral platitudes and civil entreaties that fail to speak to the depravity of our sin?
No proper distinction and balance is struck or acheived; schmaltz is what’s on tap, and it tastes like Kool-Aid…
In happier news, it would appear that our respective playoff teams are still possessed of the breath of life on the ice, yes?
Slainte,
Sean
May 16, 2008 at 3:26 am
masonbeecroft
Playoff life… barely. The Stars have little to no hope, much like the liturgy in the LCMS. Oh well, at least the microbreweries will flourish in this wasteland!
+Mason
May 16, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Richard
I always think it a little presumptious of old guys like myself (and many Baby boomer pastors) to presume what young people want in the way of Divine services.
I attend the only 1928 BCP Anglican parish in at least a 50 mile radius. We have a 28 year old Priest, and an average age in the pews of about 25. Young people today respond very well to traditional liturgy. They like knowing what to expect in worship, in a world of postmodern confusion.
The concession to culture is that the hymnody mixes old and new. However, The priest reviews and approves hymn selections based upon one standard-”Christ Centered- Cross Focused.”
As an old guy, I am delighted to receive the sacrament according to the old prayer book whilst beside a twentysomething white kid with dreadlocks and a young woman with a nose ring.