Jonathots Daily Blog
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My three grown children were raised in the church, but not a single one of them goes to church now, although they all claim they are believers in God. Sometimes it bothers me and sometimes I think it doesn’t matter. What do you think?
I think the first question we have to determine is–what is church?
There was a major shift in our society in the 1980’s, when the church house changed from being a center of fellowship, awareness, social interaction, self-improvement and community concern to being an organization focused on the worship and discovery of God.
The whole concept of this transition seems so noble to theologians and ardent zealots of our time that we have failed to return to church being a center for emotional, cultural and spiritual expansion.
Like any functioning business or social awakening, when the purpose of that institution is defunct, it ends up dying.
So the church of your memory no longer exists.
It has been hollowed out of its message and purpose in favor of traditions, hyper-spirituality and seminars on self-worth and prosperity.
So the question you have to ask yourself is this:
Are my children better off by joining in to the efforts of a religious system that has abandoned its calling, or are they better off without it?
Now, your summary would be that the church, even though weakened by its introspection, is better than nothing.
Their conclusion would probably be that “no church” gives them a free Sunday to enjoy their friends and family.
So here’s the question: can we all begin to go to church–not with the idea of swallowing the provided pill–but instead, transforming it back to the vibrant, living organism that Jesus intended it to be?
After all, Christianity is not a religion–it is a lifestyle. And if the church is not promoting the lifestyle of Jesus, it is watering down the message to include pop psychology and Judaism, which are not fulfilling to a New Testament life.
So if I were you, I would sit down with my children and tell them of the regrets, misgivings and frustration you have with the present religious system, but also inform them of the hope you have to see it transform itself back into the heart of Jesus.
Because here’s the truth–even if the church remained as anemic as it is today, it is still necessary to be a buffer against the insanity of selfishness and rage.
Challenge your children to become the church by changing the church.
After all, they want to change the politics.
They want to get rid of Wall Street’s greed.
Why not step into a situation where they really could affect a lasting change … and turn the American church back into a place where Jesus would be proud to be a member?
The producers of Jonathots would humbly request a yearly subscription donation of $10 for this wonderful, inspirational opportunity
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