Why young (and many older) people don't go to church, Part II
In last week’s blog, I passed along some survey data and opinions I’ve recently read about why young people don’t go to church. In general, the survey results and the opinions agree that it’s principally a matter of relevancy. Many young people believe religion has little to do with their lives. A 32-year-old evangelical, Rachel Held Evans, wrote that ministers often misunderstand her message, thinking that “edgier music, more casual services, a coffee shop in the fellowship hall” are what’s needed to make the message relevant. But they miss the point, she says. “We want to be challenged to live lives of holiness, not only when it comes to sex, but also when it comes to living simply, caring for the poor and oppressed, pursuing reconciliation, engaging in creation care and becoming peacemakers….We’re not leaving the church because we don’t find the cool factor there; we’re leaving the church because we don’t find Jesus there.” So, you don’t become relevant by trying to be rel...