Before church this morning I do what I do most days...turn on the news and see what's going on in the world. This morning's top headlines were speaking to the termination of membership between Barak Obama and his now former congregation of Trinity. When asked if he would be looking for another church Obama responded with something along the lines of wanting to be in a church where he could "sit and meditate and be part of the congregation" rather than being a political part of the church (If you know me, you know I am really bad with direct quotes, so you're getting a framework here).
In response to Obama's desire to sit and just be for awhile, the CNN commentator said, "Now that's the way things should be." That is a direct quote. That's the way things should be, huh? So instead of sticking your neck out do be involved and risk all for the Kingdom, we just sit around, meditate, and get fed? This is the impression of the faith I'm getting from this commentator who may not have thought much about what he was saying. However, this is very truth telling.
It's getting at the problem of Christianity in our country being a spectator sport, for lack of a better term. The perception people have of the Christian faith is us going into a building, sitting, listening, learning, and leaving. But this is not the essence of the Christian faith, at least not to me. What's sad is this is the impression people have. They don't have the one of works, service, sacrifice, long suffering, etc. It's a come and go faith to them...come on Sunday, and then go.
A few posts ago I described what I saw as the negative tendencies of this generation in regards to the Christian faith. Well, here's a positive one: they're done with this spectator religion. The young Christians of today want to make a difference. If their faith doesn't demand something of them they're disappointed and can sense it's not the real thing. The Christian faith necessitates cost, and this generation is willing to pay it. While there is still nominalism, I believe there is a great dedication to living like Jesus and dedicating oneself to the cause(s) of Christ...to the poor, the environment, injustices such as torture/economic sanctions/world debt/starvation/AIDS/etc. These are the things that are motivating my generation. They are the things that are motivating me.
So to the CNN commentator...that's not the way things should be. The person being an active representation of Christ to their community...that's the way things should be.
