I was driving home from church tonight and John Mayer's Waiting on the World to Change came on. Somehow, it triggered this chain of semi-deep thoughts about my generation. Just bear with me while I try to untangle my mind.
We see in Bible history that generations would cycle in their obedience to God. Generations cycle. It's a fact. But why? I've noticed it in several areas. Read on.
What is it that forms the views on war that a generation holds? I know that current events and the culture around us play a role but a whole generation? Think about it... What made my grandparents' generation fight World War II on the lines and at home? What made the Vietnam generation protest as it did? What makes our generation feel so torn concerning the war that we are in right now? It is the same age group, same problem (war), and yet, very different reactions. Why?
At church, Jeff and I were having a brief discussion on church and views as our individual faiths grow. What molds each generation in their views on God and his word. While the foundations and scriptures do not change, what made one generations focus on his wrath and one on his grace? What made the one generation focus on the "book knowledge" of God and another on the relationship aspect of God? In most generations, there tends to be both but one prevails over the other. Again, same age group and same basis but different reactions.
What makes one generation of parents spank their children and another refrain from the same practice out of fear for their child's self-esteem?
What molds a generation?
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3 comments:
I think we're on a human pendulum. Our parents were a part of what philosophers call modernism. Modernism says that there is a scientific method or a logical syllogism to prove everything. Life and spiritually simply became a matter of finding out the mathematical formula. 5 steps to salvation, 5 acts of worship, 1 church, etc. If a few verses can be tied together into an argument that seems logical, then it becomes foundational.
We, the postmodern generation, have seen that this scientific approach, while having its strengths, does not solve all difficulties, so we have swung to the opposite side. We are more about stories and feelings and subjective measures of value.
Neither side is right or wrong. Both have some truth. But in responding to the inadequacies of one generation, the next generation sometimes over-correct. I wonder where that pendulum will swing with our children?
I think Jeff is right. I'll have to think on this a bit more, get my thoughts organized and then get back w/ you.
When you get every single thing, when your parents make sure there is nothing NOTHING you want for, therein lies the mold for a generation. We have (and history proves) become a people of opulence and self-centeredness.
However, the soul of man seeks God (Romans 1). When you're taught that God is unnecessary, you can't kill the fact that our soul still seeks for God (yes, I just said that). Life becomes a catch 22 of chasing 'truth' in any form imaginable - the heart says one thing, the physical another. Instead of happiness being a reward, it becomes a goal, at any cost.
Generations caught in this scenario lose respect for God, each other, the world - - - but they still seek. I am not able to convey this well. When you come in next time, let's yak before 'Loaded Questions'.
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