I have been working for about 5 weeks now and I feel like somewhat inadequate. I am doing my job but I don't know. I want more. Looking at a computer screen for almost eight hours can do that to you.
My pictures are boring right now so I will wait to build up the portfolio. In the middle of summer. Great. The routine is getting monotonous now but I know I will be saying that again in the middle of the school year. That is just me. I am frustrated, annoyed, and standoffish right now. I am clearly not thinking straight- but hey I'm human. If people can't look past that- that is their prerogative. I am a man of many weaknesses- don't pounce on me just because of this. I'm sorry, but like I said, I am outright frustrated at myself and the world right now.
Well, now that the feelings are now in the open, I think I will vent some more. I guess I will vent about this wonderful thing that has bothered me even though I know I can't control this phenomenon. Now I am a Christian but I have noticed the divide in the ages in church. Churches have become more isolated in terms of the age ratio. In more traditional churches especially in urban areas, a lot of people are of the elderly population. I have seen it with my eyes. Now I am not trying to generalize- my opinion- but in many churches, there are very few, if any, young persons (generally, under 30 years of age). Do you think this is kosher?
I feel that the Word of God should unify people. However, the style of how the Gospel is being taught speaks volumes. Honestly, many of us youth do not like the older traditional way of learning the Bible and going to church. Honestly, I don't like sitting in the church for two hours and learning just from that way. There are sundry ways of learning in the Spirit. And yes, I believe that you do not have to go to church just to go to Heaven. I believe that the church is here on Earth to bring all people, Christians or otherwise together to learn more about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Anyway, the point I am trying to get at is: youth should not have to call obligated to go to other churches once they reach that age where technically they are "rebellious." I want to see churches become more unified in its purpose and with the people they reach out to.
I know that this may be a shock to some especially to those who may have been oblivious to it. I know that I will probably be getting a very long letter from an angry person but I am just letting you know my opinion and what is happening to the church especially in urban settings. People: do me a favor. Ask your elders or your youth how they really feel about the church and I am sure they will tell you the truth. It is church, you know.
All right. Enough talk from me. Let me hear your opinions- I know some of you are quite ready to tear me a new one.
"Mr. Controversial"
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10
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2 comments:
This is an issue that I'm afraid I can only empathize with you only to some extend, Hasani, given my own heterodox outlook on spiritual matters.
One of the aspects to the issues you've brought up is simply a clash of different generations who not only are at different phases in their physiological and spiritual life, but have had different life experiences, as well. For better or worse, our generation has had more of a disillusioning experience, in my opinion, coming to terms with and accepting organized religion (not necessarily having a spiritual life). I think we have been more exposed, especially with media and the literature, the shortcomings of fallacies associated with these organization. At the same time, though, I don't know to what extent the occurrence you speak of is simply cyclical in nature; I know some of my family relatives, for example, were not half as religious at my age as they once were. Church is also what I have observed to be a social outlet for many people, a means to interact with and feel like an important part of the community. For folks like you and me, having a social life can take many forms. But as you grow older and have a family, your options for social outlets are more restricted.
Having said that, lacking an y quality formal education in religion, it's hard for me to make an educated insight on the matter; I ought to ponder more on it.
Thanks for your comments. I guess it is different for each individual. I think it is more of a societal issue than it is spiritual although the spiritual side of this does influence this bridge to a extent. I know that some churches and congregations seem to not be affected. For instance, my church, River Valley Vineyard in Delaware, Ohio does not seem to the human eye to have the problem of one particular age group. My church is welcoming of all people, no matter what the background or age. This is not just in appearance but in actuality. At the same time, some of the churches in the Cleveland area seem to cater more towards a particular group. I am not saying this is bad but it gives the appearance of those churches being one-sided. Therefore, it attracts no people of other backgrounds and may not seem as welcoming to visitors.
Would I feel comfortable in a church with one particular age group? Well, I guess for me that depends on the situation and whether I feel called to be in that situation. I know the observation I am making with this is very human based but it is interesting to analyze a situation like this and explicate the pros and the cons of having this experience. I have been in both kinds of churches and I have felt comfortable and uncomfortable in both settings. As you stated, it does depend on people's view at different phases in their physiological and spiritual life.
I like the fact that you said that "For better or worse, our generation has had more of a disillusioning experience, in my opinion, coming to terms with and accepting organized religion (not necessarily having a spiritual life)."
I think that because of this many youth stay as far away from the traditional side of organized churches and start following spirituality in their own way. I, myself, feel that you can only rely on churches to learn so far. You need to develop on your own terms, not as a follower of the church but as a follower of the Bible. Like I said in my blog, I believe that you don't exactly need the church in your spiritual journey to seek God. The church enhances and solidifies the teachings of the Bible so you can continue to be on the right path.
I understand what you are saying. Despite not having that formal background in religion, I feel that everything you stated is true. Church nowadays supplies more than just plain ol' worship; sometimes, however, I do worry about the church becoming too social and not totally fulfilling its main purpose which is to learn and spread the word of God to others.
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