Fake Christians

I read an article tonight titled “More teens becoming ‘fake’ Christians".  It was an interesting description of teenagers today.

Summary of the article: 

More American teenagers are embracing what the author calls "moralistic therapeutic deism." Translation: It's a watered-down faith that portrays God as a "divine therapist" whose chief goal is to boost people's self-esteem.

She goes on to say that a lot of this is why teenagers abandon church just as soon as they can. 

The author interviewed 3300 teenagers between 13 and 17.  Her study included all kinds of Christians from Catholics to Protestants of both conservative and liberal denominations.  3 out of 4 teenagers claim to be Christians but fewer than 50% of those practice their faith.  Most can’t talk coherently about their beliefs.

Many teenagers thought that God simply wanted them to feel good and do good.

Adults don’t expect much from youth pastors.  They really just want them to keep their kids off drugs and away from premarital sex.

The author said that churches share the blame for the religious apathy that is displayed by teenagers.  She says that pastors often preach a “safe” message that can bring in the most people.  They are preaching a gospel of “niceness.”  Meaning that God rewards those who are nice.  This doesn’t teach teens  (or anyone) how to face problems or tragedies. 

As a church we are doing our kids a huge disservice if we don’t teach them how to deal with the problems of life.  Things can and will go wrong and they need to know how to handle it.

My Thoughts:

“What does it really mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ?"

Are our churches reaching out to the lost?  Are we engaging them in thought provoking discussions?  Or, are we boring them to death.  Are we so concerned that they won’t come back that we fail to challenge them?

Are we, as a church, seeking to involve all people by using each person’s gifts and talents?  Everyone should be involved in the church.  Everyone should be a contributor. 

Are we praying and believing God can change not only others, but us.  Do we really want a revival or are we comfortable with our church exactly the way it is?  Do we really want a personal revival or are we content with who we are?  Are we afraid of change?

What if a new family started coming and they “took the seat you always sit in”?  Would you be mad because they took your seat or would you be excited to see a new family coming to church?

Are we, as a church, supporting and encouraging one another? Are we fellowshipping together?  Are we joyful?  Are we worshipping?

Are we reaching out into the community and inviting others in?  Are our lives any different than the lost in the community?  Is there anything about your life that would attract others to Christ?

Are we taking care of the elderly, the shut-ins, and the widows?

Are we preaching the Word?  Are we discipling believers?  Are we loving each other?  Are we standing up for truth and righteousness?

Not many answers today.  Just lots of questions to think about.  Perhaps more tomorrow….

Casting Crowns – Until the Whole World Hears

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