Jackson Free Press

The Christian Science Monitor has an interesting piece on the end of evangelicalism which is worthy to note since the battle between religious progressives and religious conservatives has been so deep.

Your thoughts?

Previous Comments

ID

144548

Comment

When feudalism gave way to the enlightenment hundreds of years ago, who would have thought there would have been such fierce and on-going argument over interpetive vs fundemental religion. I don't think there will be an end of evangelicism, merely a retreat until a different flavor is created, perhaps by new leaders who will readily harness the human desire for devotion to a higher being, the emotional bond of belonging to a spiritual community, and the power (or self satisfaction?) of "knowing" you are right and others must be saved. I also think that the definition of what is an evangelical is highly debatable and difficult to pin down. Recently, many of the fastest growing evangelical churches have been new churches with mostly Central and South American leaders and adherents. Maybe evangelicalism is not dying but only morphing into multiple identities that haven't yet been fully recognized. American religion is historically a fountain of new religious movements from Quakers to Mormans to the multiple new megachurches that didn't exist 20 years ago. In short, I think the author's premise is interesting but the conclusion is unlikely.

Author

gwilly

Date

2009-03-10T13:37:53-06:00

ID

144562

Comment

[quote]a postevangelical reformation Christian in search of a Jesus-shaped spirituality.[/quote] How the author describes himself tells you a lot about his aim with this piece. I think he's embarrassed with the current church, to be honest. Then there's this "Jesus Shaped Spirituality" he's looking for. Either you're following him or your're not.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-03-11T08:04:25-06:00

ID

144595

Comment

I don't think there is an anti-christian movement. I just think most people are sick of some of the more vocal Christians trying to legislate their values in order to impose them on everyone else. I, personally, will welcome the time when the antiquated beliefs in gods and devils are laid aside and the more relevant lessons in the ancient texts of loving and caring for your neighbor are adhered to not out of fear of reprisals from on high but just because it's the only way for all of us to live together in peace. It'll be much safer too.

Author

WMartin

Date

2009-03-11T15:26:52-06:00

ID

144599

Comment

Beautifully said, WMartin. I couldn't agree with you more.

Author

Ronni_Mott

Date

2009-03-11T15:39:11-06:00