Those Now Leaving the Faith Do It With Fanfare
Today, celebrities simply announce news on social media like Twitter. There are no opportunities to ask questions or challenge the announcement. It's a win win because is easier for celebrities and easier for news people because they can remain in their offices. The only losers are those in the public trying to understand what is going on.
I never thought about how this could impact religion until recently when two men, both apparently celebrity preachers/authors, announced they are leaving or considering leaving the traditional Christian faith. They did this using social media.
As other authors have pointed out, when those "inside" the faith leave, others defending the faith cannot say, "They just don't understand." Widespread circulation on social media makes it necessary for defenders to acknowledge other leaders have left.
The criticism defenders of the faith make about leaders who left is that those who left should have done so quietly. That is, defenders of the faith should be bold and loud while detractors should be quiet.
The internet seems to me a tool that is harming the Christian faith. Early on there were those insiders who rejoiced the opportunity to spread the faith using the internet. The problem for the faith is that both sides have equal access. Equal access allows those in the faith to say, "There is an invisible God." Those outside say, "No one has seen any god because gods are invisible. Therefore no one can claim decisively there is a god."
The latter argument is making its way into the minds of the U.S. public so effectively some regions, east and west coasts, now poll majority secular. Europe are crossed over into majority secular some years ago.
So long as there is social media people will use it.
Re. "fanfare"; Trump uses "fanfare" all the time, and an absence of humility. This does not mean he is right all the time. The TV preachers are all fanfare. This site contains much fanfare.
ReplyDeletere. the internet; After a lifetime of books, I find it very beneficial in all areas.
Through the internet, as on this site and others, I see many instances of shallow, not thought out, flippant one liners, revealing a ack of scholarship and an absence of willingness to consider anything beyond the bias.
"I see many instances of shallow, not thought out, flippant one liners, revealing a ack of scholarship and an absence of willingness to consider anything beyond the bias." Little helper, I admire your scholarship and "lifetime of books". Some of us have a lifetime of raising children and working long hours for decades just stay on the wheel. I for one enjoy learning from those contributors that share a deeper understanding of the topics Jon posts. Yes, I have thrown out some flippant one liners and exposed my lack of scholarship and naiveté in most matters religious. When I can, I also simply share links to some reading I have found on the internet that may or not be of interest to others. It is obvious that there is a scarcity of comments from other readers of this blog, in part I suspect, due to the risk of being dumped on by some high brow expert. But I say to them, come out, come out, whoever you are. Speak your piece. Be anonymous if you wish. To you little helper, help a little, teach where you can but stow the attitude. It's not becoming of a person of wisdom.
DeleteArdy @ 11;22; re. "help a little, teach where you can" I've been here almost since Jon started. I have helped a lot, taught as much as possible, when possible, quite often including detail and sources, then most often rebuffed by a "stow" of attitude from your side of the isle. It's not becoming of a person or persons who present an attitude of superiority and wisdom.
DeleteArdy; In addition; You should have been around 3-4-5 yr. ago. Those were some weighty discussions. A contributor named entech was a most worthy competitor. In the end he said he respected me even if we didn't agree, and I returned in same. He must have died as he went silent. Back then topics of depth, including sources, etc were discussed. Not so much now. Almost all the topics Jon comes with are "Clobber" topics repeated usually every 4-5 months. What has been said in the past should be sufficient. I won't repeat on every repletion of Jon's. As has been said; "I only chew my cud once".
DeleteComparative theology is my favorite subject. I have books from every denomination and cult in America, AND I have read them. In my library/office, one wall is devoted to those subjects, from wall to wall and from floor to 9 ft. ceiling. Almost all of them are publications from all those denominations. I have said in the past I am an equal opportunity pisser offer, and everyone is fair game, including errors in Christianity. Ask Matt, little priest jimmie, Jehovah's Witnesses, or anyone of post reformation fame, includint TV.Not bragging, but just the facts. Yes, I have put in the time, including raising a family with my wife of 58 years. Our children work in positions of great international responsibility. Our granddaughter is working on her masters in plant genetics at the U of M, Minneapolis. our grandson is going to go to UND. Don't feel you are the only one who has worked long-long hours for decades. Unless you want sympathy. You'll find that in the dictionary.
"I see ..shallow...not thought out, flippant one liners." Is it different (worse) than getting information on billboards and TV? It seems to me people have gotten information on the "fly by" for decades, maybe forever. The difference with in internet is they can search for more or different information easily and quickly. I think all religions are kind of "fly over" faiths. People follow them based on a little information or experience they had along the way--especially that of their parents and community's religion. If those were different the religion they follow would be different.
ReplyDeleteBillboards and TV etc. are happenstances. Real information worth pursuing requires intentional effort, and a willingness to learn. The internet is quick and more information is available but I have found (before and after) books, including foot notes to be more reliable, and much easier to remember what was studied. (note, I said studied), a thing not so popular today. I reject your comment of "fly over faith". You imply people of faith follow it based on little information. That may be true for some, (the subjective ) but not for most. As a Christian grows in the faith, and is exposed to life situations, the subjective becomes shallow, The objective strengthens, (I don't mean existential),
ReplyDeleteFaith is a growth function, and never ceases. That is called maturity. I know many young individuals with a strong un-tested faith. As they grow older, their faith can and does become stronger with knowledge, in spite of what they encounter, including that which you present, including that high school teacher with "fanfare", including a questionable background in the attachment. His bio is not impressive.
"I know many young individual with a strong un-tested faith....their faith can and does become stronger with knowledge..." Your observation does not apply to the majority of youth, at least according to polls. The majority polls "none", does not identify with any faith or branch of any faith. As to observing people start with little background and grow more knowledgeable and confident over time, I observe this in non believers. Many start be saying they are doubters but do not want to consider themselves atheists. It is common later for them to acknowledge atheism fits their view of religion.
ReplyDeletePeople who rely on polls can and do fall short of expectations.
DeleteThat you "observe this in non believers" is expected, but not the rule.
Re. "nones" There is a familiar name for them; "luke warm". Every community has them. I have had non-confrontive conversations with many. Almost all of them have one thing in common. Unreliable disinformation or false information. Some of which has appeared on this blog. Most lead or influenced by equally uninformed peers. Some of this can be blamed to many churches with poor, or no catechesis, beyond "Praise the Lord", prosperity thinking, equally indifferent parents, and all the temptations of youth. The temptations today are more pervasive, more dangerous, and self centered. There is not much spiritual growth in playing smart phone games. Even conversation has taken a hit. I've noticed groups of youth in a café texting another on the other side of the table. A rather sterile environment without inflection.