In the US often hear people talk about spirituality and saying some version of "I'm spiritual but not religious." Here in the UK and Europe, I have not heard that kind of commitment to a spiritual dimension in life. Instead, there appears often to be a spiritual void in the lives of younger people, so much so that they are unaware even that it's missing. It makes me wonder if we will follow their path, becoming not only post-Christian, but post-spiritual.
What does that mean for the spread of the gospel? Will the Church go dormant in some way, or could it be that a cultural "clean slate" will provide space for a fresh telling of the story of Jesus? Can there be an awakening of faith, or will Christianity become an historical relic?
Yet, even as we ask such questions, we confess that God is alive and at work in the world, bringing abundant and eternal life through Christ. Surely, God's power will be made known in our weakness and the Holy Spirit will continue to move among and through God's faithful people. It may be tempting to mourn the decay of the Church here or back home, but God is faithful and the Spirit is at work. Here in the village of Dufftown, faithful people gather for worship each week and serve God by serving one another in their community.
No comments:
Post a Comment