Back in the 90’s there was a marked shift in religious life and thinking in the US. This lead many in the indie movement to speculate that this would bring more members into OC/IC communities. But did it – really? My experience was that it really made no difference at all – but perhaps this was due to the nature of where I was (DC) and the demographics of the people who came to our local parish.
The other question of course was did we really want disaffected Episcopalians, and Roman Catholics swelling the ranks of OC/IC communities? Again, experience suggests, that no, we did not, largely because we were not, at that time, strong enough in our own self identification to be able to not be overwhelmed by the psychological and spiritual baggage that this group presents when shifting denominational allegiance.
Over the past three weeks there have been a number of articles and studies released suggesting that religious belief, and denominational loyalty have suffered over the past decade in the US. I live in the UK where there is almost no Christianity to speak of – and what there is, is increasingly frightening in its radicalism and narrow mindedness. A number of articles have been even more “apocalyptic” speculating that within the next decade we will see the collapse of evangelical/protestant Christianity in the US, and an acceleration of splintering and radicalisation of the remnants of the faith there.
Not wanting to sound like the circling vultures I’m sitting here wondering how this might affect our communities? There is a suggestion in these studies, and earlier ones that the indie movement is seeing an upsurge of growth over the past ten years. A quick survey of the indie presence in my old stomping grounds in the states, while un-scientific to be sure, suggests this is true. There is also an increased probability of negative affects – just as in the shift observed 10 years ago, we might be overcome by issues and identifications of “other” traditions, which are incompatible with our own. Are we ready; are we stronger now in our sense of self-identification and “worth” than we were a decade ago? If not – what can we do collaboratively now, to lay the foundations for a better future?
2 Responses to “Congregation Study”
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If all the conservative folks leave the mainstream and the mainstream drifts further to the left – and THEN others leave… what will these others be looking for?
I’m hesitant to say “opportunity” for all the negative side effects you site. The presence of too many former fundie protestants in Antiochian Orthodoxy in the states who have simply laid down one book (the Bible) and picked up another (the Canons) and over this new book they are still the literalist interpreters, with a few notable exceptions (more-recent Frankie Schaefer) they have simply picked up a more exotic excuse for their Christianism.
The disaffected folks will bring their own issues, their own baggage. The question is not will we have what they want, but rather will we have the patience to offer the Gospel without hedging our bets…
I really believe, deeply, that what is missing is Gospel. I had a gay, ultra liberal Roman Catholic priest tell me in college (1984 or so), “What these people need is not tarot cards and ’spirituality’ but Jesus.”
How do we live that in our own identity, yes, but as the Gospel?
thanks Huw!
I loved your line: “The question is not will we have what they want, but rather will we have the patience to offer the Gospel without hedging our bets” – Amen! Amen!