Thanks to Skeptics

My latest read: The Practicing Congregation by Diana Butler Bass. It's about the shifting climate in mainline churches (Methodist, UCC, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc.). About 50 years ago, mainline churches had a lot of clout, politically and socially. This is why it was a big deal that JFK was the first Catholic president--before then someone from the Protestant (WASP) establishment had always held that position.

Things have changed a lot since the fifties, obviously, and for churches that has meant that baby boomers and their kids have been less and less involved in regular church life. Some of the reason behind this, I suspect, is that people are less community minded, and are spending more time at the office and in front of the boob tube. But the other side of it is very encouraging to me: people are no longer willing to accept traditions and authority unquestioningly. They expect church people to practice what they preach, and for religion to be both a safe place to learn, grow and question AND a way of life that makes a difference.

According to Diana Butler Bass, some mainline churches are starting to make changes in this direction. They're becoming multi-ethnic communities that act kind of like open monasteries, training people in spiritual practices and rhythms, and building an authentic Christian life together.

I think the gift the skeptics have given these churches is this: it has pushed them to reorganize into something new and beautiful. So while it's a hard thing to deal with, I think it's led to a lot more authenticity, focus on spirituality, and other good things in the church.