I was reading this article today about “God’s shelf life.” The writer suggested most Christians in their 20s put God on the shelf and discover their own beliefs, walk away from the faith, etc. etc. I would guess most people who grew up in the church like I did have done something similar whether it was in college or afterwards.
Her example was that the Wednesday night Bible study is replaced with video games or a pilates class and the WOW 2002 CD is replaced with Arcade Fire.
While I do agree with a lot of what she says, I don’t really understand why someone is less of a Christian or is putting God on the shelf by listening to Arcade Fire and taking pilates. I understand her point, but still. Personally, the Christian life has become more dynamic for me as I’ve stepped out of the Christian subculture some and see how my faith intersects other value systems. And for that matter, basking in the subculture with the Christian lingo, products, and events to me doesn’t really seem like the way Jesus lived out his ministry. Everyone has a different part to play, but still.
Kind of along the same lines, I watched Christiana Amanpour’s piece called God’s Warriors a while back and was totally fascinated. She thoroughly interviewed Muslims, Jews, and Christians…and each person considered themselves “God’s Warrior” in some aspect. I finally understood why Osama bin Laden specifically despises the US so much, and it wasn’t really about Israel.
Anyway, during the Christian part I of course had to examine my own life. I think every Christian is called to be “God’s Warrior” to some extent because of spiritual warfare, but I think people have different tactics in waging “battle.” I think mine has become less overt than say 7-8 years ago, and more against evil practices in the world than people and things, if that makes sense. So I’m going to chronicle my spiritual journey to see how it has changed while God has stayed the same.
I have more thoughts on the church today, but this blog is long enough. Thanks for indulging me.
and…the Arcade Fire is a great band too, btw…
