Church of the Uncool
One thing I miss about visiting churches are the uncool things we did. While most people were going out and getting drunk we were having a square dance. We watched corny little church Christmas shows. Ate numerous pot luck dinners and played many many games of kick ball or pick up soft ball. We weren't so conscious of whether the world saw us as hip or not. I am fortunate that though we try to reach our neighborhoods we are a very un-hip place. I appreciate what this article has to say because I am starting to see that I am not alone in feeling this way.
Labels: faith, good reads
posted by Out Of Jersey | 6:58 PM
9 Comments:
I'm confused, which isn't all that unusual, but did you stop going to church???
I understand the un-hipness, though. There is such a thing as being so hip that you are un-hip and vice versa. I agree with the general thought of the article and I think it goes back to the idea that we are called to be apart from the world while being a part of the world. It's a difficult balance and there are always some who will go too far in one direction.
When I was looking for a new church a few years back all the places I visited were trying to be so cool and relevant that it felt fake. Unlike where i am now which is kind of corny.
I have to think about this one.
I once enjoyed the very un-hip activities at church that you speak of. But, with all the lock-ins, dances, picnics (we call it "dinner on the ground" here), there was always something that felt fake about it all. I mean, we tried to behave as a big family, but there were many members who tried to take advantage of fellow members and many who really just hated each other. And, there was always pressure to invite your friends (I remember that pressure being immense on the young people).
I guess because of these experiences, the new "hip" churhes that you speak of sort of appeal to me.
And just for clarification, I am not blaming Christianity or the church for the bad experiences I witnessed. But, in light that we are all very imperfect people, I admit I would be surprised to visit a church where those negative things didn't go on. Maybe I am a bit jaded.
good article...
the church doesn't have room for cool people...if you're supposed to die to yourself everyday and be humble...where's the room for cool?
NOW...that doesn't mean we have to strive after "dorkiness" either. I think it's okay to aim for relevancy...but more than relevancy, I'd say "authenticity" that says "I am what I am, sam I am."
Get on board the Ron Paul Revolution 2008.
I had a conversation with a buddy of mine about this last night and we concluded it isn't the fact churches are having a cool factor these days, but that they are trying so hard to be cool instead of letting their genuine cool show. Does that make sense?
THAT makes perfect sense! If you are trying to be cool, you cannot be cool.
ok, so i have a man-crush on singer/songwriter/filmmaker Steve Taylor, right? about ten years ago he did this song called "Jesus Is for Losers." i think that that hits it on the nail.
we keep looking for the cool factor, as you guys are mentioning, waiting on all the right celebrities to become Christians, trying to jump on the bandwagons (not that God isn't "green" and whatnot, but why wait til now to take care of our Father's world?), bigger, better churches with programs, youth groups and college and career and all...
and yet Jesus' call is simple, "come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and i will give you rest."
and then look at who's invited to the wedding feast and who shows up. and look at who the Father runs after. and look at who's anointing Jesus' feet and preparing him for burial.
losers. we're losers. and i guess i'm proud of that.
Niice post thanks for sharing
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