HippoChurch

Read a little bit more of “UnChristian” over lunch today. (I know, I know. Shouldn’t I be through with that book by now. Do I still read by putting my finger under the line I’m reading like when I was a kid? Actually, it’s just wrestling with reading 4-5 books at a time.)

Loved the implications that came from one excerpt noting American society today and how Christians can still exert influence:

In thinking through how God wants to use his people, consider one of the most fascinating phenomena of our society: America is fragmenting into diverse subcultures. The “mainstream” experience, if there ever was such a thing, has now surrendered virtually all of its gravitational pull. These days most Americans take their cues from a unique subculture, deriving meaning, values, heroes, self-expression, identity, and viewpoints form a unique segment of society.

Though we frequently wish for the perceived shared American identity that nostalgia says was strongest during the 50’s, we, in the Church, have to deal in present reality. During times of crisis, i.e. 9/11, there’s probably a strong sense of shared national identity, but in the day-to-day experience for Americans, we’re usually more defined by the certain subculture or “tribe” we belong to than a collective moral mindset. (Tribe examples would be occupation, “I’m a scientist, consultant, student, etc.”, or seasons of life, “I’m in my 30’s, 40’s, I’m an empty-nester, etc”, or especially in America, our socioeconomic status.)

The challenge is, that being our nature - to group up with others that share our beliefs, experiences, etc. - that we as Christians fight against our tendency to create our own Church tribe or subculture (sounding familiar?) and separate ourselves from others who don’t ascribe to our beliefs. It’s natural to do so. It’s just that our tribe isn’t afforded that luxury.

In becoming Christian we can’t join the tribe and then expect people in other tribes to have to move towards us before we accept them. Everybody else can do that, but we can’t. We have to go out and plant ourselves in their realm, while still maintaining our main identity in who Christ has called us to be. So, be smart! If you’re a Christian AND a scientist, consultant, student, etc. recognize where God has planted you, and fight against the natural inertia to just move towards your huddle of Christian friends.

I could write a book on this, but it’s already been done - Ch. 6 of UnChristian.