Generational Blackmail?

Today I read a post by James K. A. Smith, a professor of philosophy at Calvin College. In his post, he makes reference to a phenomena that we hear much about concerning young people and "the church." Research shows what many of us know from experience, that many who are raised in the church don't remain in the church. But at some point past their 18th birthday, the majority leave (for most ... never to return).

Here is what Dr. Smith (not this Dr. Smith ... he writes so much better than I do!) had to say ... it is worth thinking about!

"It seems like every other day I'm told another reason why young people are leaving the church: because Christians fight too much, or because Christians are too political or anti-gay or don't care about social justice.  Millennials, we're told, are leaving the church because the church won't bless their cohabitation or provide them with contraception for pre-marital sex. They're leaving because they don't care about fights over creation/evolution or abortion or worship style or what have you.  In sum, it seems we're regularly informed that if the church doesn't change, young people are going to leave. 

And what exactly are we supposed to do with these claims?  I think the upshot is pretty clear.  Indeed, am I the only one who feels like they're a sort of bargaining chip--a kind of emotional blackmail meant to get the church to relax its commitments in order to make the church more acceptable? Could we entertain the possibility that millennials might be wrong?"

Hmm ... something to chew on . . .

Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj