Church Life in the 21st Century

Dear Marie & Denise,

What did you think of the event last night? I do try you know. I’ve seen so so many of these productions over the years that, quite frankly, I’m absent for the theatrics of it all. Last night I found myself thinking of how abysmally detached the church in general has become insofar as these type of things, and their relevance to spirituality or even the historical connectivity, are concerned.

Why we are so compelled to have productions of this nature in the evangelical church is beyond me. The readings are articulated as if they are a voiceover audition for some radio commercial, the singing is often half-hearted and not up to par musically and the feeling one walks away with is one of general malaise rather than spiritual chemistry and a heightened sense of what is grand.

It seems as if the modern Christian can no longer stomach spirituality unless it is sugar coated with a thick layer of extravaganza and heel tapping. I miss the mystery of religion. I do. Of particular concern to me was the morose ethos in which we celebrated the Eucharist. Were we celebrating a death or a resurrection? The spirit was more so the former than the latter. Disconcerting is a word that comes to mind as I ponder all this.

Today’s church has all but stripped religion of awe- the wonder and secrecy being replaced with cartoons, clichés, comedy and banner waving. It’s a battle I face internally often. I apologize if this sounds cynical; it is not intended as such. Sometimes reality has a cynical flavor to it only because we have become so accustomed to denial. I think Flannery O’Connor was right when she said that that the South was Christ haunted.

Sincerely,
Pater