Christianity in the digital age

[James_Lai]

Hello.
I look at children and young people today, and they are quite different. It’s really hard for me to grasp what it is. I’m not very old myself, but I sense a gap in world perception and mindset. For example, I can’t play a video game or watch TikTok. Video game or TokTok, after couple minutes I become bored to death. For me it’s same thing over and over, and pointless. Well, I also grew up in a country that was so behind socially, economically etc from the West, and technology and broadband Internet was much much less common and censored.

I attend churches and see mostly older generation in attendance. Kids or youth who are there never look genuinely interested.

I need to talk to the younger generation to see how they react to faith? I don’t know, I don’t have a clue.

So the reality of today is immediate connectivity with anybody from the palm of your hand, and having Google answer all their questions in a few milliseconds… Maybe it’s a kind of training? So the result is that they see things, think and act in a whole new way?

What’s traditional faith and religion? Maybe it feels dead to them? Pointless? Uncool/lame/cringy/cheuge? I don’t know. If there was a virtual church platform where they could see one minute entertaining videos on the Holy Spirit with likes and dislikes or got points for a prayer or could message questions to their group or share Tweets or something? Moving church services to Youtube videos isn’t the same, I think, it’s making the traditional church way worse, depriving it of its real powers. I’m talking about a new kind of religion appropriate to the new generation? They live in a very different world today…

What can be done to win the youngsters over for faith? The old ways that worked for centuries seem to be outdated in our society that has quickly evolved. Though if it would all end one day due to deficiency of resources or some cataclysmic events, maybe the good old robust ways are the best fallback and so should be kept as is?

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Hello.
I look at children and young people today, and they are quite different. It’s really hard for me to grasp what it is. I’m not very old myself, but I sense a gap in world perception and mindset. For example, I can’t play a video game or watch TikTok. Video game or TokTok, after couple minutes I become bored to death. Same thing over and over, and pointless.

I attend churches and see mostly older generation in attendance. Kids or youth who are there never look genuinely interested.

I need to talk to the younger generation to see how they react to faith? I don’t know, I don’t have a clue.

Connectivity with anybody from the palm of your hand, and having Google answer all their questions in a few milliseconds… Maybe it’s a kind of training? So that they see things, think and act in a whole new way?

What’s traditional faith and religion? If there was a virtual church platform where they could see one minute entertaining videos on the Holy Spirit with likes and dislikes or got points for a prayer or could message questions to their group or share Tweets or something? Moving church services to Youtube videos isn’t the same, it’s making the traditional church way worse, depriving it of its real powers. I’m talking about a new kind of religion appropriate to the new generation? They live in a very different world today…

What can be done to win the youngsters over for faith? The old ways that worked for centuries seem to be outdated in our society that has quickly evolved. Though if it would all end one day due to deficiency of resources or some cataclysmic events, maybe the good old robust ways are the best fallback and so should be kept as is?

Everyone needs to work out their own salvation through Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He is the seed and the pricked heart comes at different times.
The young have time. The old have little time. Maybe focus on them?
Blessings

 

[Sketcher]

When I was growing up, God was important to me, but not everything that was done in church connected with me. When I would need to stay in the main service for the sermon during periods where we were not dismissed early to children's church, I would doodle on contact cards and read Revelation in the pew Bible. I didn't have a phone or a tablet.

There were also songs that I just wasn't into, so it was hard for me to stand and sing for a while.

I eventually matured to the point where I would sing, and pay attention. And this was also interspersed with activities for kids that were more engaging.

I believe there are other kids in church who feel similarly to me. I'd say the critical difference is a matter of controlling time on mobile devices, which is a matter of parenting.

 

[James_Lai]

Everyone needs to work out their own salvation through Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He is the seed and the pricked heart comes at different times.
The young have time. The old have little time. Maybe focus on them?
Blessings

Yes, but the young are the future

 

[chevyontheriver]

Hello.
I look at children and young people today, and they are quite different. It’s really hard for me to grasp what it is. I’m not very old myself, but I sense a gap in world perception and mindset. For example, I can’t play a video game or watch TikTok. Video game or TokTok, after couple minutes I become bored to death. Same thing over and over, and pointless.

I attend churches and see mostly older generation in attendance. Kids or youth who are there never look genuinely interested.

I need to talk to the younger generation to see how they react to faith? I don’t know, I don’t have a clue.

So tye reality of today is connectivity with anybody from the palm of your hand, and having Google answer all their questions in a few milliseconds… Maybe it’s a kind of training? So the result is that they see things, think and act in a whole new way?

What’s traditional faith and religion? Maybe it feels dead to them? Pointless? Uncool/lame/cringy/cheuge? I don’t know. If there was a virtual church platform where they could see one minute entertaining videos on the Holy Spirit with likes and dislikes or got points for a prayer or could message questions to their group or share Tweets or something? Moving church services to Youtube videos isn’t the same, it’s making the traditional church way worse, depriving it of its real powers. I’m talking about a new kind of religion appropriate to the new generation? They live in a very different world today…

What can be done to win the youngsters over for faith? The old ways that worked for centuries seem to be outdated in our society that has quickly evolved. Though if it would all end one day due to deficiency of resources or some cataclysmic events, maybe the good old robust ways are the best fallback and so should be kept as is?

Going the other way seems to actually be working judged by the low median age of people attending Latin masses.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

the young are the future

The young will find their way if they love Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The old are hardened yet need that one last moment to repent and realize they were wrong .
Thanks for engaging.

 

[James_Lai]

Going the other way seems to actually be working judged by the low median age of people attending Latin masses.

what are Latin masses?

 

[chevyontheriver]

what are Latin masses?

It is a traditional liturgy of the Church as practiced for 1500 or so years, with most of it in the Latin language. The very opposite of new. Yet it draws young people.

 

[James_Lai]

When I was growing up, God was important to me, but not everything that was done in church connected with me. When I would need to stay in the main service for the sermon during periods where we were not dismissed early to children's church, I would doodle on contact cards and read Revelation in the pew Bible. I didn't have a phone or a tablet.

There were also songs that I just wasn't into, so it was hard for me to stand and sing for a while.

I eventually matured to the point where I would sing, and pay attention. And this was also interspersed with activities for kids that were more engaging.

I believe there are other kids in church who feel similarly to me. I'd say the critical difference is a matter of controlling time on mobile devices, which is a matter of parenting.

And now, does church satisfy your spiritual needs and feels relevant?

 

[timothyu]

Gone are the days of wonder when people actually thought about things or believed they had come up with new ideas. Thoughts and beliefs are pre-made and dished out at lightning speed in the same way religion used to do at tortoise speed.

But youth today have already sold their souls by way of internet to a new saviour. I'll quote Klaus Schwab who is co-founder of the WEF, the global government and religion of corporatism and all it's richest disciples (a complete flip of Jesus' day) "“Youth activism is increasing worldwide, being revolutionized by social media that increases mobilization to an extent that would have been impossible before. It takes many different forms, ranging from non-institutionalized political participation to demonstrations and protests, and addresses issues as diverse as climate change, economic reforms, gender equality and LGBTQ rights. The young generation is firmly at the vanguard of social change. There is little doubt that it will be the catalyst for change and a source of critical momentum for the Great Reset”.

They appeal to the senses rather than common sense. So as the global system takes over the youth, you may be hard pressed to find young willing to take a stand against the system like they did in the 60's. Yet it would be only these that would recognize the evils of this world and be willing to take a stand for the counter-culture of the Kingdom. Like I said, too many have already sold their soul to the Great Reset.

 

[James_Lai]

Gone are the days of wonder when people actually thought about things or believed they had come up with new ideas. Thoughts and beliefs are pre-made and dished out at lightning speed in the same way religion used to do at tortoise speed.

But youth today have already sold their souls by way of internet to a new saviour. I'll quote Klaus Schwab who is co-founder of the WEF, the global government and religion of corporatism and all it's richest disciples (a complete flip of Jesus' day) "“Youth activism is increasing worldwide, being revolutionized by social media that increases mobilization to an extent that would have been impossible before. It takes many different forms, ranging from non-institutionalized political participation to demonstrations and protests, and addresses issues as diverse as climate change, economic reforms, gender equality and LGBTQ rights. The young generation is firmly at the vanguard of social change. There is little doubt that it will be the catalyst for change and a source of critical momentum for the Great Reset”.

They appeal to the senses rather than common sense. So as the global system takes over the youth, you may be hard pressed to find young willing to take a stand against the system like they did in the 60's. Yet it would be only these that would recognize the evils of this world and be willing to take a stand for the counter-culture of the Kingdom. Like I said, too many have already sold their soul to the Great Reset.

So, no hope for this world?

 

[James_Lai]

It is a traditional liturgy of the Church as practiced for 1500 or so years, with most of it in the Latin language. The very opposite of new. Yet it draws young people.

Never been to one, have to check it out! I studied Latin a little, so I can probably understand some. But depends if they use Italian-based or more authentic kind of phonology. In time one can get used to any though. Do they use Vulgate?

 

[timothyu]

So, no hope for this world?

Lots of hope at the hands of the saviour of the flesh which will come at a cost to those of the counter-culture of spirit. A repeat of the middle ages on a global level where fleshy authority claiming to represent salvation demanded allegiance while those of the Kingdom/governance of the Father are persecuted.

 

[Sketcher]

And now, does church satisfy your spiritual needs and feels relevant?

Much more so than it did. It's important to note that church is more than just the Sunday service. It facilitates opportunities to practice ones' faith through small group life and opportunities to serve others in need. Additionally, while my church does have strong dogmatic statements, it's not dogmatic about everything, and respects the liberty of the sincere, studious, and prayerful believer to take different stances on different issues. There are denominations and churches where you have to tow the exact line on everything if you are going to be considered correct, I would not do well in such churches.

 

[timothyu]

It facilitates opportunities to practice ones' faith through small group life and opportunities to serve others in need.

Like the original untainted church of the Way which was simply small communities of folks serving each other as was meant to be?

 

[Sketcher]

Like the original untainted church of the Way which was simply small communities of folks serving each other as was meant to be?

We're not a house church, but small groups which do meet in houses (or over Zoom/Discord/whatever for COVID) are emphasized. Our group leader is in communication with a director of something-or-other (I forget the wording of the title) who hears of community needs and attempts to match those needs with groups of volunteers who are good for helping to meet them.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Never been to one, have to check it out! I studied Latin a little, so I can probably understand some. But depends if they use Italian-based or more authentic kind of phonology. In time one can get used to any though. Do they use Vulgate?

Typically readings could be in Latin and in a local language, so probably Vulgate and Douay Bibles in the USA or Canada. Propers and collects would be in Latin and would likely translated into the local languages. Music could be Gregorian Chant, or polyphony, or even Mozart and Bach. Printed guides would most likely be available for people to follow along. You would find it different but not impossible. What is attractive about it is that it's been done like that for 1500 years. And the roots of it go back to ancient Israel. It's not exactly how Jesus would have worshiped but it's way closer than anything else. Maybe some Orthodox rites are similarly old. Point is it's not digital. It's not even electronic.

For people scared of Latin, ordinary two year olds in Rome were able to learn it. And ordinary American teens and twenty-somethings can learn it when they want to.

 

[James_Lai]

Lots of hope at the hands of the saviour of the flesh which will come at a cost to those of the counter-culture of spirit. A repeat of the middle ages on a global level where fleshy authority claiming to represent salvation demanded allegiance while those of the Kingdom/governance of the Father are persecuted.

I rarely understand you, brother. I think I kind of do, but not so sure. I tend to have very concrete mind, not so strong on allusions or maybe I’m unfamiliar with your theology to see what you’re talking about.

 

[James_Lai]

We're not a house church, but small groups which do meet in houses (or over Zoom/Discord/whatever for COVID) are emphasized. Our group leader is in communication with a director of something-or-other (I forget the wording of the title) who hears of community needs and attempts to match those needs with groups of volunteers who are good for helping to meet them.

I like it. Maybe it’s a kind of revolution I’m thinking about taking place?? Exciting

 

[James_Lai]

Typically readings could be in Latin and in a local language, so probably Vulgate and Douay Bibles in the USA or Canada. Propers and collects would be in Latin and would likely translated into the local languages. Music could be Gregorian Chant, or polyphony, or even Mozart and Bach. Printed guides would most likely be available for people to follow along. You would find it different but not impossible. What is attractive about it is that it's been done like that for 1500 years. And the roots of it go back to ancient Israel. It's not exactly how Jesus would have worshiped but it's way closer than anything else. Maybe some Orthodox rites are similarly old. Point is it's not digital. It's not even electronic.

For people scared of Latin, ordinary two year olds in Rome were able to learn it. And ordinary American teens and twenty-somethings can learn it when they want to.

This is cool!!! I’m so interested to attend, I’ll search if there’s such church close to me in Canada. You mentioned Rome, so you’re in Italy? Of course Italians can pick up Latin fast… Or French or Spanish etc Romance language speakers