The Pew Forum discovered in 2008 while interviewing students at UCLA that
college students grow more spiritual, but less faithful. The Forum
discovered in comparing college freshmen and juniors that the importance of
spirituality grows from one year to the next, but so does the understanding
that people can grow spiritually without religion. The study found
church attendance was lowered in the Junior year. Therefore, spiritual dialogue is
strengthened in these two years, but done so in a method and path that leads
away from Christ.
I completely agree with the understanding that someone can grow without
religion…
In my 18-20 something culture religion is seen negatively. The word religion
is connected to tradition, racism, hate, hypocrisy, and a judgmental
mentality. But without Christ there is no hope, no purpose, and no meaning
to life. One’s discovery of true living, true love, and eternity only
occurs in Christ, not in spiritual dialogue…
This survey can be seen from many different perspectives:
One perspective is that this survey once again brings up the much needed
conversation of our mission methodology as Christ Followers. How are we
sharing Christ? How are we living out Christ? What kind of culture is the
local church portraying to the community? What can be done to prosper
church growth as a body of believers and then as we fill our “church
buildings”?
Another perspective is how are we promoting spiritual dialogue? If
spiritual dialogue is being opened on campus, at work, and at home -
how/what is being done to add to it? That’s the perspective Crave takes
weekly at Rue Bar. Spiritual dialogue is going to take place somewhere so
why not talk in a Bar where those who do not follow Christ are comfortable.
In Acts 17:16-34 Paul’s goes toAthens
god they were worshiping and through his conversations some lives were changed.
college students grow more spiritual, but less faithful. The Forum
discovered in comparing college freshmen and juniors that the importance of
spirituality grows from one year to the next, but so does the understanding
that people can grow spiritually without religion. The study found
church attendance was lowered in the Junior year. Therefore, spiritual dialogue is
strengthened in these two years, but done so in a method and path that leads
away from Christ.
I completely agree with the understanding that someone can grow without
religion…
In my 18-20 something culture religion is seen negatively. The word religion
is connected to tradition, racism, hate, hypocrisy, and a judgmental
mentality. But without Christ there is no hope, no purpose, and no meaning
to life. One’s discovery of true living, true love, and eternity only
occurs in Christ, not in spiritual dialogue…
This survey can be seen from many different perspectives:
One perspective is that this survey once again brings up the much needed
conversation of our mission methodology as Christ Followers. How are we
sharing Christ? How are we living out Christ? What kind of culture is the
local church portraying to the community? What can be done to prosper
church growth as a body of believers and then as we fill our “church
buildings”?
Another perspective is how are we promoting spiritual dialogue? If
spiritual dialogue is being opened on campus, at work, and at home -
how/what is being done to add to it? That’s the perspective Crave takes
weekly at Rue Bar. Spiritual dialogue is going to take place somewhere so
why not talk in a Bar where those who do not follow Christ are comfortable.
In Acts 17:16-34 Paul’s goes to
god they were worshiping and through his conversations some lives were changed.
He went there promoting spiritual dialogue. He used their culture and their tradition to talk about God. He was willing to open the door for spiritual dialogue. Not forcing it on them- not doing so in a religious fashion- but through simple conversation.
We as Christ followers need to go any where and every where and simply
have dialogue- simply have conversation with others.
have dialogue- simply have conversation with others.
Spiritual dialogue is about our journey to Christ. It’s not talking to people
with an agenda, it's loving people unconditionally and sharing with them the
love of Christ that has been shared with you.
When is the last time you started a conversation?
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