Homebrewed Christianity Faith Formation in a Secular Age with Andrew Root
Feb 13, 2018
Andrew Root, an Associate Professor at Luther Seminary, dives into the challenges of faith formation in today's secular age. He unpacks the origins of American youth ministry, discussing the church's fixation on youthfulness. Andrew highlights Charles Taylor’s 'Age of Authenticity,' exploring its implications for personal identity and spiritual connection. The conversation touches on secularism's effect on beliefs, the desire for divine recognition, and the need for genuine community in youth ministry to foster authentic faith experiences.
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Resonance Replaces Objective Truth
- In the age of authenticity, people grant authority only to what 'moves' or 'speaks' to them.
- That makes resonance the dominant criterion for truth and belonging.
Recognition Shapes Identity And Church Insecurity
- Taylor's 'politics of recognition' says we become who we are only when recognized by others.
- The church's craving for youth recognition reflects institutional insecurity, not spiritual depth.
Don't Mistake Participation For Belief
- Taylor distinguishes secular2 (decline of participation) from secular3 (changed conditions of belief).
- Mistaking secular3 issues for secular2 leads churches to reduce faith to measurable participation.