Dear friends,
Came across this article from USA Today (More Americans Dropping Dogma For Spirituality ). There is much for us to chew on as leaders and disciplemakers, but if we are committed to the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ we will need be more than prepared to help others walk through the dangerous undercurrents of our culture. Here is an excerpt. If you have time, I'd invite you to read the entire article. (Refer to June 23, 2008)
A 'spiritual salad bar'
"Americans believe in everything. It's a spiritual salad bar," says Rice University sociologist Michael Lindsay.
Rather than religious leaders setting the cultural agenda, today, it's Oprah Winfrey, he says.
"After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the national memorial service was at Washington's National Cathedral, conducted by Episcopal clergy. After the 9/11 attack, Oprah organized the official memorial service at Yankee Stadium, and while clergy participated, she was the master of ceremonies.
"The impact of Oprah is seen throughout this survey. She uses the language of Bible and Christian traditions and yet includes other traditions to create a hodgepodge personalized faith. Exclusivism (the idea that one religion has the absolute and exclusive truth) has gotten a bad name in America today," says Lindsay, author of a book on the rise of evangelical social and political clout.
Nevertheless, Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". John 14:6
Making disciples with you,
Denny
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