Can Liberal Christianity Be Saved? - NYTimes.com

Can Liberal Christianity Be Saved? - NYTimes.com

Ross Douthat focuses relatively often on religion, mostly Christianity. He comes to more or less the same conclusion about the future of Christianity, albeit from his conservative viewpoint and my different liberal perspective.

I think that his criticism of liberal Christianity has a point. There is no basis to think that liberal Christianity will be a strong and vibrant force in the future. It has not happened in the past. To the extent that Christianity becomes liberalized, attendance goes down. The only churches that grow are conservative groups with rather rigid moralistic views. Theology is often absent in these settings, at least academic theology.

And yet, without accommodating modern learning, insights, and change, liberals will not attend church.

So, whether the churches accommodate modern and more liberal thinking or not, there is not much of a future for Christianity for liberals. Douthat is right.

However, where we would disagree is about the nature of Christianity itself. He sees that it would be good that Christianity held on to its traditional ways and, in the process, he believes that in the long run, more people will come. I disagree. The support Christianity received historically by the public was driven more by guilt and fear than anything positive. There was cultural support for Christianity when the world was less critical. The world, as lived by more liberalized people, no longer needs Christianity, as a formal religion. The majority of people who do not attend church consider themselves spiritual. There is just no relationship between their spiritual orientation and the conservative forces within Christianity. Unfortunately, they see no need to participate in a formal religion to have their spiritual views nourished.

While there may be a legitimate concern about the future of society without the influence of a strong Christian Church, it is doubtful that Christianity will regain the influence it enjoyed historically.

Chicago and Its Great Architecture

A sidelight, albeit a great one, was our first visit to Chicago.  We took advantage of the River and Lake Sightseeing Tour and it is to be recommended for visitors. In addition to sharing so much information, most of which is forgotten, we were able to see so much in a hour and half. It was great. Pictures do not do justice to the beauty of the building, far less the great intellectual and creative geniuses of the architects who designed these buildings. But our pictures will serve to recall for us what a wonderful experience it was.  

https://plus.google.com/photos/114199696978250064435/albums/5765832680359923089?authkey=CLHgk-3RucnOBg

Weddings can be more than just a wedding

We went to Indiana on Thursday so that we could be a part of Julia's wedding on Friday. Since we (especially Joan) have known the family for so long, it would be hard to miss the first marriage of the next generation. And what a wonderful event it was!

There were two cookouts in addition to the actual wedding and the following celebration with food, music and dancing. Everyone had a great time. It was evident in the faces and voices of people.

One may say that the facts do not do justice to its significance for us. Even though we have known the Johnson family for virtually a life-time, we have come to know the Roldans during the last 25 years. In spite of the geographical changes that have separated us over time, the bonds were nourished by occasional visits, e-mails, and even the now virtually unused phone system. Need I also mention that Facebook has enabled bonds not only to be strengthened, but, in my case, bonds with the younger generation went from being unacquainted to feeling that I am accompanying another generation in their pursuit of life and all of its mysteries. What these few days accomplished was cementing an ongoing maturation of sharing that will go on through many venues, not the least with the social network.

In addition, I deepened by knowledge and affection of all of the Roldan family. Glimpses of insight into the family provided by what Carlos shared about his family has been fleshed out to a broader perspective by the weekend. Michael has become a more vivid personality and Cynthia has come from the distance of stories of her successes to a person that we could touch and hug.

Julia and Chris epitomized the happiness of the gathering. They clearly were happily married!! The rest of us shared in that happiness and then some.