Great analysis! America has long had a Cult of Youth, which has slid over the years into a Cult of Immaturity. It is exciting and full of drama, but it is often at odds with Christian values and character. The adults in the room need to make their voices heard, put the immature to the side, and mentor them until they show that they have grown into more sober, thoughtful Christians.
"American culture writ large seems stuck in a defensive adolescence that lacks both the innocence and wonder of childhood, and the realism and long-term thinking of adulthood."
Bowing to the lowest common denominator in a church is indeed destructive. But it's a conundrum for leaders. When my husband was selected as one of the youngest elders (!) in our congregation, the already-elders bragged that they made decisions together and didn't act until they were unanimous. "You realize you just made me the ultimate decision-maker," my businessman husband said. "If you require 100% consensus, my veto vote against anything will decide the issue against you." They saw the point.
This is as prophetically true and insightful now in 2025 as it was in 2023. We are living in Ross Douthat's decadent society and a prophetic scriptural call to maturity is as vital as ever. Thank God for you Sam!
Great analysis! America has long had a Cult of Youth, which has slid over the years into a Cult of Immaturity. It is exciting and full of drama, but it is often at odds with Christian values and character. The adults in the room need to make their voices heard, put the immature to the side, and mentor them until they show that they have grown into more sober, thoughtful Christians.
Such a good article, and still so relevant today. Thanks for reposting.
Excellent and perceptive. I loved this:
"American culture writ large seems stuck in a defensive adolescence that lacks both the innocence and wonder of childhood, and the realism and long-term thinking of adulthood."
Bowing to the lowest common denominator in a church is indeed destructive. But it's a conundrum for leaders. When my husband was selected as one of the youngest elders (!) in our congregation, the already-elders bragged that they made decisions together and didn't act until they were unanimous. "You realize you just made me the ultimate decision-maker," my businessman husband said. "If you require 100% consensus, my veto vote against anything will decide the issue against you." They saw the point.
This was really well done, thank you!
This is as prophetically true and insightful now in 2025 as it was in 2023. We are living in Ross Douthat's decadent society and a prophetic scriptural call to maturity is as vital as ever. Thank God for you Sam!
This is so important. Lord, help our leaders to see the importance of maturity, and how to develop and reward it in our organizations!
Daily and comprehensive scripture reading for me is a good antidote to Social Media's frenzy.