Proclaiming the Gospel to a Nation that is Getting Mean

How can we proclaim the gospel to an audience that prides itself on individualism and is addicted to social media that perpetuates anxiousness and insecurity?

A recent blog post by James Emery White, entitled “How America Got Mean” reviews a thought-provoking article by David Brooks in the Atlantic.

People today are becoming increasingly rude, cruel, abusive, and violent. Brooks argues that people are no longer being taught how to be kind and considerate. Selfishness rules when there is no moral formation. People are given free rein to define their moral compass and belief in God. When everyone is right, then nobody can be wrong. Combined with many other factors, we are living in a nation that is mean.

It seems that our individualistic culture perpetuated by social media is prompting people to be anxious, insecure, and sensitive to rejection. This can trigger distrust and hostility that lead to breakdowns in relationships. It is no wonder that people are feeling isolated and lonely.

I strongly believe that the outward appearance of indifference towards religion and church is a front. The rise of the “unaffiliated” (or the “nones”) does not mean a rejection of spirituality or the denial of God — however it is defined. There is a willingness to be engaged to talk about Jesus. The challenge could be that we are not asking the right questions, or, perhaps believers in Christ are perceived as ‘indifferent” towards those who desire to ask tough questions without being judged.

Using the framework put forth from the study on “Conversational Receptiveness”, could we say:

• “I see your point that you feel church may be out of touch.”  We can ask for forgiveness if the church has unnecessarily come across as unloving and judgemental.
• “We can both agree there is value in coming together as a community to help, support, and pray for each other.” We can define church as a community of believers who worship, encourage and care for others.
• “Perhaps you can see Jesus in a new light by how he has overcome the fear, sadness, and hurt in this world.” Jesus is the way, truth, and the life. He has overcome the world.
• “We should consider all the benefits Christ has given us by what he has already done for us. This is the message of the cross and the empty tomb.