Our Cynical Age
My daughter returned home from college for a visit. She brought with her a letter from her bank. Until recently, this bank had a branch in the college Student Union. Quite convenient. In my daughter's words, "I could get my check at my mailbox, walk 4 steps and deposit it in my bank." Now, according to this letter, the bank is relocating the branch office to the next town over. According to Mapquest, it's 8 and 1/2 miles away.
Now, none of this would normally bother me. They own the bank, they make the call. I would have groaned for my daughter's sake since banking just got a whole lot more complicated for students without transportation. Still, that's life.
Except for the letter. Here is the opening sentence: "In keeping with our dedication to provide you with banking that is easy and convenient...." I read that sentence twice, then finished with my own cynical answer: "...we're moving your bank 8 and 1/2 miles away."
This is why my Cynicism Meter is constantly blinking red. And cynicism is no longer reserved for lawyers, bankers, and used car salesmen. It's infiltrated the church. The 20 & under crowd has grown increasingly cynical about life in the church. Read the Leadership interview with Sarah Cunningham at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2007/cln70212.html

4 Comments:
Ignoring the automated ad above, I find myself cynical about Sarah's cynicism or disillusionment. As a child of the 60s, I couldn't have been more disillusioned or cynical about the "institutional" church in my 20s. I think it's a 20s kind of thing--being somewhat idealistic. I now find myself tired of people (young or old) bashing the church. Each generation can bring corrective measures and its own fresh perspectives but they also need to learn the lesson from Purpose Driven Life, "It's not about you."
Also, am I supposed to be impressed that Sarah left the staff of a mega-church for a house church?
11:43 AM
I'm not sure that anyone expects you to be impressed. What are you angry about?
3:42 PM
Try commenting on the article and we'll leave my anger to my therapist!
*#@!*#^)#!
4:19 PM
You sound rather cynical.
5:20 PM
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home