The other day I received an e-mail with notes/outline attached. An older man had given a lecture on “Compromise” and wanted everyone to have his notes. Upon reviewing the notes, I found them to: 1) insinuate rather than explain, 2) take bible references out of context, i.e. “I want to say this, let me find a bible passage to back it up.” and 3) stretch the bounds of legitimacy to make alliteration the central focus.
Oddly enough, I don’t necessarily believe that any of those three reasons is the biggest reason why young people are leaving fundamentalism (Or rather desire not to be associated with the term. See Dave Doran’s article on Fundamentalism as a movement.) I see the fact that these men are still allowed to stand in pulpits and preach authoritatively as a major issue.
Please understand, this is not a polemic against the men who have gone before. This is genuine concern about seeming apathy among those in charge. There are many wise men who were important for their time. Several of these men have personally mentored me. I am proud to call them friends. However, most of these men that I admire have had the wisdom to see themselves entering a new phase of life. John the Baptist understood that as Jesus began his ministry, John’s ministry must slowly decrease (John 3:30).
Let me also be clear. I do not see myself and my age group as the ones who should take over for these older men. I believe there is a generation in the middle that holds the responsibility for shepherding my generation.
Where do I see a need for the older generation? In curbing the headstrong younger generation. They do not do this however with their preaching and tirades against New Evangelicalism (what some perceive as anything but Fundamentalism). I see opportunities for an older generation to mentor the younger generation, one on one. I see room for relationships similar to that of the Apostle Paul and his protege Timothy. I see value in panel discussions and open interaction with moderators who see the need for understanding on both sides of an issue.
Does allowing these men to claim divine authority in preaching personal opinion really honor them and their generation? Or would helping them shift into a new phase of life honor their sacrifices more. I believe the answer is clear. The responsibility lies with those in charge: To shepherd the young by protecting the old.
