Finally……

The 2nd part of “The Faith of Generation Y” sees the sociological aspect of the research meet with theological reflection through the work of Stanley Haerwas.  The premise that christian “youthwork is only moderately successful in bridging the gap between church and society and raising young peoples Christian consciousness” is, according to the writers, that a ‘strategic liberalism’ has been taken up youth workers and that this is done outside , rather than rooted in, christian community.

The words that should adorn our lips in BOLD are ‘ story and engagement’ and these need to be rooted within the context of a wider christian community.  Tradition is important and whilst the “church appears to want the young people to discover their own way of being church”, the young people of GenY “do not want to be left to their own devices”.  This is a challenge to those of us working in the church with young people.

The conclusion that is reached from the research in this book is that  …..”the primary theological responsibility for the church is to give glory to God, the primary social responsibility for the church is simply to be its own authentic self”.

This is a whistlestop review – the book is far better than I have portrayed and one to read.  Read it and be challenged