Know Thyself

In my corner of the world, I see a shifting occuring in church. As I grew up, your denomination was everything. When someone asked who I was in regards to religion, I would answer, "Baptist." They might reply with Methodist or Church of Christ or any other of the numerous groups.

But as I entered college in the mid '90s, I started to notice a trend. More people would simply claim Christianity rather than a denomination and go to non-denomiational churches. I was one of those.

Well, now I see a new trend catching. Home churches. There seem to be a growing number of folks frustrated with the large churches. Perhaps it's the politics, or gossip, or judgemental attitudes, but some people are leaving. They are having church in their homes, with a group of likeminded individuals. In my city, there are several of these groups.

I think this trend will gain a little momentum. I believe my generation, who grew up in the eighties, have a desire to think for themselves. I think many others grew up in my world. I was handed my religious beliefs, my love for country, my desire to spread democracy, my political views, and numerous other things. We never were forced to think critically. Never had a major war. Just lived through the rumors of the Cold War. Things like pop music, Saturday morning cartoons, McDonalds, and Mary Lou Retton ruled my world. I believe the mass of my generation is sheding that skin in hopes of finding their own. I did. The recent growth of non-denominational churches and home churches demonstrates my point.

I guess my point is to encourage all to think critically. I don't believe it's wrong to question your thought process. I regularly visit another blog, www.noreligionnow.com. I find this guy's view of the world very interesting. Be forwarned, it's very anti-religion. I enjoy reading his material and we have very pleasant exchanges. What truly attracts me there is his desire for everyone to think. We all should. Figure out who your are, what you believe, why you believe. Be able to defend your stance. To quote from "The Matrix", "know thyself."


2Ti 2:15 MKJV
(15) Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.