At 29, Anderson is a young man, but the congregation facing him is even younger.
The pews at Praxis Church in Tempe are filled with people in their early 20s who look like they should be gathering at a college coffeehouse or bar.
Anderson stands before them as a distinct choice at a time of significant shifts in the religious landscape in this country.
Praxis – which means the practical application of a belief system – represents a rigorous dogma that challenges its congregation to accept Christ and to sin no more. Each verse of the Bible is taught as the inspired and infallible word of God.
Offering a clear spiritual voice has never been more important for churches than it is today because people are more willing than ever to shop for one that fits their religious needs.
Okay, I’m about to read the article. However, I’m perplexed about this statement: “The pews at Praxis Church in Tempe are filled with people in their early 20s who look like they should be gathering at a college coffeehouse or bar.” Amazed, first of all, that they have pews. Second, is it that the young people are dressed casually that makes them look like they should be gathering at a coffeehouse or bar, or is it that people in their early 20s are assumed not to gather as (or in) a church? Many middle-aged people dress casually for church these days, but more importantly I think maybe we need to raise our assumptions and expectations of these young adults. (If we expect nothing of them they will surely meet those expectations!)
[blockquote]Anderson’s sermon on this Sunday was based entirely on 1 John, 1: 5-10 and sin. He warned his congregation repeatedly that this was a difficult sermon.
First he explained that sin is anything that falls short of God’s glory.
Ego is sin. Keeping secrets from a spouse is a sin. Not doing your fair share at work is a sin.
Then he explained God’s hatred of sin.
The people in their pews became very quiet. [/blockquote]
What a coincidence. At our men’s group breakfast this morning, we were discussing why the mainline churches, including our PCUSA denomination, are in such trouble. We decided it’s because we no longer believe in sin or teach that we are sinful creatures. Problem is, without understanding and acknowledging that sin is the root cause of our spiritual problems, anything else is phony and just putting a bandaid on a festering wound.
A bunch of Presbyterian men talking about total depravity at 6:30 in the morning is probably something you don’t see too much of any more in a PCUSA church.