Sage Advice for the Religion of None
Last week I spoke about the post-Christian transition in our society, and the move from organized religion toward superstition (or unorganized religion). In it I stated the two main reasons were, one, the rejection of authority, and two, a lack of critical thinking.
Rejection of Authority
One of the primary issues for the deterioration of authority is the general lack of integrity, transparency, and honesty exercised by authority figures. In the past, those in authority had the luxury of controlling information, so they could reject anything that posed a threat to their authority and the status quo. Because they controlled the information they also controlled the narrative. Today with the free exchange of information and ideas anyone can become an expert in anything. Those in authority, teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, clergy, etc., are no longer the dispensers of truth. Instead we have entered an age where leaders can be fact-checked. Even while they are speaking. Even while they are asking for allegiance. If those listening find a lack of clarity, honesty, or integrity in the information, suspicion begins to creep in. This suspicion is then reflected on the institutions the speaker represents .
Our new role of leaders in the church has ceased to be providers or dispensers of information. Instead their roles have become that of “biblical sage.” The very concept of a sage is one we lack in modern society. For all of our technology and information, we are not known for wisdom and maturity. We live in an age where there are few fathers, few loveable daddies, and way too many sperm donors. It’s like this: when my kids were little they looked up to me to give them answers about life. As they grew they began to hear other voices and tested them to see what was true. All too often, when I didn’t know the answer, I gave them plausible answers. I stated them as fact, and they believed me. Eventually the competition of other voices caused them to challenge my plausible answers with facts, or different opinions. If my answers started coming up empty, it gave rise to even more complicated questions. My authority was at stake in their lives, most of which was dismissed as growing up. But the truth was this: because I didn’t do research, and instead gave plausible answers, my kids began to doubt my authority and knowledge, and eventually they sought information from other sources that seemed equally as plausible (the internet, teachers, friends, etc). Truth became more subjective than objective and even my role as sage came under fire. I clearly lacked wisdom. While all of this may sound normal, the problem reaches farther than just parenting. The same people who don't do the research at home, don’t do the research for subordinates, laity, students, and anyone else under their authority.
Moving forward, the greatest need is not for the church to reassert its authority nor prove the authority of the Bible, but for the body of Christ and the leaders to be honest, integrous, transparent, and diligent in our handling of God’s Word and the discharging of duties as father’s and mother’s of the faith (2 Timothy 2.1-8). Telling people, "I do not know" is better than giving plausible answers that can be fact-checked and found wanting. But eventually, we must be able to give an account for the hope we have (1 Peter 3.15-16). We are called to be childlike, not childish. We must mature in our faith and become the sages of wisdom among a vast sea of “experts.” The biggest part will be making sure our answers and our character line-up with the advice we give and the things we say we believe.
Next week I want to continue this thread on authority with more ways for us to engage the world as sages of wisdom.
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