Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/70

Contributor - Jerry Potma

Title - Alienated From God

Topic - Youth

It is with some concern that I followed the various articles written about "Alienated Youth" and "School and Christian Education". However, after reading the last submission by Stan van der Molen. I felt compelled to write.

Firstly Stan, I firmly feel that words such as "sarcastic and cynical" are, to say the least, very much in bad taste when they are used to express evaluation of another christian's convictions. Certainly our expressions of thought can be channeled by the use of words which offer more respect.

In commenting on the thoughts expressed in the various articles, I would like to question why we as Christians should feel that youth in particular (more so than any other age group) feels alienated. Is not the first thing we as Christians come to realize that all of mankind is alienated. Not just from one another, but most of all from God.

Romans 3 verse 23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". Romans 10 verse 3 and 4 say, "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes".

In your very first article, Stan, you mention that youth is fed up with the "conventionalities of institutionalized religion". If these conventionalities are the teaching and preaching of the Gospel, then I would like to point out that it's not just the young people that are running thumbs down. Those empty pews are not just places where young people used to sit. Furthermore, you speak of the reluctance of young people to follow the simple "Thou shalt nots" and "daddy knows best" answers. Those "daddy knows best" answers happen to come from our "Father in heaven" and in my book He still knows best. And in my book those questions of "What's wrong with it?" and "Why shouldn't I" are questions the devil (yes Stan, the devil) puts in our minds.Read Luke 4 and see how the devil tempts Jesus and also see in what manner Jesus answers him. Jesus, who had "all power in heaven and in earth" answered the devil by quoting scripture.

And what do young people say, and older people too? The Bible is out of date; it doesn't answer today's problems. Jesus himself said in John 5 verse 39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

In the April issue, Rev. Hogerwaard mentioned that if young people want to know the answers then they must study the word of God intensely, under expert guidance, in a Bible study group for instance. I would like to point out, however, that the best expert guide in studying the Bible is the Holy Spirit and he is available for the asking any time day or night. Christ did not die for groups of people, but for individuals and that is how we must first approach God; as an individual.

The trouble with churches today is not so much in the format of the services or the make up of committees or the like. No, the trouble is with individuals alienated from God. We want God watered down to suit our likes and dislikes and then when we try to relate to God, we find that he's not there. Some even think that He's dead. That's how watered down they got.

Then some of us seem to think that because of all the social problems in this world, the church should become more of a social institution and show the world what its moral obligations are. However, what we as Christians mostly fail to realize is that the problems of the boy hooked on drugs, the alcoholic in the gutter, the father who's too busy with his work, or the mother who's the neighbourhood gossip champion, is alienation from God. Why give them a soother when it's supper time. These people need Christ. That's the message and the burden of the church.

Some parents are genuinely concerned about their children, and rightfully so. There are plenty of things in this world for parents to worry about, and apparently the Mackay report seems to be one of these worries. If the school wants to teach comparative religion, that's their business, but don't confuse this with Christian witness. Christian witness was never taught in the public schools and probably never will be. As a parent, I say, "Thank you Mr. Davis, but I'd rather do it myself." The most a parent can do for his children is to show them that he believes that the Bible is relevant today, that it pays to pray, and that a close relationship with God is the most important and most rewarding aspect of our lives here on earth.

The problem with most Christians is that they look for solutions to their problems outside of God. They fail to understand the words of a popular new hymn; "He can solve your every problem, if you only let him have his way." Sound too simple? It is, but it's true. I know; I tried it; and it worked.

(Further discussion closed .. Ed.)

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