On 180 and Church:

The whole concept behind “church” is twisted. It has been for years, but technology and money, which both inevitably grow over time, have just furthered the fallacies and supposedly hip image of church as the next great social trend. A while ago, I read an article about 180’s new youth building (complete with a swimming pool, a football field, bmx bike tracks, go karts, a skate park, a hockey rink.. and other worthless recreational objects ) and while ago, and honestly I wanted to shove the article down Blane Bartel’s throat. It’s sickening. What kind of values are we instilling in our generation? We’re going to make them so hyperactively materialistic that their attention spans lower even more than what they are at present (which is already low ...) and then after we’ve pampered them with all our youth luxuries we’re going to brag to the rest of the church world that we’ve saved x amount of soul over the past month and as of now approximately three people are receiving Christ every minute. Like salvation is a statistic priority. Massive churches like 180 who attempt to appeal to teens are becoming the Walmarts of religious society. Smaller churches are going to be totally obsolete in a few years while 180 creates a monopoly on the church market. Where do we draw the line? What kid is going to want to go to a “normal” service when he could be listening to mp3s and playing video games? I think it all goes back to a state of spiritual emptiness. The degree of this differs, but I feel like we’re lacking spiritual stimulation, so in compensation, we’re simulating it with a corporeal substitute --- like all this entertainment.

And just think about the money (about 5.8 million dollars, just for 180’s building alone, I don’t even think that starts to include the accessories like swimming pools) It could be put towards something consequential. Like how about all those people in Africa dying of aids in the streets because they’ve been shunned from their families as a disgrace? Why doesn’t the church contribute some funding to science, to the arts, to something other than itself? Religion is applicable to everything, but churches are reluctant to let that secret out. Religion is so contained within religion. It doesn’t branch out. CHRISTIANS don’t branch out. The majority of them are too concerned with devising new plans on how to save their children from Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter rather than teaching them how to make their own decisions and make godly decisions. Our biggest failure is neglecting to incorporate God into every aspect of our lives. We keep him in our hearts and we sit down and wait for some deranged lost soul to waddle up to us in suicidal despair saying “I’m questing for salvation. Can you help me?” The question should be “Can I help you?”

How about saving some lives instead of attracting them? Or spending money wisely. What about a church library shelved with controversial books on religious issues and a variety of literature on world views that can help teens make up their own mind on pertinent issues? Youth groups seem to like preventing free thinking. They just see the social scene as one more avenue for indoctrination. It’d be interesting to know how much money they’ve invested in their missions department.

I get so overwhelmingly depressed thinking about the difference the church COULD be making. Poverty and lies plague the streets. Infestation of futility. No reasons for reality. Problems that need to be addressed, that need to be confronted on a personal level as two people might talk face to face, not vaguely pass each other in their youth group go karts. Because when a church like 180 gets so big, it’s past the point of intimacy. I know they have small groups, but it just doesn’t seem the same to me.

Apparently 180 also has some new system where each member has to have an “ID card” complete with picture, and I’m sure some loud logo connoting Christianity. The night mare didn’t “scare the hell” outta me, but the idea of a system like this sure does. It makes me think of something out of Revelation. Kid tested, devil approved. I guess I can understand it for security purposes, but a part of me is inclined to think its mainly for the fourth estate. So the next time the Tulsa World asks them about how many kids they attract they’ll have an insane and accurate number to present them with.

Speaking of youth, is that the only age group that exists anymore? What about the elderly? The widows, the homeless? Why aren’t we investing money in them instead of a monumental religious recruiting campaign? It’s so frustrating. And it’s even more frustrating that I’m sitting here whining to my xanga instead of doing something. There will always be flaws in the church because there are flaws in humanity. There are just as many problems with practically everything else going on in the world . . . I’m sure tomorrow I’ll cover something else.

It’s probably unfair to pick on 180 like this, I know despite what I said, they are making a difference. And they should get credit for that. I just think we could be doing more. I feel like God has more for us than this. And what do you tell the people who are waiting to hear the Gospel? To come check out our church coffeeshop? Sigh.

“Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all thigns that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to then end of the age.” - Matt 28-18-20