The next instalment from Dereks notes ..........
'Ch 3: Grace Davie: From obligation to consumption: Understanding the patterns of religion in Northern Europe“... the reduction in church activity in Western Europe forms part of a profound change in the nature of social life; it is not, in contrast, an unequivocal indicator of religious indifference.”
p 35“Vicarious religion” popular in Northern Europe, especially Nordic countries(!) P36 Reflections on the “vicarious” aspects and the way people turned to church during the mourning of Diana and the deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham.
P 39“[There is a possible (European) mutation] taking the form of a gradual shiftaway from religion as a form of obligation and towards an increasing emphasis on consumption. In other words, what until moderately recently was imposed (with all the negative connotations of the word), or inherited (a rather more positive spin) becomes instead a matter of personal choice. I go to church (or another religious organisation) because I want to, maybe for a short period or maybe for longer, to fulfill a particular rather than a general need in my life, and where I will continue my attachment as long as it provides what I want, but I have no obligation to attend in the first place or continue if I don’t want to.” '
4 comments:
This seems to link in with the idea that we are now in a post Christendom world - having read through one of Derek's books he loaned out last week on this subject - I think that we can be more effective if Christianity is no longer seen just as part of belonging to this country. While there is still a formal link it is less and less acknowledged in the lives ordinary people lead.
We have to make our Christianity attractive and personally relate our faith to individuals. It is exciting but also not as safe as some might like. However I am always reminded of the comment in an early Narnia book that Aslan, the lion, was never,safe.
It also means that rather than see our role as bringing others into the church we have to first go out to the community. The example of Ponthir Baptist Church is interesting.
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/ponthir.baptist.church.casting.net.into.deeper.waters/10929.htm
should take you to the Christianity Today site and this particular story. If it does not work go to CT site and check out the May 29th issue.
church.casting.net.into.deeper.waters/10929.htm
is the remainder of the link after the baptist.
Good to see your post r t. Hope you are well. If you want a lift this Friday let me know.
Thanks Julie for posting these portions of Derek's notes.
I am recovering and should be with you this coming Friday.
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