Generational Tension

I suspect there’s always been a social gap between the young and the old, then the Sixties turned that gap into a canyon, and the technological explosion of the Eighties and Nineties widened that canyon to an abyss. Now, social welfare by and large relieves immerging generations of the burden of caring for the needy, including the elderly, while Facebook immerses them into a sea of fellow youngsters with keystroke empowerment.

The New Testament’s vision of the church is a place where different age groups could come and celebrate a common salvation (see 1Timothy 5). Yet the modern church, like most of the world, is often riddled by warring generations.

Young enthusiastic leaders see the old guard as unteachable, under-educated, and unable to communicate without sounding snooty and snobbish, while often accusing them of grasping for ecclesiastical control and failing to keep first things first.

Seasoned steadfast leaders see the young up-and-comers as intellectually proud, untested, and disrespectful of treasured belief systems, while often accusing them of ignoring time-tested wisdom and failing to listen more and speak less.

And to an extent, borrowing D.A. Carson’s words, “both sides are right.”

Since I’m a young leader, I will share a word with my fellow green-hands. Technology has no doubt facilitated theological research, while possibly providing a broader access to theological education. Yet receiving such a grace should contribute your our humility, not our pride. In other words, precision of knowledge does not make us better than, or smarter than, or superior to the generation that came before us. We are just recipients of a particular grace, and there is no room for personal arrogance as all good things come from God. Besides, a big reason we have access to such a quality education is because of the fierce battles the older generation fought against theological liberalism, neo-orthodoxy, and the like.

Carson also gave some practical pointers for narrowing the gap between generations. First of all, both sides need to listen to criticism without becoming defensive. No one is beyond the scope of learning, and we will regain lost ground if we recognize wisdom when we hear it, even if it comes by way of hostile analysis.

Secondly, both sides should be prepared to honestly evaluate what the church is doing (or not doing) while asking if scripture mandates it. If not, then could it unwittingly be hindering ministry, particularly outreach? Answering this question will bring to light the extent to which tradition has overridden scripture.

Thirdly, give the best attention to that which, according to Paul, is most important—this being the very gospel itself. Though we may belong to different generations, the heralding of the gospel is what has knitted our ministries and hearts together.

Fourthly, build relationships with members of the other generation intentionally. This will require the public support of each other, praying for each other, and spending time with one another. And most of all, it will require grace, understanding, and love for one another.

Carson summed it up nicely: “It means that younger men will listen carefully in order better to understand the past; it means that older men will listen carefully in order better to understand the present. It means humility of mind and heart, and a passion for the glory of God and the good of others.”