MU 301 – Christ Alone in a Coexist World

The Road to Coexist“Back in the Day”– “In God We Trust”– Patriotic

60’s– Peace– Don’t trust the “man”

Today– Mother Earth– Equality

Sit Down vs. Buffet

Buffet AppealVarietyPick what you likeEconomicalNo limitsNo absolutes

“It’s All Relative.”

“Truth is relative.”

Whether you are Muslim or Christian, you will attain your believed outcome.

The Concept:One God, many paths to reaching him.

“It’s All Relative.”The Bible says there is one truth.

Open to John 14:6.

Christ is the way, the truth and the life – the only way to heaven –

The one who has removed our sins.

How do we share “Christ Alone” in a Coexist world?

How?

Relate to your audience.

To discover how,learn who they are first.

How?“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

CATEGORIES BUILDERS1925-1945

BOOMERS 1946-1960

Gen X1961-1980

Gen Y1981-2001

Characteristics Hard workersSaversPatrioticLoyal to institutionsPrivateDependable

EducatedDesire qualityIndependentCause-orientedFitness consciousGroomed to explore inner world

Neglected by parentsLoyal to relationshipsSerious about lifeSelf-reliantSkepticalHighly spiritualSurvivors“MTV Generation”

Cherished by parents“Decade of the Child”Groomed to achieve and excelEntrepreneurial hard workers who thrive on flexibilityFunLaw abidingSocially consciousEducated mindedHigh volunteerism

The Generational Plate

CATEGORIES BUILDERS1925-1945

BOOMERS 1946-1960

Gen X1961-1980

Gen Y1981-2001

Religious characteristics

Committed to church Enjoy Bible study Loyal to denominations Worship in reference

Committed to relationships Want to belong Supportive of people Want experiences with faith

Committed to family Local causes Short attention span Denominations not important Want faith that meets needs Want less structure

Committed to family Biblically illiterate Spiritually hungry Multiple expressions of worship Faith is something Judge not so no one will judge you Highly tolerant and open

Reflection/DiscussionHow can understanding generations help

open doors to– relationships?–dialogue?– faith sharing?

The Stoop

Modern:– Facts, absolute truths– Biblical, cultural

standards– Fixed sexual roles and

identity– Right and wrong is

standard– Creeds– Unity– Christ alone

Postmodern:– Assumptions, no

absolutes– Create your own values– Choose your own sexual

identity– Right and wrong is

agreed– Stories– Diversity– Other gods

Modern Postmodern

Authority

The “Man”

Every man

The Net

Modern Religious BeliefsSeparateIdentifiableAbsolutes

Pick and ChooseRelative “Absolutes”Every belief equalNo Loyalty

Postmodern Religious Beliefs

Pick Your Own Religion – 1990 - 2008Religious Tradition 1990 2008 Increase/Decrease

Mainline Christian 32,784,000 29,375,000 - 3,409,000

Baptist 33,964,000 36,148,000 - 2,184,000

Generic Christian 25,980,000 32,441,000 + 6,461,000

Christian Unspecified 8,073,000 16,834,000 + 8,761,000

Non-Denom. Christian 194,000 8,032,000 + 7,838,000

Mormon 2,487,000 3,158,000 + 671,000

Jewish 3,137,000 2,680,000 - 457,000

Eastern Religions 687,000 1,961,000 + 1,274,000

Buddhist 404,000 1,189,000 + 735,000

Muslim 527,000 1,349,000 + 822,000

No Religion 14,331,000 34,169,000 + 19,838,000

Agnostic/Atheist 1,188,000 3,556,000 + 2,368,000

American Religious Identification Survey

Reflection/DiscussionHow can understanding

Postmodern culture help open doors to:– Relationships– Dialogue– Faith sharing

ConnectionsListen for valuesClarifyAsk to hear their storyPermission to share yours

Listen For Values“Family”“Success”“Work”“Home”“History”“Religion”

Their Story“Will you share. . .”“May I hear. . .”“Is it OK if I ask. . .”

Your Story“Do you mind if I share. . .”“May I share with you. . .”“Is it OK if I share. . .”

PracticePick an event important in your life.Find another person.Ask permission to hear their story.Listen for value words.Ask permission to share your story.Appeal to their values.

RememberConnections take time.Seek permission.Listen actively.Follow-through.

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