Some cultural thoughts I am trying to figure out...

As I sat talking with other youth leaders today at the Baptist Conference, I had some thoughts:

-The church has for the most part been taking the seeker sensitive approach. Willow Creek made it popular. It consists of us not saying things that are so strong that the unchurched would be offended and not return. This may include hell, depravity and the like. (edit- I'm not singling out Willow nor do I believe they are a non-hell church. I'm talking broadly about the seeker sensitive approach that has been taken advantage of in some churches.)
One cultural development this past year was the Blasphemy Challenge, where students proudly video themselves denying the existence of the Holy Spirit. Many of them were proud of their declaration. With this kind of attitude growing in our world...can soft Christianity have any effect anymore? Shouldn't we be even stronger and bolder in our beliefs instead of softening that which we believe to be true so no one will be offended?

-We talked about service orders having to constantly be mixed up to keep kids from tuning out. Several other things were mentioned and I keep thinking to myself- this is the Ipod generation. Everyone customizes their music to their tastes. When they get tired of it, they switch to something else. I've seen this attitude reflected in religious beliefs and teaching methods. People are customizing their theology, their worship experiences, even the way we do services. The most effective churches are the ones that have adjusted to this mentality. At the same time...how long can that last? Is it entertaining or creating heart change?

-I am convinced that we are moving closer and closer to the post-Christian era in the US. Atheism is becoming trendy. Bashing conservatives and Christians is an everyday occurance. It is showing in our students when they graduate from the faith. It's showing as they accept cafeteria religions or accept other non-Christian religions as a way to God.