A Way Forward?
Is there a way forward? What way will we take? What will be the long-term ramifications? These are questions being asked of denominations today and specifically The United Methodist Church this week at their Special Session of the General Conference. As I research the viability of flourishing denominations in the 21st Century I must consider Vincent Miller’s work Consuming Religion as he addresses the direct implications consumerism is having on today’s religion. He describes the development of the relationship between religion and commodification over time beginning with the culture in general and how consumers are urged to consider products as important to the shaping of their identity and overall well-being and happiness. Objects are also used to define subcultures and group identity. This has direct bearing on how people relate to groups and find a sense of belonging.
Miller shows how the influence of consumerism over time strengthens individualism and has direct bearing on communities of practice:
This fragmentation of traditions does not automatically mean a loss of religion’s prophetic challenge, it does, however, certainly corrode the broad coherence of systems of doctrine, as people pick and choose from the offerings of religious traditions to produce their own synthesis. Thus, believers are less likely to be confronted by the complex interrelations of beliefs, values, and doctrines. In s situation of such fragmentation, it is simply harder to see the political demands of the gospel because people encounter it not as a coherent narrative or system, but as a set of discrete elements of meaning…Particular beliefs survive, but they are less able to inform action.
Miller goes on to describe the challenge for denominations in this regard and why the “non-denominational” church has risen in prominence in recent decades. While we could blame denominational rigidness and institutionalism, we must also give honest attention to Miller’s exposition of history and the effects of consumerism while therapeutic models of religion were taking shape, not inherently wrong in itself, we must look at the long-term effects. Are there correlations in history that we can learn from?
I go back to the special session of the UMC this week as an example. The report of the commission “On a Way Forward” begins by giving historical context and then describes the “key foundational ideas and first on the list, “Our Common Core.” As I read this I wondered how many would even question if this is truly still their “common” core. In our movement our founder is often quoted as using the reference, “In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity.” Early in our history I doubt that any would question what the essentials are, I am not so sure today. I am profoundly respectful of and prayer for the process the UMC is undertaking and I watch with great interest as I continue my research.
Miller provides wise insight for the Church to consider. How might we engage what is, not waste time decrying the effects, and use it wisely for transformation and community without losing our moorings through generations of Church history? The book of Proverbs teaches us to go after wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discernment, and discretion as if they are fine silver, hidden treasure. The opportunities for the Church to be salt and light in today’s culture are limitless and we must heed Jesus’ instructions, “I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
There is a way forward. May we be wise and discerning like the sons of Issachar, they understood the times and knew what Israel should do. God grace the special session of the UMC today and may they hear your voice and may they model the prayer Jesus prayed for His Church, may they be one.
About the Author
Tammy Dunahoo
Tammy is a lover of God, her husband, children and grandchildren. She is the V.P. of U.S. Operations/General Supervisor of The Foursquare Church.9 responses to “A Way Forward?”
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Thanks Tammy. We are indeed in unique times and engagement is challenging. I’m fascinated how everything around our faith changes so fast but we are called to embrace an ancient faith but engage in a new way. Finding that new way without compromise is the key.
Tammy, your research topic is such an interesting one. I have not thought about the relationship between consumerism and the decline of the denomination. In fact, I had not considered the implications of denominations being counter-cultural as they value unity. These are interesting thoughts. In your context, how are you dealing with fragmentation on the “essentials?”
Tammy, what is going on in denominations is interesting. As you said, agreeing on the essentials is what is needed, but how do we determine what is essential? It does seem our consumerism plays some part in that determination. I am glad you have the understanding that prayer is needed to go forward. As we work in this society with all of its problems, more than ever, we have to lean on prayer. Blessings!
The UMC is in a tough spot. People are passionate on both sides and emotions are a bit frayed after years of pushing off these issues. What is essential is radically different on either side, I’m not sure they’re going to find a middle way. But like you I pray they do. My question, is what do they do if they can’t? How do denominations amicably separate in this day in age? Is that really a thing? I pray they don’t have to answer these questions, I fear they will.
Hi Tammy, this is written for a cell phone sorry. Non-denominationalism began here in NZ in he 1970’s in part as a response to the Charismatic Movement. What was spurred was a denominational transfer at rate unseen. Baptist grew exponentially in that time, while the Bretheren and Presbyterian almost disappeared. By the 1990’s, Pentecostal denominations flourished, apparently at the hands of conversion growth, but were generally so unstable few lasted more than a decade, and often the leadership style and ‘man of God’ theology damaged Christian trust among fledgling followers almost irreparably. However, the underlying lie that was constantly told was that non denominational churches were they only growth point and subsequently the way of the future. EmpirIcal date shows otherwise. The whole church nationwide has been in free fall for a number of years, and growth of any one church tends to be from fishing in the same transient Christian pond. When I was a Baptist pastor for 15 years membership was in decline while our congregational numbers were up. The common refrain from new people was, ‘I am not a Baptist, I am a Christian’ so they refused to join the church. The same in the Anglican denomination. Non denominational Christians tired of evangelical leaders with visions that rarely materialised, are looking for connection to the past and not a constant push into the future. They seem to want to rediscover aspect of historic faith rhythms, however the refrain is still the same, ‘I’m not an Anglican’. I’ve come to realise they are actually a new pain in the neck denomination called the, ‘I know what I’m NOT Church’ with the acronym, IKWINC. But unlike other congregations who gather together and know who they are from a long and shared history, they fill them like a virus. They pick and choose what they like and then move on when they’ve had their fill. All the while, the national church is in major decline, while we celebrate the occasional church movement doing well – at the unspoken expense of another. In the UK, the Anglican Church is a state church. The Bishops are Lords, the church is often sought for its views on various social issues etc. yet less than 2% of the English population attend the Anglican Church. Where are they all? Shopping elsewhere in the great Mall of Christianity.
Millers book rings true. What’s the Answer? No idea, but I suspect a renewed discovery of the radical call to life change and worldview shift that is less popular than the consumption and competition model the western church currently sells to its own.
Sorry, that was quite long. Your dissertation will be interesting.
Denominational gatherings are such “fraught” occurrences. The last Presbyterian one ended in a group also called “The Way Forward” being tasked with visioning our future. In the last decade or so we have fractured some and one of the largest/newest groups is called ECO “A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians” which many of the PCUSA folks who didnt like what the main denomination was doing decided to create and join. I too am praying for the UMC.
Thank you Tammy for your great expansive reaction on Miller’s book. I agree with you that we are facing a serious problem as religious communiteies in the midst of consumerism environment. Many denominations are now thriving on prosperity gospel model and this has affected what was looked at as the control of consumerism by the religious groups. But its turned to be everybody for himeslf and God for us all model. No defference between the secularism and religious influence in the communities.
Tammy, Thanks for your perspective and your research. Like you, I like Miller’s approach to recognize the consumer culture is what we swim in (certainly here in the US). Rather than rail against it, we must find contemporary ways to live the gospel and serve our communities. The church needs to recognize this is definitely not the age of either/or but rather both/and. How the church will hold the present and the past in tension is the ongoing challenge. Many thanks for you and your research.
Tammy, Thanks for your perspective and your research. Like you, I like Miller’s approach to recognize the consumer culture is what we swim in (certainly here in the US). Rather than rale against it, we must find contemporary ways to live the gospel and serve our communities. The church needs to recognize this is definitely not the age of either/or but rather both/and. How the church will hold the present and the past in tension is the ongoing challenge. Many thanks for you and your research.