Young Christians: pressing social concerns that benefit the common good

Excerpt from:

A Third Way for the 'Christian Nation' Debate

Gabe Lyons

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Author, The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America
October 26 2010


In the last three years, I've conducted hundreds of interviews and focus groups with the next generation of Christian leaders and found a new view that threads the needle between the left and the right. 

Rather than view America's founding as either wholly secular or sacred, many claim to believe that we are a country influenced by Christian ideas. On the one hand, they recognize that many early patriots and politicians were deeply influenced by their faith. No doubt such influence can readily be seen in the many American icons and traditions where God is acknowledged. 

On the other hand, they are quick to point out that being influenced by such ideas does not equal the establishment of a Christian state....


........According to a 2009 Newsweek poll, the number of people who consider the United States a "Christian nation" has fallen nine points in the last five years, seven points in the last year alone. Public sentiments in this debate are shifting, and the next generation of Christians is too -- albeit to a new paradigm. 

Those who champion this third way often express that religious freedom for those outside of Christianity must be a priority. Many of our national architects were undoubtedly people of faith, but they also carefully sewed a spirit of religious toleration into the fabric of our land. ...


........ young Christians who accept this third way see our current pluralistic setting as well within the founder's vision. In a favorite passage of the Bible among young Christians, Jesus reminds us that one of the greatest commandments it to "love your neighbor as yourself." They recognize this still applies when your neighbor isn't Christian and never will be. 

Indeed, rather than being engaged in a divisive cultural war in the hopes of turning back time, they're engaged in pressing social concerns that benefit the common good -- not just the Christian good. Reaching out to all doesn't threaten Christianity, rather it creates the type of relationships, perspectives and dialogues that reinvigorate and renew their commitment to faith.