It is not surprising that the influence of Christianity is diminishing. Church attendance, ministries, belief in God, prayer, and Bible studies are also on the decline to the point that we now have a truly “post-Christian” generation. Those born between 1999 and 2018 do not have a religious identity. It does not mean that they are not drawn to spiritual things, just not the Holy spiritual. They identify as an atheist (13% vs. 6% of all adults).  They embrace opinions like, “Many religions can lead to eternal life; there is no one true religion. What is true for you is not true for me.”

“According to D. A. Carson, ‘tolerance” has changed from accepting that lots of people have different views, some of which are wrong, to agreeing that all views are equally true.'”

What difference does this make? The old view of tolerance says that truth can be known and that disagreements, dialogues, and debate will allow everyone an opportunity to learn, grow, change, and possibly arrive together at the truth. The new definition of tolerance is that no truth can be known, there are no spiritual or moral absolutes, and there is never a need for debate because everyone is always right. Anyone who disagrees with them is intolerant and judgmental.

All this leads us to the modern world’s highest virtue, which is “agreeability.”  When a person’s value or power is threatened by disagreement or debate, their response is to gather a mob and throw stones. This behavior is insane. Total conformity will never happen to human beings who have been created in the image of God to think, reason, and make choices. We are all born with a conscience. 

For more on this topic get Josh McDowells book “The New Tolerance”; How a cultural movement threatens to destroy you, your faith, and your children or The Beauty of Intolerance: Setting a Generation Free to Know Truth and Love  

The good news about this generation is that the majority of this generation wants to know God; if there is one. They want their lives to matter, and they (75%) want mentoring. The key to breaking through with this generation is to develop non-confrontational relationships with them. Know what you believe and be open to answering a question about God or some other topic of the Christian faith. Interestingly, they want to know about science and how it matches up with the truth of the Bible.

“…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

If you are dealing with people who are embracing this new tolerance, we strongly encourage you to go to our website and purchase the Unanswered: Smoke, Mirrors, and God small group curriculum that includes one book, one study guide, and a video DVD. This study was written for the Millennial generation of those who are looking for answers as to Who am I?, What is my purpose?, Why is there such a mess in the world?, What hope do I have? And What happens when I die?

Please contact our office, and we would be happy to answer any questions you might have about how to communicate your faith better and give hope to those who have none.

I am thankful for all of you who are faithful to our ministry. Because of your prayers, offers to help out in our office and your financial support, we can continue reaching hundreds of students every year. Please keep praying and giving to us in any way you can. You are making a huge difference in our ministry. Every dollar we raise makes a difference. Please join us in this effort.  Click here to donate.

“…so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16)”
Thank you so much.

Blessings and much love!
Nancy