Thich Nhat Hanh, renowned Buddhist monk and author, wrote, “Religion must serve humanity, not humanity religion.” In light of the mounting complaints by religions across the board that young people are no longer participating in their family’s faith path, I believe we must look at who faith paths are serving.
One point of contention with many young people is that their religions, regardless of denomination or belief system, no longer offer them something to hang onto each week. Perhaps the antiquated readings, music and rituals have ceased to inspire people who have grown up with technology and instant media. I know that, as a teenager, I was not interested in my childhood religion until Folk Masses became popular after the Second Vatican Council. There was something about singing folk songs and having the service in English that made it more powerful for me.
As my connection to the Divine developed, however, I began to see that what was preached was not being practiced. When the teenage friends of my daughters were shunned because they were not Catholic or because they had come out, I could no longer worship in the church that I had grown up in.
I was not alone. Many of my fellow baby boomers have changed direction. Some became Buddhist or Protestant or began practicing a nature-centered faith path. Some stopped believing in anything specific, while others believe in a Divine presence but not in organized faiths.
Part of my reason for becoming an Interfaith Minister was to help people reconnect with the Divine. Personally, I feel a closeness to Jesus. I am a practicing Congregationalist. But I can see and accept, as Jesus did, that people come from different places, beliefs and traditions. If they live in peace and lovingkindness with the world, then they are practicing the same beliefs that Jesus taught two thousand years ago, even if they know nothing about him.
The young people today want to help bring peace to the world. They want to live in harmony with others. They want to be able to feel that somehow what they do makes a difference. This is what we need to give them: purpose!
Providing young people (13 to 20 and up) with reasons to gather, to enjoy their communities, to learn in a way that is filled with joy and discovery, not guilt and damnation, will, I believe, go a long way to increasing the numbers in the faith communities. Also, parental involvement is key, which means giving parents a way to feel included, to learn, to discover and question without fear of reprisal.
As John Lennon wrote in “Imagine,” I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I can imagine communities that come together to feed each other, to enjoy our beautiful world and to teach the children how precious they are just the way they are.
While I understand the desire to maintain traditions and beautiful Houses of Worship, we need to remember that many of them were built hundreds of years ago, if not longer. The buildings are simply that … buildings. If what is inside no longer makes people feel comfortable, welcomed or inspired, then we need to make changes. After all, change is the only constant in life.
Here in New England, straight-backed pews and wooden kneelers may have worked for our ancestors, but today, many elders no longer come to services because sitting through a service causes them extreme pain. In addition, the lighting is dim and the acoustics aren’t much better unless someone yells into the mic.
Some places of worship have worked to change this with cushions and new lights, amplifiers, and other modifications, but if the community within the walls is not of one heart and mind — that of the Divine Love — all the updates make little difference.
The elders of faith communities have a great opportunity to become role models for the younger generations. We need to open our hearts and minds to children and grandchildren. We need to see the good they are doing and celebrate it, rather than condemn them for not “following the rules.”
One thing I learned in my studies for my doctorate was that all faith paths have the same primary rule, which is to love the Divine, ourselves and each other. There is no mention of “only if.” Divine Love is unconditional, which is what every Holy Person in history exemplified in their lives.
When we truly stop judging the young for their tattoos, piercings, music, political affiliations, and how they see themselves, then we will see the Divine Light shine within them. The result, I believe, will be full and active memberships in faith paths. Members may not fill the buildings each week, but they will create loving communities that draw people from all walks of life together in peace. This is how “religion serves humanity.”
Rev. Dr. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas is an ordained interfaith minister. She often fills the pulpit in local churches. She maintains an international, online ministry through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/revlindaneas.) Rev. Linda lives in the South Deerfield with her beloved, Roger, in their “Enchanted Cottage.”