On Rhetoric

Stumbled into a UNH Cru vision-type meeting tonight. (I was told there would be free food, which makes both of my meals today pot-lucks. hashtag winner.)

They passed out a transcript of a speech that John Mott once gave about "Spiritual Awakening in a University."

Here's a paragraph excerpt:

"Is there not an urgent need for a spiritual awakening in the universities of every land represented in this Conference? ...Let us remember how many Christian students there are who, by inconsistent and sinful lives and practices, are dragging the banner of Christ in the dust. Let us reflect on the intense spirit of the world which in so many places is invading the Church... Let us not forget the terrible consequences which will follow if these students are not reached for Christ - the consequences not only to themselves, but also to the cause of Christ, and even to ourselves if we do not seek to win them. As we ponder all these facts deeply and prayerfully, are we not impressed with the great need of a spiritual awakening? "It is time, O Lord, for you to work."

This one paragraph in particular stuck out to me, because it sounds just like a lot of modern church rhetoric. Students need a revival, and there is an "intense spirit of the world" which is "invading the church"... sounds like a lot of things you hear people talk about in churches.
But what is striking to me is that this speech was given in 1898. 114 years ago.

Here are some things that come to my mind:

-Perhaps the Church has not done a very good job in the past 114 years of being influential in the lives of students.
-Perhaps this speech and its language has influenced 4 generations of christian ministry, and we have just been repeating the same words over and over again.

I don't think the former statement is true. I think that the church has and continues to have a tremendous impact in the world, especially on students.
However, I think that there is danger in the words about the "influence of the world invading the church". As soon as you start to read into that, you start to "see" places where the influence of the world has invaded the church. Modern music and production standards come to mind. There's a movement of people who believe that rock music in the church is satanic and surely a "worldly influence".


Here is what I think:
If the only influence on the church is generations of the church's own influence, then that church is operating in a vacuum and has ceased to serve its purpose.

A church in Dover, NH ought to look like Dover, NH.
It should not look like 14th century Europe.


Now it is very likely that Mr. Mott was not speaking about "worship styles", and was instead talking about "christians" living a worldly life. In that case, maybe his words bear repeating. Either way, his speech doesn't sound 114 years old. I think that the church should think more about its rhetoric.