Why is evanglical Christanity so "cool" with teens

it reconciles blood and fire with pick and choose. therefore combines 'destiny' with agency'. a neat trick.

collapse of coherent politicised outsider groups for people to 'belong' to. evangelicalism takes the slack

positioning of evangelicism as radical. until last 10-20 years, religion depicted as establishment/status quo, people wanting to escape the yoke of religion for hundreds of years. evangelicisms trick is to posit secularism as the staid, the establishment, the normal, and itself as the radical choice. "its cool to love jesus" etc etc, another neat trick

evangelicalism INVENTED politicised outsider groups (in the english-speaking world, anyway)

but which were simultaneously pseudo-religious and anti- religious from the 50s through to late 70s (secular-focus), now they are de-politicized and overtly religious (but with broader focus, and a chameleon like inclusivity - the trick of agency/destiny somehow combined)

I was an evangelical christian until my late teens and though born and brought up in the faith many of my former christian mates were converts, most of them still devout. Possible reasons:

-Well organised, friendly, inclusive, multi-racial, social scene (espec. attractive to 'outsiders')ie instant access to a supportive social network, few secular equivalents.

-The appeal to idealistic, non-materialistic/spritual values aspirations + total rejection of prevailing secular norms (Gareth is otm here)...i've been there and it is a very powerful kick to believe you have a close and real relationship with the almighty, espec when the world about you seems dark and hostile.

...and not forgetting the evangelicals spend a lot of time and effort recruiting young people. (My brother is a evangelical youth worker in his spare time and takes it very seriously).

i meant in the 17th century gareth: chopped off king's head blah blah

I know far too much about this, from family and friendship connections -- so much in fact that my normal (at least that's how they see themselves) atheist / agnostic friends occasionally assume that I must be religious.

My crude and crass observations and generalisations re: Evangelical Christianity in the UK:

a) it *is* political, and has both left and right wing versions. This can tap in to the alienation of young people from the political process (ie why join the labour party when you can join a church (actually the two are analogous -- permanent leafleting-evangelising, arcane rituals, ready-made social life).

b) it offers a total belief system, providing a point of reassurance. This is where the poor old CofE missed out. As an establishment (ie broad) church they have to be able to discuss doubt, or at least possible alternatives. The new charismatics and schismatics just offer the TRUTH. Something which is out of fashion elsewhere in youth culture, but felt as a pathological need by many.

c) it offers a complete and self-contained social life. Most evangelical churches seem to enclose their members. There is a very heavy emphasis laid on not mixing with, let alone being friends with, non-Christians. I think this echoes the early days of the church, when it was a minority underground sect: the embattled mentality of being not just against mainstream society, but also mainstream religion, ensures a tight bond between the members of the church.

d) It provides a sense of purpose and of mission which most young people may not get from their jobs or school / university work. ie they are jesus soldiers 24 hours 365 days a year.

gareth,

I don't think evangelical Christianity is any more "pick and choose" than Catholicism, though it may appear that way because there isn't the same sort of authoritarian hierarchy issuing edicts. Serious evangelicals are going to feel constrained by their understanding of Biblical teaching just as serious Catholics are going to feel constrained by the authoritative statements of the church. (I suppose you could be right in a sense though: in Catholicism you are provided with a definitive interpretation on any number of issues; whereas in protestantism there is a lot of room for individual interpretation and in places where the Bible sends a mixed messages, there is room for choice. Of course, individual denominations and churches will enforce their own discipline as well, so that you might be excommunicated on the basis of doctrinal deviation even in a Protestant church.)

Anyway, is evangelical Christianity really "cool" with teens?

Many of the attempts by evangelicals to appear radical and so forth seem kind of funny to me. Books with photos of pierced skateboarders: RADICAL FOR THE LORD. That kind of thing. Of course, there is something "radical" in the root sense of the word about Christian teaching. It is extreme.

Anyway, in practice it seems to me that most Catholics are pretty pick and choose about church teachings. I can think of one Catholic friend who went and met with the Pope during some sort of Catholic youth summit, and came back with an obligation to perform a certain number of good deeds; someone who crosses herself and prays when she sees an ambulance; but she is also staunchly pro-Choice and doesn't seem to accept portions of Catholic theology. This is hardly an exception.

Most people in most religions are probably pick and choose! The muslim supervisor I had who used to drink with me on lunch break. . . The Palestinian Muslim who kept a bottle of Arak in his grocery store, but also performed his daily prayers ("My wife and I are liberals"). . .

hard cock or dripping cunt - what would Jesus do?

Evangelical Christianity, in my experience, isn't the least bit pick- and-choose. When you ask a question about "but why is it this way?" the answer is "See this bit in the Bible? It's EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS in the Bible! The truth is EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS in the Bible! No further explanation necessary!" (This one guy did explain that he saw a lot of spirits and he had seen physical resurrection and stuff, but I don't think that's as common.)

I think a lot of kids really don't hate their parents. So if you make religion seem all radical you get your rebellion/teen subculture bits in and you don't get in trouble at all for it. I don't think this is a main motivator but it's a nice bit.

i'm wondering if perhaps this is another uk/us thing? evangelisicm in america as orthodox fundamentalism with a smiley face, in uk as chameleon like catch all, one size fits all. so, the weird agency/destiny combination might not really apply in america in the way it seems to here in england

that could be it. I know nothing about it in the UK.

I forgot to qualify my comments as being about Americkkkan Evangelicalism.

You know very different teenagers from those I see and meet (which, to be fair, is almost none, try as I might...).

anthony, have you ever heard one of those revival-style Dominican preachers really lay it down? it's like listening to M.O.D. or Slayer! those guys are hardcore!

Its obvisouly the Jesus and Me Tshirts. Catholism needs funky clothing wear, I mean the funky scarves priests wear are a start, and bishops and friend get funky hats and staffs but those altar boy outfits dont inspire confidence in a hip church.

altar boys are kept intrigued by what's under the robes