It used to be okay to discuss matters of significant, even ultimate, consequence. It was even encouraged. People in all stages of life would ardently defend their beliefs about Truth. People sharpened one another with argument. Though they may have had hobbies and individual interests, these were secondary to topics of real concern.
Postmodern relativism and tolerance have turned this upside down. Now, it is acceptable, even encouraged, to hold strong positions about inconsequential matters. People now become animated over the best football team, American Idol performer, or television show. Men cry when their favorite soccer team loses, but they lose little sleep over matters of eternal consequence. At a marriage conference this weekend, one of the speakers told us that when the Packers lose, the incidence of domestic violence increases markedly in Green Bay.
But people do not discuss issues of eternal consequence, at least not in any truly thoughtful matter. When unbelievers are challenged to examine Christianity, they show a feigned indifference or outright discomfort, trying to figure out the quickest way to stop discussing religion. GK Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." I would take it a step further in today's society. Christianity has not even been found because people are not looking for it. To quote another British thinker, Winston Churchill said, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened."
I find this trend curious. It will not ultimately matter in 100 years who wins the next presidential election, who wins American Idol, or which team wins the World Series this year. The question posed by Jesus, "who do you say that I am?" (potentially--I say potentially for the sake of this argument) has eternal significance.
Isn't it worth at least exploring?
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