Gen Z (part 1: some flaws...)

Generation Z: a privileged generation. Or are they? Being apart of such a generation, I have learnt quickly what our generation, in general, stands for. We stand for justice. We stand for our sexuality. We stand for our technological superiority. We stand for rights and freedom. We stand for people. We have capitalistic tendencies (though we hate to admit it). And we don't really stand for Christianity.

And as a Gen Z Christian, I hate saying this.

Many of the podcasts I listened to leading up to writing this article mentioned there has been a decline in the number of people who profess to be Christian in the USA. This is probably coherent in Australia as well as the rest of the Western world. And it sounds scary. However, it becomes much more transparent upon further examination that what they are talking about is "nominal Christianity" - the inherent belief that you are a Christian, even though you may not have accepted the gospel as the means for salvation.

In fact, church attendance remains pretty standard, if not greater. Gen Z is not doomed. However, I think we should examine some of their characteristics and understand some problems that have developed.

1) They seek justice.

From a Christian perspective, this ain't so bad. Seriously, God talks about justice all the time. I mean, we're called to look after the poor, the widowed, the lonely. So there isn't a problem with that. But I think there are some problems that stem from our desire for justice.

1. We forget to respect our elders. Perhaps the most destructive thing about "the next generation" is that it places us at odd with generations past that are still alive today. So many the Gen Z faces that appear on social media, advocating for justice and rights, mock or make out those who are older as fools. Even as a Gen Z, it is infuriating to see other blantantly disregarding and disrespecting older people. Even in our disagreement, we must listen. You might find some wisdom in what they say. (#GretaThunberg)

2. We forget to be tolerant. Shout down the person in society who had their own opinions. If they don't match up with the cultural standard, then they are wrong and should not have a voice. How maddening, to see people offered free speech in many western countries, and be persecuted for what they believe. I see it everywhere. On the news, people have peaceful protests which turn into violent riots. We lose our cool, when we need to be people of peace.

3. As Christians, we so easily place justice in this world over the eternity we look forward to. I just look at Jesus' healing ministry for clarity. Right from the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, he does not place his ministry of healing at great importance. Yes, he cares for the sick and those who are outcast, be he looks not to their flaws but their faith. Their greatest flaw was not being sightless, but sinful. Their withered hand only demonstrated that this world was messed, but praise be to God that there was a Saviour who would cleanse this world from all their sin. Our world is messed up. Fight for justice. But don't forget in the fight that you are firstly fighting for the glory of God, and with the end of hopefully aiding in the salvation of souls as well.

2) They are individualistic (and tech savvy)

The #Youdoyou culture is vibrant amongst the iGen. The believe in self-care, in self-love, in everything self! You really can't escape yourself if you are part of this generation. And, for anyone who has read my "Others vs. Self" article, I am incredibly biased against this mentality.

But who can escape it? With the power of technology and smartphones, we can rule the world...Except we can't. And we turn back to this whole idea shown in the Garden of Eden. We idolise ourselves, we think we can become like God. We think we are so great, don't we?

In our individuality, we forget one thing. You are one of almost 8 billion people in this world. 8 BILLION!! For you to think you are so great is to think that if you were to compare yourself to everyone of those people, you would always be better than the next one in line. Which, if you think for just one second, you would be incredibly stupid to think that. And, the point here is not comparison anyway. I already see it way too much in my own life: "Oh, she's doing that so maybe I should...", "Oh, he has a girlfriend. No one will love me like he loves her...". I wonder, if you had a line of 8 billion people, how much better it would be if instead of comparing yourself, you decided you would put them first and show an interest in their lives. What if you just talked with them?

We have lost interpersonal conversations because of our intense addiction to social media. We have rapidly become individualistic, and lacking care for one another, mostly because the tendency to be selfish was already planted into our sinful hearts.

3) They care about their sexuality.

I suppose nothing can be good when a bunch of hormonal teenagers, already aching for unmarried sex become part of a culture that is hyper-sexualised. It is one of the reasons for the rise of feminism (which isn't always a good thing), where women are objectified. It is one of the reasons for Stripper clubs, for prostitution, for the sex trade, for sexual abuse. There is this incredible drive for more sex.

And it means that people are identifying not with what might have eternal hope, but what has slight physical satisfaction. From what I have heard, sex is a good gift from God. But it is not truly satisfying. To think that we will be completed by such an act is a serious mistake.

And then to think that our sexuality - a loaded word, in and of itself - is a way to identify is a crazy mistake. Fifty years ago, if I told people "Hi, my name is Aynsley Vivian and I am straight" they would have looked at me weirdly. In fact, people still would, but couldn't judge, could they? I mean, if you identified as homosexual and someone judged, they would probably be shot down.

In Conclusion:

To be honest, the point of this post was to simply point out some of the flaws that exist in our generation. You may be reading this and pretty much relate to each of the points in your own life. But there is something I think we all should notice before we throw in the towel and regret being apart of this generation - especially as giving up/procrastinating is another generational flaw.

All generation struggle with the same sin across time and place since the fall. The fact is, it materialises in different ways. Sure, generations previous may not have had all the technological privileges we do, but every individual has struggled with selfishness. Sure, illicit sex has not always been plainly obvious on billboards, but men and women in past have still struggled with porn, and prostitution, and lust. And every generation has blamed the previous generation. In fact, I would dare to believe that after forty years in the desert, the later generation blamed the forefathers for their sins, and the injustice of it all.

So where can we find hope? Well, you'll find out in part two. But for now know this: We live in a sinful world that will be changed by the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of his return. Every individual messes up. But if you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you can be assured that you have been adopted into a perfect, eternal generation.

Look around to your brothers and sisters, they are also a part of your eternal generation.

References:

1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/marymeehan/2016/08/11/the-next-generation-what-matters-to-gen-we/#202cc55d7350

2. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/generation-z-social-justice-prioritize-gospel/

3. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/meet-generation-z/

4. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-challenges-and-3-opportunities-for-discipling-generation-z-college-students/