Is Our Spirituality Outdated?

On the Crisis of Fatigue and the Yearning for an Upgraded Spirituality

Since returning from vacation, I have met several individuals who are all grappling with a common issue: fatigue. However, it's not the type of tiredness that is solved by sleep; rather, it's a weariness akin to that of an old dog. They’re haunted by memories of once being able to cope, thrive, and find joy in their lives, but now it all feels overwhelming. Everything seems to be too much—too many kid’s activities, too many unforeseen expenses, too many work demands, and endless to-do lists. Meanwhile, time, money, satisfaction, and peace always seem to be in short supply.

This relentless cycle leaves them burnt out, frustrated, and teetering on the edge of giving up. One person said to me, “I’ve cried out of nowhere more in the last 2 years than the rest of my life.” What has caused this collective exhaustion? I don't ask this question as an outsider; I am intimately familiar with the pervasive sense of despair that hangs in the air, like smoke drifting down from Canada.

I'm no mental health expert, I am a pastor. A pastor interested in the old ways of ministry that focused on helping down a Christ-centered path that leads to flourishing. This has caused me to see things through that ancient lens.

I’ve noticed that our spirituality has not kept pace with technological advancements and cultural shifts. Our spiritual practices and beliefs seem to be those that were powerfully effective in the previous century, and while we appreciate their significance, they are akin to an old car ill-equipped for a cross-country road trip. They have served their purpose, and it's time to update them to a more intelligent and timely spirituality.

When I mention spirituality, I am particularly interested in Christian spirituality, which encompasses the developmental process that strengthens our inner lives by drawing us into deeper with God, through Jesus Christ, by the Spirit’s power.

To shape Christians into Christlike individuals, certain practices — individual and corporate — have always been needed. And throughout the ages faithful pastors and other Christian leaders have developed practices that were suited for the times. For instance, at one point in time there was no Book of Common Prayer. It was developed to meet a need, and has successfully helped shape the lives of millions of Christians.

I’m suggesting that we’re wanting for that same kind of intelligent and courageous pastoral curiosity that leads to an analysis of where people are, and produces new Christ-centered practices that help people flourish in their time.

"What the heck are you talking about, Meshach?!”

Consider this: individuals from the previous century did not require a spirituality tailored for a world with cell phones. They didn't need to learn how to establish healthy boundaries to balance accessibility and solitude. They didn't require a spirituality addressing the blessings and curses of social media on the world. Nor did they need a spirituality that confronted the overwhelming information bombardment faced by children today.

However, we do need it. Desperately.

We require wise individuals to observe our decline and propose disciplines, both communal and individual, that will enable us to flourish. We don't merely want to survive; we long to flourish, we were made to flourish. And much of the angst that we’re experiencing is that of an eagle who has known soaring, but is now being kept from doing so.

This may come across as a frustrated outburst from my soul. I not only desire to engage in practices that lead to flourishing personally, but I also want to assist others in doing the same. I aspire to lead a life worth living and guide others on the same path. Yet, I still grapple with the notion that the Church insists on taking that old car on long road trips.

Kenda Creasy Dean made a thought-provoking observation about young people:

"Adolescents are searching for a God who can shake their souls, awaken their hearts, and change the world. If they don't find that God within the Christian church, they will undoubtedly settle for lesser gods elsewhere. Youth seek something profound from the church. Unfortunately, most of the time, all we offer them is pizza." - Kenda Creasy Dean, The Godbearing Life.

I believe the same holds true for all of us. People are inherently driven by their inner lives, and when they sense that their inner being is withering, they will seek out alternative sources for solutions, even if they ultimately prove hollow.

Sigh.

We’ve had a lot of revolutions: industrial, artistic, dot coms, and many more that have moved society forward. I hope the next one, for all of our sakes, is a revolution of character that creates people with a spirituality suitable for our times.

May God awaken us to the need and provide the wisdom and discernment to do what he is calling for. Even if it means abandoning what is comfortable.