GenX Religion by Flory Richard W.;Miller Donald E.;

Author:Flory, Richard W.;Miller, Donald E.;
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 1195750
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group

Summary

Establishing a firm belief system and coupling that with an interpersonal, organizational structure of accountability and authority has been successful for the LACC in maintaining religious identity, at least over short periods of time.22 Accepting that belief as a lifestyle allows the authority of that system to be transferred onto other socially constructed definitions of morality, values, behavior codes, and even ethnicity. Remarkably, the LACC has been very successful in constructing a community that can agree, more than many religious and even secular organizations, on not just the idea but the reality of an ethnically integrated community. The strict religious standards in everyday life coupled with the ethnic integration of the LACC combine to strengthen the disciples’ overall perception of a unified community, upholding equal standards and expectations of accountability. Even the popular culture that lamentably plagues society’s values and morals has been harnessed and appropriated as a tool to reinforce religious identity and help spread the LACC’s message. KNN reveals the perceived similarity of religious identity among disciples throughout the Kingdom. But this entire process of identification refers to difference as much as it refers to similarity. Therefore, the same strict behavioral codes and constant reminders about the unique integration of the movement that establish the perception of similarity also reinforce the idea that disciples are different from other churches and the rest of the world. The reason for the similarities is the same as the reason for the differences. Disciples believe they comprise the one true church of God’s modern-day movement.

The LACC raises complex questions about religious identity and community, race and ethnicity, and the trend toward adapting popular cultural forms for religious ends. This is especially pertinent for those of us trying to decipher the ways in which Generation X conceptualizes religion. My experience with disciples suggests that the wholesale apathy and skepticism often seen as characteristic of this generation are actually more tactically directed at specific forms of failed social organization than at overarching religious or moral principles. The strict organizational style and accountability in the LACC has satisfied many converts’ expectations that what is preached is what is practiced. This correlation between ideals and action is important to satisfy many GenX disciples’ suspicions regarding religion—but the divide between religion and daily living is often erased. At least for many disciples, any overarching belief system that intends to religiously or morally shape their daily lives must challenge, incorporate, or relate to all aspects of these lives, from the songs they hear to the ethnically diverse streets they walk and even to the coffeeshops where they buy their lattes. As disciples of the LACC show, some members of Generation X have not turned away from the most basic principles of religious faith. However, their devotion comes only after a skeptical study of the ways in which religion is organized and implemented to satisfy their doubts, relate to their experiences, and ensure their perceived salvation.

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