One of the mysteries of mankind is our inability or unwillingness to forge a society based on commitment to spiritual/social/family values, values based on both Scripture and high human aspirations. Even a cursory reading of the Proverbs, written by Solomon, inspires the reader with the realization that education, understanding and wisdom ought to be the standard for the family that includes exchanges between father/mother, and children. That ought to lead to personal spiritual and social improvement. The discovery works for both theists and humanists.
Children and parents in conflict appear often in any period in history. Much of the Bible is occupied with the stories of dysfunctional families – even families special with God. Trouble flared up between Adam/Eve and Cain/Abel; Noah apparently held tension with part of his family; and the patriarchs occupied considerable time, settling issues with their children. Some of the children of Samuel were adrift. Absalom and some of his siblings brought sorrow to King David. So history proceeds. We might follow similar stories from eminent families of our own era. Idealists have hoped that there would be social learnings that would create a great and good society through the development of succeeding generations. Scenarios are uneven, difficult to compose.
We create our own barriers. The Great Depression birthed the Silent generation. Media later needled the young for their silence. Following World War II, labels were made more popular for generations, starting with the Boomers. This was followed by the Busters, the Generation Xers, and the most recent, the Millennials. Psychological barriers, like invisible walls, are erected between generations and partly alienate them from each other. Similarly for international affairs when, in 1946, Winston Churchill stated that, an Iron Curtain had fallen between Russia and the West. That curtain became an emblem to help maintain the tension, misunderstandings, and potential for other conflicts for nearly two generations – until the visible Berlin Wall came down. (As this is being edited ten years after I wrote it, some issues remain with competing tensions.)
The Millennials tend to doubt recent generations, creating contrasts more than comparisons, and some general unhappiness. Some of the objectives of the new generation are heartening. The Millennials say they are more interested in avoiding crime; in reducing preoccupation with sexual misadventures; in downplaying drug usage; in seeking prestigious education; in working through teams; in making better marriages than the ones they have seen; in rediscovering the best of some old traditions; in respecting diversity; and the like. As the Millennials set off to college, society waits to see if they will be better oriented than any generation since World War II. Their attitude toward social improvement and their support of the extension of freedom are good. The young are claiming the world. (Ten years since I wrote the above many are now talking of declaring traditional marriage as past its usefulness, and that jobs to wealth will be primary.)
What will happen for Christian youths? Some of what this new generation is doing is impressive. If all is done in servant spirit we may experience return to idealistic family and Christian ministry concepts. In the years ahead, not yet assured in idealism, society may do better than it has under modernization. Studies seem to inform us that there is reduction in application of the counsel of God. At this writing the tilt is toward humanism with some Christian mixture to it. The matter deserves attention and prayer. Consequences need greater consideration. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020