a/k

What can I contribute?

I'm Art, a 17 year old white/Asian kid in middle class America.

"What new insight", you say, "Can this Art guy contribute to the already clogged and not-so-artful blogosphere of theology and philosophy?"

I've been asking myself the same question.

Maybe nothing.

I realize many of the questions I ask have already been chewed over for centuries. I realize much of the vision I have for church, state and life is largely owed to the work of much wiser [and older] women and men. I realize the path my "why's" have taken me has not been a unique nor un-traveled path. I realize there are other 17 year olds with more wisdom and less of an ego than me. I realize many readers will think me immature for the feelings that dare to spill themselves in expression on an online weblog.

In the face of all that, I do feel that I am in a unique position to dream big and perhaps make a difference in my world.

Why? A few reasons.

• I try to speak for the seeking youth of America. We've been influenced by post-modern thought, sure, and are frustrated with Orthodox Christianity; nevertheless, oftentimes we are more incensed by the hypocrisy of orthodox leaders than the deep religious symbols and liturgy that have made worship service a deeply historical and special time. Please focus more on community than trying to cater to uncool individualistic pursuits and shallow "contemporary" worship and religion. We'll listen to secular music, thanks anyway; use your talents to work harder to connect with the younger generation rather than copycatting better musicians.
• I've been raised with a nonconformist mindset. My unique position as a teen within a church institution that has closer connection to the Old Order Amish than Mennonite Church USA has led to a mindset that "I am different, and not ashamed". For better or for worse, that attitude may spill into my writing from time to time.
• I have a unique outlook on the current church situation. Growing up in a church where ecumenical dialogue was discouraged, where conservativeness was essential for all areas of life, and where Anabaptism meant a systematic theology and plain way of life, I tend to view American churches just a tad differently than some people.

Dare to dream with me (if it's too hard to remember back when you were 17, or you think certain Asian people should shut up and stop questioning and just grow up, then just go ahead and hit the exit button and don't bother checking back).

The journey through the golden arch of "now" is only just beginning for me and everyone else. The future is full steam ahead.