Returning to the Foundations

A seismic shift is taking place in our culture. For decades, many American children grew up immersed in Christian beliefs and practices passed down for generations. But recently, droves of young people have begun questioning, doubting, and even outright rejecting these inherited faith systems.

In response, many Christians feel justifiably concerned. They worry that young people walking away from faith will lead them into lives contrary to God’s will, as well as diminish Christianity’s influence in the culture. However, rather than lamenting this trend, Christians should view it as an opportunity for self-examination and reinforcing core doctrines.

The shaky foundation

The problem is not that young people are expressing doubt concerning certain teachings within Christianity — doubt has always been a companion of sincere faith. The problem arises when churches fail to distinguish essential, foundational truths from secondary beliefs and practices, thus promoting the secondary as if it were as important as the primary. The current trend exposes that many young people feel their churches major on minor issues while minimizing or neglecting the fundamentals, staking eternal importance on a shaky foundation.

For example, heated rhetoric concerning cultural preferences may often eclipse discussion of basic gospel themes like human depravity, grace, and redemption. Preferences concerning worship music, programs, and facility aesthetics sometimes draw more passion than ancient creeds that define the faith. Moralistic therapeutic deism (a view that portrays Christianity as a way to become a better, happier person) has replaced biblical literacy and historic orthodoxy in many circles. Is it any wonder disillusioned young people hit eject on religious belief altogether?

Churches would do well to take a cue from the Protestant Reformers. Amid a corrupt church, the reformers returned to Scripture and reestablished core doctrines such as salvation by grace alone through faith alone. These pivotal truths provided sturdy theological anchors for authentic faith. Likewise, today, grounding young people in foundational gospel truths provides a tether when cultural winds blow and answers the deep longing of their souls.

Building on the bedrock

So, what are these essential, primary beliefs? Though denominations differ on secondary issues, a few fundamental doctrines form the bedrock of the worldwide Christian church.

First is the existence of one eternal, all-powerful God who created and sustains the universe. God established moral order and desires a relationship with human beings. This personal, relational God gives meaning and purpose to human existence.

Second is the fallen nature of humanity. All people possess an innate tendency toward selfishness, pride, and evil. This propensity inevitably leads to harmful behaviors that fracture our relationships with God and others and become the catalysts of the cultural woes we see so often today.

Third is the person and work of Jesus Christ. Fully God and fully human, Jesus lived a perfect life, died sacrificially to atone for human sin, and rose again to defeat death and ensure the resurrection of His people. His life, death, and resurrection offer the sole means of reconciliation with God.

Fourth is the concept of redemption. By God’s grace through faith in Christ’s finished work, sinful people can experience forgiveness and a new spiritual life. The Bible calls this being “born again” into a restored relationship with God.

Finally, there is eternal life. One day Jesus will return to fully eradicate evil and establish God’s kingdom on a restored earth. Those reconciled to God will inhabit this new creation for eternity. Those who reject God’s offer of redemption will be separated from Him forever.

These five pillars undergird the Christian faith. Different denominations may articulate them uniquely, but all orthodox traditions affirm them. Grounding young people in these foundational truths provides solid footing to meet challenges to faith. When these basics are clear, disagreements over secondary issues need not threaten commitment to core beliefs.

In fact, anchored in primary doctrines, Christians gain the freedom to engage thoughtfully with modern critiques. Doubts and tough questions are not dangerous to sincere faith. Properly handled, they become springboards for seeking deeper understanding. The current trends of doubt and even deconstruction become not a threat but an opportunity to reinforce foundations and model mature, thoughtful faith to the next generation.

Hope for the future

What if church leaders took the time to identify foundational gospel truths and clearly teach them? Not as a rote exercise, but as life-orienting principles to internalize and cling to amidst shifting cultural winds. What if parents had meaningful dialogues with their children about core beliefs versus secondary preferences?

Rather than retreat or wring our hands over the rising deconstruction trend, we can engage humbly and thoughtfully, guiding seekers back to spiritual foundations. Simplify and clarify. Foster open discussion about doubts and questions. Demonstrate faith secure enough in primary doctrines to handle disagreement over secondary issues.

The deconstruction trend highlights the need for individual Christians and churches to refocus on foundational truths that comprise the bedrock of the faith. Doing so will provide sturdy theological anchors for the next generation. Tethered to core doctrines, young people gain the freedom to work through doubts without fear of losing their faith altogether. This moment is an opportunity to reinforce the foundations of the church in America.