Throughout history, various religious and spiritual traditions have attempted to understand and describe God. Like many, I grew up thinking that God is infinite, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, all while acknowledging that characteristics are difficult for human minds to fully comprehend.

The mystery of God encompasses the questions of God’s existence, nature, purpose, and relationship with the world and humanity. The mystery explores profound questions about the origin and meaning of life, the existence of suffering and evil, the afterlife, and the purpose of human existence.  

My faith emphasizes the importance of faith, humility, and reverence when approaching the mystery of God. I think of a sense of awe and wonder when I think about the divine and acknowledge the limitations of my understanding. There is a mystery about God that invites contemplation while taking a long drive, spiritual exploration when my heart leaps from my chest around my grandchildren, and experiences in my daily life that provide glimpses or intimations of the divine reality—like admiring a beautiful flower and wondering how amazing its creator must be.

Faith is often intertwined with the mystery of God and the exploration of spiritual or religious questions. It is a deeply personal and subjective belief in something beyond empirical evidence or logical proof. Faith involves trust, conviction, and a willingness to accept and embrace the unknown or the unexplainable.

In the context of the mystery of God, faith can play a significant role in one’s relationship with the divine. It is through faith that individuals may find solace, guidance, and a sense of connection to a higher power or transcendent reality. Life is filled with uncertainties and complexities and in the absence of complete understanding or tangible evidence, faith provides the ability to navigate the journey.

Faith can provide a framework for grappling with the mysteries of existence, offering answers or insights that may go beyond rational comprehension. It can be a source of comfort, inspiration, and hope in the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties.

It is important to note that faith is not limited to religious contexts. It can manifest in various aspects of life, such as trusting in the goodness of humanity, having confidence in one’s abilities, or believing in the power of love and compassion. Faith can be a driving force for personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of a more fulfilling life.

However, it is also important to recognize that faith is a deeply personal and individual experience. Different people may have different beliefs, and faith can take on a myriad of forms and expressions. Some individuals may have a strong religious faith, while others may have a more philosophical or spiritual approach to the mysteries of existence. Some may have doubts and wrestle with their faith, while others may find it unwavering and steadfast.

Ultimately, faith is a deeply personal journey, and it is up to each individual to explore and cultivate their own relationship with the mysteries of life and the concept of God. Faith allows individuals to cultivate a sense of meaning, purpose, and a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

¹Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 NRSV)

So there it is—an assurance of something to live by that cannot be touched or seen. Hebrews 11 goes on to illustrate the lives of many heroes of the faith and how their lives were driven by this belief, this faith  that could not be quantified by sight or touch.

For many in an older generations, faith was deeply ingrained in their family and community traditions. We grew up attending religious services, participating in religious ceremonies, and being exposed to religious teachings since we were young. Faith served as a source of moral guidance, providing us with a set of principles to live by helping us navigate life’s challenges or so we hoped. 

I often think about these older generations witnessing significant changes in society, technology, and cultural values in their lifetime. Faith provided this generation with stability, a sense of continuity, and a source of comfort amidst these sometimes scary changes. It provided a sense of community and belonging. 

I fear todays younger generation missing this belonging in something greater than themselves as it grows up in this technological age where faith or a belief in something of a mystery carries no value. Younger generations, like any other generation, are confronted with mysteries that challenge their understanding of the world, but they grapple with their questions about the meaning of life, or the nature of consciousness, or the origins of the universe, or the existence of higher powers, or even the complexities of human relationships, and so much more through the technology they carry around with them daily in their pocket. They walk around carrying a device that has more computing power than the first computers that sent a man to the moon for the first time. There is little need for valuing a mystery when almighty Google has all the answers anyone could ever need or so they might believe. Of course I am generalizing as I know that not all feel this way.

Societal values and norms always evolve over time. Younger generations are more likely to prioritize individualism, personal autonomy, and diverse worldviews. They may seek spirituality or meaning in alternative ways outside of traditional religious institutions. Some younger individuals may be disillusioned with religious institutions due to perceived hypocrisy, scandals, or conflicts with personal values. They may view organized religion as rigid, exclusive, or outdated.

Reaching younger people for the church requires a thoughtful and adaptable strategy that takes into account their unique characteristics, preferences, and needs. Reaching younger people requires an ongoing commitment to understanding their unique perspectives and needs. It’s essential to foster an environment that nurtures their spiritual growth, encourages their involvement, and provides them with a sense of purpose and community within the church.

So it is understandable how an older generation has a hard time reaching a younger generation for Christ. The work is for the Holy Spirit. The church will go on forever, but how the Spirit works this out is a mystery.