Let's Talk about This. Seriously!

[mizpeh]

It's a sad commentary that the young and the old are on the same team but can't seem to love each other enough to work together to come to a common understanding or at least a respectful tolerance of each others views.

[Withdrawn]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

It's a sad commentary that the young and the old are on the same team but can't seem to love each other enough to work together to come to a common understanding or at least a respectful tolerance of each others views.

This might sound like I'm painting with a broad brush, so let me preface this by saying:

This has been MY EXPERIENCE, and is not necessarily representative of the Oneness Apostolic movement as a whole.

The young are taught to respect the elders. This is a biblical concept and certainly is worthy of admonition.

There is no such biblical admonition for the elders, aside from "provoke not your children unto wrath..."

Most younger folks, though they can often be cocky, typically honor and respect the elders - especially the elder ministry in the church. The same can RARELY be said going the opposite direction.

Again... in my experience... the elder generations have typically only been critical of the younger generations as lazy, compromising, unholy, etc. And when any questions are asked, the harsh response is returned that they are rebellious (might as well buy a broom, 'cause you're a witch) and borderline backslidden. The older generation usually seems to be enraptured in a sense of entitlement - entitled to be judgmental, entitled to be harsh and rude, entitled to be grumpy for grumpiness' sake - with little to no respect shown to the younger generations. And while there is no literal biblical admonition to do so, it would certainly be more productive to be kind and respectful. Wise words tempered with kindness and love are more easily digested whether they are positive or negative. Sis. Alvear and Sis. Falla are glowing examples of this.

I think it comes down to power. Those in power want to hold onto it and view any challenge or question as an attempt to wrest that power away. Thus, no succession plan is in place and our younger generation becomes alienated or apathetic.

Something to think about...