What does it mean to practice faith in a secular age? On today’s episode we explore this question with Dr. Andrew Root, a leading scholar in youth ministry and practical theology. Joining host Paul Brandes and Gabe Coyle, Andy delves into the profound cultural shifts in modern spirituality, influenced by philosopher Charles Taylor’s concept of the secular age. Discover how today's belief systems are more fragile and contested, leading people to seek meaning through personal quests. Andy shares insights from his initiatives, like a unique photography and poetry project, and offers thoughts on re-personalizing the world through sacramental reality and community. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on maintaining faith amidst modern challenges and finding divine encounters in everyday interactions. 

Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations.  His most recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline (Baker, 2022), The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018).

"Having someone just journey with you in suffering and in joy, I do think brings something like enchantment back. At the very least, it becomes a place, I think, where God moves."

"Let's continue to pray for your children's children. I mean, there's there's a long view here, I think, that we that we lose inside of this kinda secular age, that we become very tunnel vision because there isn't any meaning out there other than the meaning we make for ourself."
— Dr. Andrew Root

"If god isn't actually moving, if god doesn't take what is dead and bring life out of it, if god isn't coming near to us, then it all is kinda, you know, kinda pointless."

1. Understanding the Secular Age: Andy Root elaborates on the concept of the secular age, as influenced by Charles Taylor's work. The secular age is not merely about declining church attendance but a profound shift in how people conceptualize their beliefs. In this era, belief systems are more fragile and contested, prompting individuals to realize they could hold different beliefs and still coexist with varying viewpoints.

2. Navigating Modern Spirituality and Fragilization: Root discusses the cultural shifts that have led people to find meaning through non-traditional spiritual quests, such as intense involvement in fitness regimes or digital experiences. He emphasizes the importance of addressing "fragilization," where both believers and non-believers experience moments of existential doubt. During these moments, churches and pastors should guide individuals to seek meaning and God, employing classic Christian practices like prayer to navigate this secular age.

3. Re-personalization Over Re-enchantment: Root questions the possibility of re-enchanting the modern world but suggests an alternative approach — re-personalization. By fostering personal relationships, communal care, and sacramental practices, individuals can experience a deeper sense of meaning and presence of the divine. This concept is exemplified by initiatives like the 'Peel Project,' which focuses on personal encounters and mutual recognition to counteract superficial cultural trends like selfie culture.

A Secular Age - Charles Taylor
The Ethics of Authenticity - Charles Taylor
How (Not) To Be Secular - James K.A. Smith

The Deepest Belonging - Kara K. Root

The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need a God 

00:00 Introduction

05:17 Expanded ministry focus resulted in a six-volume series.

09:33 Americans lie about the church; secular beliefs are fragile.

12:15 Secular age offers varied spiritual paths nowadays.

14:39 Where is God in moments of brokenness?

19:09 Classic Christian practices help counter modern life burnout.

21:56 Ministries must embrace prayer, despite uncertain outcomes.

25:31 We often rationalize events with secular imagination.

27:35 Can we re-enchant the world or not?

33:06 Analyzing culture's role for Christian college students.

33:59 Recommend deeper resources for thoughtful church readers.

38:02 Regrets not pursuing stand-up comedy sooner.

41:20 Undersell introductions for better audience reactions.

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