Evangelicalism has done poor job of transferring the Christian faith to the millennial generation. Rather than a robust theology that stands up under fire, many who grew up in youth groups throughout the 80s and 90s developed a fun and flimsy sentimental kind of faith. Church was a place you went to play games, sing sappy songs, and tie on a Bible lesson at the end (and yes, I know that not every church was that way, but the exceptions prove the rule).
On top of that, nominal Christianity has utterly failed to produce on any kind of promise. The marriage success rate for those who are actively engaged in the church continues to be stronger than for those who are outside of the church. But, notice that the deciding factor is not those who identify as “Christian” but those who live as “Christian” within an active faith community. Many kids grew up in homes that identified as “Christian” but saw their families fall apart. Even within the church we have not seen marriage rise to the level where it should be. Those things, like the family, that were supposed to be pillars of the Christian faith have crumbled and with it faith in the ability of the Christian religion to fulfill on its promises.
As a result, there is a whole generation of young people who have no interest in the logical arguments for Christianity. It is not only the church’s fault, the fault also lies in the postmodern move of society that questions all authority and rejects most truth claims. Any kind of religious dogma is perceived to be hateful, not hopeful.
Into this context many traditional apologetics arguments fail. They do not fail because the arguments are not persuasive, they fail because many people with whom you will share your faith today are not interested in your arguments. Logic does not rule the day, actions and emotions reign supreme. A well-reasoned faith that does not change the world does not appeal.
The strongest apologetic in the twenty-first century is not a carefully reasoned argument (though I encourage you to develop those arguments). The strongest apologetic is a life well-lived for Christ and neighbor.
In truth, many non-beleivers are uninterested in Christianity because they have not met many Christians that look much like Jesus. Jesus had an attractive personality. People thronged to him and he offered them hope, life, and a listening ear.
The best defense of your faith is to live out your faith. The New Testament urges us to live lives that leave no room for the attacks of our enemies (Titus 2:8, 1 Peter 2:12). If you do not share the gospel, you have not evangelized. But, you may often discover that you must first earn the right to be heard.
The nominal Christians of the millennial generation and those who have walked away from the faith completely long for more than sappy songs and emotional engagement. They want to see a Christianity that matters, not just for games once a week, they need a faith that transforms lives.
You may discover that you need to defend your faith less when people discover that it matters more.
