Whatever Happened to Grown-Ups

Every once-and-a-while someone says or writes something that really connects with you. Perhaps it's something you've been pondering for quite a long time, but just couldn't place your finger on the main issues involved...you just didn't know how to analyze it thoughtfully and comprehensively. But then someone comes along and nails it. They're much more articulate and they cover all the material points...far better than you ever could. For me this happens most any time I read Al Mohler.

I've been saying for some time that it seems that many people never quite leave middle school. They never shook off the bickering, hyper-sensitivity, pettiness, (general immaturity), etc., that you would expect when someone becomes an adult. This observation on my part also appears to be something beyond the usual fallout from our sinful nature. It seems more systemic to our day, age, and culture.

Enter Al Mohler. He's been writing over the last few years about our prolonged youth culture (and commenting on others who have also identified this phenomenon). And, of course, he discusses this issue far better than I could ever dream of. Not only does he see the countless ways this problem is playing out in our culture, but he also sees many of its consequences.

In a recent post entitled, Arrested Development and the Civilizational Crisis, he reviews the new book, The Death of the Grown-up, by Diana West. His opening paragraph grabs you right away...

This much is now clear -- Americans are taking a lot longer to grow up. As a matter of fact, this society has developed a period of extended adolescence that is completely without precedent in human history. (click here to read the whole article.)

I wholeheartedly encourage you to read what Mohler has written. He and West have identified an issue that is as obvious as the nose on your face...and is not going away. Personally, I think it explains some (not all) contemporary worship as well as some (not all) of the emergent church. Furthermore, it gives me, as a father, plenty to think and pray about...not to mention to act on.

And while you're thinking about such things, please read these articles that also deal with the same topic...

"Mommy, tell my professor he's not nice!" by Stiles Watson
Boomerang Nation -- What Happens When Kids Don't (or Won't) Grow Up? by Al Mohler
Can You Grow Up, But Not Be a Grown-up? by Al Mohler
Extended Male Adolescence -- The British Version by Al Mohler

Stand Firm,
Dale