Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Torpor and Indifference

6/17/2013

0 Comments

 
I recently had the privilege of having an in-depth conversation with someone about specific endeavors within the Church to evangelize more effectively.  In the process of our conversation we watched some video clips of new material available to parish communities.  I was particularly struck by a comment made in one of the clips as the individual speaking referred to the "inertia of the Church".  I have often heard words such as apathy, indifference, and complacency used to describe the life of the Church, but I couldn't recall a time when I heard the word inertia used.  It was somewhat sad for me to have another word added to the vocabulary list of negative descriptions to describe the life of the Church.

I did some research on the internet and found the word inertia connected closely to the word torpor.  A search on the word torpor revealed the following quote.

"We find the most terrible form of atheism, not in the militant and passionate struggle against the idea of God himself, but in the practical atheism of everyday living, in indifference and torpor. We often encounter these forms of atheism among those who are formally Christians." 
~Nicolai A. Berdyaev

Inertia, torpor, and indifference aren't new struggles within the Church.  These elements have been around for a long time.  The question becomes, "Are we going to be content with having these elements firmly entrenched within our faith communities without trying to do something to lessen the detrimental effects of living this way?"  In searching for some insights in regard to this topic, I began reading a book entitled, A Faith Interrupted by Alice L. Camille & Joel Schorn.  It didn't take long for the authors to address these topics in a very direct way.  They summed it up by using the word mediocrity.  On page 10 of the book the authors stated:

"With a deep sigh, we admit that the church displays its share of mediocrity (or worse) in local celebrations of Mass and the sacraments and in preaching most of all.  Those who come to the church looking for spiritual nourishment or moral guidance have sometimes been simply bored to tears by an indifferent and passionless ritual.  Some of what passes for religious instruction may also be badly led, poorly explained, or barely funded.  Adult religious education is often nonexistent."

Since I am a member of the clergy and have a leadership position in the Church, this stinging critique certainly gives me plenty to ponder. It wasn't that any of this was news to me, but seeing it in print and stated so succinctly made the point hit home quite effectively.  As I attempt to put this statement in proper context, I recognize that society and culture have changed significantly in the last 50 years.  In many ways people have dismissed, replaced, or ignored the norms and mores that were firmly in place for generations.  However, I do not believe that we can subsequently throw up our hands in despair and allow the Church to be an irrelevant institution in our midst.  Indeed, quite the contrary, it calls us to a renewed awakening of the power of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives and in the life of the Church.  This renewal isn't just for the clergy and leadership; it is for all of us.  How do we resurrect an internal fire within ourselves if we have allowed a fire that once burned brightly to simmer to a faint glow off in the distance?  How do we change ourselves (before we start looking at ways to change everyone else around us)?   

As I sat down and began to write this post, I was a bit disheartened at the many ways we struggle as Church.  We certainly have our share of challenges to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and effectively.  The bright spot is that we can look forward in hope, because we know we have plenty of room to grow and improve.  We have not "maxed out" in our ability to share the good news of salvation.  There is ample room to replace some negatives with positives.  Move over inertia, complacency, apathy, indifference, and torpor.  Here comes a real zest for life.  Here comes vitality, vigor, and vivaciousness.

"I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance."
~John 10:10


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.