By CID I mean Collective Informed Denial. Ten years ago Christian leaders in particular and church communities more generally might be described as being in a stage of denial in terms of the changes occurring in western society and their impact on Christian faith and Christian communities. Churches in New Zealand, at least, were still growing, the charismatic and Pentecostal movements had a resurgence of life and there was a spirit of optimism about the future.

When researchers and writers questioned whether this would continue there was much to buoy those who thought their pronouncements were in correct.

Today few Christian leaders would deny the enormous changes that are impacting the church. And yet in many churches we carry on doing what we’ve always done.

I wonder if we’ve entered a period where CID reigns?

This is the kind of denial that allowed the emperor to ride through the town with no clothes on. Corporately, when Christians come together at church, conferences and big events, too often a collective posture of informed denial reigns. While we all know what is happening and individually may be troubled by it, we are seldom able to face the realities confronting the church, own them and begin to work out them collectively.

by Alan Jamieson on Prodigal Kiwi

Well, what do you think of this?

Is this valid?

If so, what does it mean for us?

Is this us?

Talk it up!