I was listening to a podcast on CoachVille Caffeine a couple of weeks ago during which the speaker, Dave Buck (http://www.coachblog.com/?p=139 ), made the assertion that we are seeing the end of the “economy of industry” and the “economy of information” and the rise of an “economy of inspiration.” By the economy of industry he was referring to the economy that is driving by mass production and consumerism. In Buck’s analysis, the economy of Information in which we have been operating for several decades is rooted in knowledge, mass media and technology. He indicated that he has noticed among his network that people are less driven to buy more stuff and less motivated by mass media hype and increasingly drawn to whatever bring inspiration. Since listening to the podcast, I have been reflecting on the implications of this idea, if in fact it holds some truth, not the economic implications but the implications for people of faith.
If there is some truth in his assertion, that the American public is increasingly attracted to whatever inspires them, this holds both promise and challenge to the church for which inspiration is the fuel. The challenge will be to embody the Message in fresh and intriguing ways that inspire to an often jaded community (remember that in this context what is inspiring is entirely in the eye of the beholder). This is not a call to manufacture new messages or dilute the often hard-hitting Message of Christ but to live, think, act and speak the Message in creative and surprising ways, ways that re-capture the imagination of a culture dulled by abundant sensationalism.
Another challenge will be to contrast the authentic inspiration (i.e. the Presence of the Spirit of God) (here I am using the Latin derivation meaning to take in the spirit) with the more pedestrian inspiration for sale from every Hallmark store and self-help guru. The challenge for the church will be to highlight the contrasts without sacrificing respect for diversity or capitulating to an inspiration that offers momentary ease but lacks the transcendence to inspire for a lifetime and beyond.
Perhaps what Buck is noticing is the natural reaction to indulgence. After long periods of indulging on anything (food, TV, shopping, etc.) most of us develop an aversion, one that may last a lifetime. Perhaps American culture is losing its taste for self-indulgence and developing a hunger for meaning. Is that what is driving the increasing commitment to responsible environmental living? Is that why college students are volunteering at a record rate? Is that at the root of the increased interest in all things spiritual (Christian and otherwise)?
If we are noticing the initial indications of a shift from an industrial or information economy to an inspirational economy, the church may once again have an opportunity to speak into our North American culture. We may have a chance to let the Good News really be good; to really be the life-giving, freedom-bestowing inspiring news that one time captured the imagination of nations. May it be so.
