They say the only things that are certain are death and taxes. I think I can add one more: each new generation loves to reject the ways of their parents in favor of fresh perspectives and new ideas.
Often, this is beneficial and results in significant societal progress.
But sometimes it can simply be amusing because old ideas sometimes get recycled and rebranded as new again.
Case in point: the current trends of “locally grown, sustainably sourced, organic, farm-to-table” eating are this generation’s rejection of mega supermarkets and “Big Agriculture.” Yet, to our great-grandparents, that was just life on the farm.
This progressive mindset tends to assume that new ideas are automatically better than old ones. C.S. Lewis termed this philosophy “chronological snobbery.” This term refers to the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate of our own age and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is, on that account, discredited.
For Christians today, Lewis’s critique of chronological snobbery is particularly relevant. In a world where modern values and ideas often contradict biblical teachings, it is common to view the ancient truths of Scripture as outdated or irrelevant. However, the wisdom contained in the Bible has stood the test of time, offering guidance and truth across centuries and cultures. To dismiss it simply because it is old is to fall into the trap of chronological snobbery.
We must steadfastly cling to and trust the Bible, no matter what other ideologies come and go. The word of God will always remain the source of truth from generation to generation.
Thankfully, we can both revere Scripture and embrace many of these new youthful trends. Dust off your vinyl records, put on your upcycled vintage fashion, and go out swing dancing—that’ll show your parents!
