Old School vs. New School
An interesting phenomenon that is running rampant throughout modern American society is the conflict between “old school” and “new school.” Of course, intergenerational tension is not new. What is occurring now in many sectors is that old-school principles, along with old school methods, are being rejected.
With the emergence of innovative technologies, it is inevitable and desirable that methodology would be require a new accommodation or adjustment. What is problematic, however, is that many “new school” adherents possess an iconoclastic impulse that jettisons all things “old,” without an understanding of the doctrines, values, ethical underpinnings, and moral foundations upon which many of these practices stand.
For the Christian, this campaign of eradication extends into every arena of socio-cultural concern. Previous notions concerning sexuality, dating, marriage, family structure, decorum, appropriate dress, and church involvement are among a plethora of issues included among the items marked for rejection. Even the corporate worship experience has not been exempted from this movement. In many congregations, traditional music genres such as hymns and spirituals are almost non-existent or have completely disappeared. Many reject them out of hand and assert that they have no value or would not be meaningful to a younger audience. This assertion, however, is not true! Meaning can only be found after something has been introduced, explained, understood, and even experienced.
Likewise, the traditional definition of a marriage between a man and a woman is being challenged or rejected by some people. Closely related to this issue has been the increasing acceptance of premarital sex, extra-marital affairs, co-habitation (“shacking up”), and the so-called “no-fault divorce.” Even the biblical teaching concerning modesty in dress is often discarded as a relic of the past. Many people exclaim, “We’ve got to get with the times”! They assert that God’s Word concerning modesty is no longer relevant because, in their view, it is out of step with the zeitgeist (“spirit of the age”).
Accessible apparatuses such as the birth control pills, and the increasing availability of abortion also contributed to the erosion. Consequently, sex and procreation were no longer tethered, in many instances, to the important covenantal institution of marriage, and the repercussions were severe. Moreover, the availability of these medical means only increases the support of these immoral positions and boost a rapid increase in the erosion of moral behavior. Equally distressing is that many “new school” champions began to view these behaviors as normative and accepting.
Often the absence of a biblical foundation is a contributing factor. Left without it, many people began to rely on personal preferences and other social influences. With God marginalized and biblical authority rejected, what remains is secular humanism. Human desire and preferences have now emerged as the new authority.
When biblical authority is the foundation, however, then all practices—old and new—will be examined considering this standard. This means that some “old school” practices will not be preserved in allegiance to nostalgia. What does not adhere to biblical standards or principles should be discarded. On the other hand, “new school” practices will not be granted mindless or automatic acceptance. These practices and methods will also need to be examined in view of biblical commandments and principles.
What should remain, after a thorough biblical examination, should be the formidable amalgamation of both the “old” and the “new.” These intergenerational voices and methods will provide a mutual beneficial blend that will glorify God, edify the Church, inspire the individual, and positively impact society!
