RELENTLESS PURSUIT: THE SEARCH FOR AUTHENTICITY AMONG AMERICAN CHRISTIANS

Abstract

Much has been written of the desire for authenticity. That it is a return to the first, the original, to that which is the real. And it is no surprise that such a desire plays an important role among modern evangelical Christians. In a world that often seems topsy-turvy, where the potential for sin abounds, where fears of the unknown and other dominate, where the possibility of falling into a life of sin remains, it is those things which are deemed really real that provide respite. For those at The Experience Community Church, the pursuit of authenticity is essential to their Christian identity. It is evidenced in the founding of the community, their readings and interpretation of Scripture, their continuing stories of salvation, and their avid pursuit of the presence of God. These Christians strive to be, as their slogan says, authentic in their community, in their worship, and in their community service.