Recently, while attending a musical performance with my children and niece, I found my faith in humanity being restored, at least a little. The actors delivered their lines with such assurance and poise, the sets were stunning, and the orchestra played beautifully throughout the performance.
From the beginning to the end, the children and I were captivated by the stories and music—I almost forgot they were just high school kids performing.
This experience made me realize just how much these young individuals can achieve with the right kind of motivation. They devote long hours, face criticism, and maintain a strict discipline, all to create something truly engaging.
If those responsible for leading celebrations and ceremonies only do so out of obligation, the results are often disappointing and insincere.
Surprisingly, they resisted the pull of screens. I think it’s clear that mindless scrolling doesn’t really give us anything worthwhile. A part of their genuine humanity emerged, inspiring them to create a show for the community.
While I feel comforted by this realization, I can’t help but feel frustrated too. If I could just see a fraction of that commitment from my fellow classmates in English, my teaching experiences would be so much smoother.
Honestly, compared to memorizing lines, singing, and performing for three hours to a packed audience, writing clear and organized essays should be straightforward.
Putting aside my gripes, the energy and creativity in that musical revealed something deeper about what motivates young people: a desire to make things that are good, true, and beautiful.
The chance to be part of a project that deserves wide recognition and thoughtful appreciation will naturally draw young talent. Conversely, if these events are viewed merely as obligations, many will seek their passions elsewhere.
This pattern is evident even in religious practices. If those conducting worship can only do so out of necessity, the experience tends to lack depth and authenticity.
The various offenses against genuine faith and taste in contemporary Christianity aren’t just because of harmful ideologies and fleeting trends, but also due to a retreat from the noble ideals that once inspired Christian life.
What results is a troubling cycle, pushing more young people away. Somewhere along the last century, church leaders thought that the best way to meet the needs of the Catholic Church was to dilute the faith and make it less daunting.
It seems that the responsibilities placed on Catholics to engage in meaningful and beautiful worship are reduced, or at least made easier. This has translated into simplifying rituals, minimizing theological depth, and substituting enduring traditions with superficial trends.
Being a Christian has never been so uncomplicated but also quite unexciting. The efforts to make Christianity more accessible have made it feel cheap and less appealing, ultimately sapping the church of its vitality.
For many Catholics, including myself, it’s not just the low-quality banners or hymns that trouble us; it’s the underlying mediocrity and lethargy behind those choices. Everything seems driven by routine and obligation rather than a passion for excellence.
Reflecting on that high school show, I can see more clearly why young people are distancing themselves from the church. Many genuinely want to create something meaningful, but the church often doesn’t facilitate that ambition. So many dioceses have loosened their standards to the point where practicing Christianity often feels lackluster.
Older generations facing their own challenges, like raising kids and participating in community life, might welcome these adjustments. But for young adults, their talents and enthusiasm are often invested in musicals, sports, or marching bands.
In fact, there’s a sense of almost religious fervor in these activities. When I joke with my students about being part of a cult, there’s a hint of truth to it.
Extracurricular activities often help define a community’s character. For adults, these events might just be good, wholesome entertainment; for students, they offer the meaning they crave from their Christian faith.
This isn’t to say these programs are problematic. I’d love to engage in more musicals with my kids, yet I believe we need to restore the core values behind such initiatives in Christianity. To reconnect with young people and rejuvenate struggling churches, pastors must bring back the discipline required to pursue what is genuinely good, true, and beautiful.
Fortunately, Christians have a rich heritage of art and learning to draw from. They just need to overcome any hesitations, worship enthusiastically both internally and externally, and push their limits. Once they experience the joy and satisfaction that come from it, they’d recognize why these traditions exist in the first place and appreciate the greatness of God.
