Has anyone else heard of the notion of "whitewater culture?" As I understand it, essentially means a culture that is fundamentally based on change. Change is the ever-constant norm. Some pundits somewhere suggest that Western culture, especially contemporary American culture is a "whitewater culture." All is in flux. There are no institutions, communities or even lifestyles that can maintain a consistent culture...morality, ethos. Our ethos is change. All that inhibits change of any sort is, interestingly, prohibited.
I know, stasis is bad...or something. Undesirable? Progress is not the same as change. It is only one kind of change. But have we come to a point where we can no longer discern that difference? It such a strange question. Culture is culture, right? Maybe. Maybe not.
I am wondering more and more if we are addicted to change in our culture. I wonder if, like so many before us, we have found ourselves in an unhealthy culture...a fallen state once again. Theologically, I know that we are always in a fallen state...and in a risen state.
If whitewater culture is the fallen state, then what is the risen? Still water? Living water moves...it is the promised water of Christ. But it is not whitewater...well...I dunno. What do others think?
Shoul the church change as often as the culture? Ofter alternative after alternative? Or should the church be an alternative...a place of quietude? Changelessness...but not regressive...somehow.
