Left Yesterday Behind Him, Might Say He Was Born Again......

Ordinangst is very grateful that people took the time to vote in his poll about the age at which Christian commitments are made. The results are pretty interesting and are in line with the research on the web from similar (and probably much more scientific) studies from the US. Basically, if you ain’t in by the age of 24, statistically you are pretty much toast! Thankfully Ordinangst’s own experience puts him firmly in the toast zone, so there is definitely hope for those people who have reached the dizzying heights of adulthood.
The comments around the research are more interesting because they demonstrate to Ordinangst that it is so difficult to define anything when it comes to matters of faith and (Ordinangst shudders to use the word) religion, particularly in the vastness of the Anglican church.

Understandably, a number of Ordinangst’s dear readers came back with an obvious question – “how do you define ‘commitment’?” and it made him realise that he was using the word as a short-hand for the experience of being “born again” – an idea that Ordinangst recognises will only resonate with some of the dear Christian brethren who take the time to read his blog. And will make others wince. So Ordinangst apologises for not being clearer, and for asking a question that begged the answer; “it depends what you mean.” Duh.

Some people equate Confirmation with commitment, which makes sense, but doesn’t reflect Ordinangst’s own experiences. Confirmation meant very little to him spiritually – it was more about presents (complete works of Shakespeare, Swiss Army Pen-knife, cuff-links from memory) and not very much about God at all. Ordinangst’s own decision “to serve thee to the end” came much later. What a blessing that we worship a God of second chances!