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the part on zeitgeist, the spirit of the time? LOL! I don't identify with generational stereotypes. Yes, we live in an era and are affected by what goes on around us, but that is only superficial IMHO. For example, Christianity is always counter culture if you think about it...unless of course we lived in a theocracy :)

Ahh, I follow your reasoning now.

My hope was to highlight the influences for some of the behaviors of the Millenials. I realize now that using the word "defining" was too strong as a Christian. You're right, generational stereotypes don't define us as believers.

Cultural influences are just that- influences. I suppose it's also ingrained in me as a writer that relevance can be so ephemeral - I think of Faulkner's speech On Receiving the Nobel Prize and how truly significant influencers aim for universality, and things that speak to all ages and times. As Faulkner said in his speech, the griefs of writers today oftentimes grieve on no universal bones, leaving no scars. I don't just want to be a man of my time. Maybe this is my preoccupation at the moment...I don't know, but that's how your post impacted me ...a personal response perhaps

truly significant influencers aim for universality, and things that speak to all ages and times.

There is wisdom there.

When I read what you're saying the word classic keeps coming to mind. There are certain things that endure because they are true.

Rabbi Daniel Lapin once said, "We must seek to constantly change the changeable, while steadfastly clinging to the unchangeable."