The same can be said for the entire atmosphere of our sanctuaries, hallways and classrooms. Scientists and psychologists have long speculated how deep such early memories run and how long-lasting the effects. Such mystery is worth contemplating, given the Exodus from our pews of children who have grown up among us in the past thirty years. Even the smells may be important. It was only in my adult life that I developed allergies and thus an awareness of how awful an old Sunday School classroom can be to children with the same affliction.
Many adults have the intellectual tools to overcome bad incarnation.
Children and youth are frequently less lucky. To them, our church buildings and practices often embody something less than desirable or welcoming at a level almost unreachable by our assurances. To evangelize this generation, we need to embody God using all the languages in which they are listening. No, Holy Spirit. The gift of speaking in the language of the listener was the gift given to the disciples at Pentecost.