There has been a massive and decisive change in the twin Christian covenant and doctrines. Studies outlined by Trull & Carter (2012) have shown that two distinct themes are circulating within the leadership status of the Religions in America. With it, there has been a massive threat to the classical professionalism virtues. The encroachment of the secular world into the covenant and vocation contract and career has massively contributed to the threats mentioned earlier. There are areas once held in the front line which are downplayed in contemporary society.
Personal rewards and altruistic services should be addressed and given the attention they require. Therefore, modern society is under threat, not of extinction, but of moral characters, which have deteriorated and are no longer up to standards. The magnitude and seriousness of moral decay are from two angles: a social dimension and a personal one. Modern work life has some risks on a personal level. Teachers, doctors, attorneys, and clergy confront numerous present troubles. On these realities, there are threats to Christian professional life. Therefore, Trull & Carter categorize these threats into relativism, pluralism, and secularization.
Professionalism was held with dignity and under the lens and scrutiny of Christianity back then when the idea kicked off in the Middle Ages. Professionalism constructs emerged during a period when Christian moral principles were primarily recognized. A Christian worldview predominated in the Medieval Era when the idea and the culture of professionals started taking off (Trull & Carter, 2012). The religious and church view of life governed every area of one’s private and social life. Universal religious beliefs and accepted ideals served to unite society. Like most Western countries, the United States has a dominant secular culture. In the public sphere, there are numerous competing versions of reality; as a result, no one version has the permanent endorsement of most Americans.
With time the introduction of the secular world has grown and outgrown Christianity. This has shaken the significant areas, such as professionalism, held by Christian beliefs and teachings. Christianity no longer enjoys its monopoly over Western culture and civilization. Various perspectives on the purpose and worth of life arose when fresh viewpoints questioned long-held beliefs. Because it gave rise to relativism, another cultural demon, this plurality caused numerous issues for Americans living everyday lives. According to relativism, there is no one ultimate standpoint on reality. Hence all viewpoints are equally valuable.
Professionalism in the modern world has therefore been left in a big dilemma. Due to these social changes, professional life is in jeopardy. More than ever, the skilled person’s identity and authority are at risk. Historically, due to their professional expertise and commitment to helping others, the legitimacy of doctors, attorneys, and clergy members was never contested. As outlined by Trull & Carter (2012, p. 34), “in many ways, it is an outgrowth and reflection of the social changes” are the many reasons for the dilemma in professional life. The general public has grown more aware and skeptical of professional practice. Public revelations of negligent doctors, inept attorneys, and misinformed preachers have raised society’s distrust. Suits have significantly increased in number.
There is a noticeable change in how people are dedicated to the responsibilities that come with their professions. The public is also wary of the professional competence seen in the modern world (Trull & Carter, 2012). Scrutiny and comparison of the traditional professions, such as those in law, medicine, and religion, and the modern domain show a surprising revelation. Trull and Carter argue that this group of professions was held with respect and trust as individuals believed that they only joined such disciplines to serve the weak, poor, and sick. So why did these assumptions vanish? People are unsure of whom to trust and whom to not. Teachers, clergy, physicians, and attorneys no longer command the same awe and respect as they once did. The lack of shared ideals among professionals has undoubtedly contributed to the debate about professionalism and commitment. Mainly ministers are unsure about who they are.
Similarly, the clergy members face the crisis faced by their counterparts as other professionals, which largely contributed to secularization, relativism, pluralism, and secularization (Trull & Carter, 2012). Americans have shifted, and their culture is no longer held in place with Christian beliefs. The underlying issues which have caused these can therefore be summarized into theological accommodation, modernity, modernization, clergy moral specialization, secular view of the clergy, and the state’s legal ordination of religion. The disappearance of a common moral tradition among Americans has been identified as one of the causes of the profession’s problem (Trull & Carter, 2012). This cultural shift has brought about a social and emotional crisis for professionals. The lack of agreed beliefs has resulted in an internal identity crisis and outside suspicion.
Reference
Trull, J. E., & Carter, J. E. (2012). Ministerial ethics: Moral formation for church leaders. Media Production Services Unit, Manitoba Education.