Wherever people exist, there will be the “cool kids.” C.S. Lewis referred to them as the inner ring. Christian “cool kids” operate in positions of power and influence in the evangelical world (leader at a big church, conference speaker, published by the “right” outlets, professor at the “good” seminary, retweeted by the respectable people, etc.). Oftentimes, our reaction to this inevitable reality is more revealing and instructive than any kind of moral indictment against the existence of such “cliques.” Some react by trying to mimic the “cool kids” so that they can be respected and accepted. Others rebel seeking to undermine them through sarcasm and cynicism.
The “cool kids” will rarely listen to such rebels. In fact, I’ve found Christian “cool kids” to be some of the most intolerant to such “pot stirrers.” They label these rebels as divisive, immature, pugnacious, and any number of biblical terms meant to make an example of such dissidents.
Christian “cool kids” will also shame the conformists for their desire to be part of the inner ring. They will talk about the danger of ambition while they occupy the position they themselves pursued by ambition. They will talk about the dangers of power while pontificating from positions of power. They will talk about the dangers of desiring influence while influencing thousands upon thousands. The hypocrisy is nauseating.
The best antidote to not becoming a reactionary to the “cool kids” is to 1. Accept they exist and 2. Don’t let them control your principles and posture. Some rightfully deserve the position and influence they’ve achieved. Many do not and reveal it through their hypocrisy. Make no mistake about it, if you do not center these insecure “cool kids” and show them the respect they think they deserve, you will suffer the consequences (at the very least you will be blacklisted). You must be willing to suffer such consequences if you want to make a difference in the long run however.