Blaming the Boomers

I remember a US History class lecture in university with an excellent professor, Dr. Clifford Scott.

He made some keen personal observations about his students from the Liberation Movement era who were criticizing their parents for being materialistic, while enjoying the benefits of the funding of their education and the licentious activities they were pursuing.

It unmasks a common yet rarely admitted tension within radical movements: the desire to rebel against traditional values while remaining dependent on the very structures they denounce.

In recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged across popular media, cultural discourse, and even Christian commentary: the vilification of the Baby Boomer generation. The shorthand phrase “OK Boomer” has come to embody the spirit of exasperation younger generations feel toward those born between approximately 1946 and 1964. These accusations are numerous and varied—Boomers are said to be selfish, entitled, clueless about modern realities, and responsible for an array of economic and social ills. It is as if the entire post-World War II cohort has become a scapegoat for everything from the housing crisis to climate change to student debt.

But is this criticism fair? And more importantly, is it righteous?

For Christians, the issue runs deeper than mere sociology. Our concern is not merely whether the critiques are factually accurate or historically informed, but whether the posture behind them reflects Christlike humility or worldly hubris. The fifth commandment—“Honor your father and mother”—is not confined to individual households. It reflects God’s design for social order, generational continuity, and the sacredness of hierarchy. As such, this growing disdain for Boomers reveals not only a cultural fracture but a theological fault line.

This article explores the roots of the Boomer generation’s worldview, the validity of modern criticisms, the rise of anti-hierarchical ideology among younger generations, and the biblical call for mutual respect. While certain critiques of the Boomer era may be legitimate, this generational disdain often reveals a deeper spiritual disorder. Let us explore this matter fully and carefully.

Who Are the Boomers? Historical Context and Formation

To understand the Baby Boomers, one must first appreciate the cultural context that shaped them. The generation came of age during one of the most dynamic periods in American—and Western—history. Born after the end of World War II, the Boomers were raised in a nation that had emerged victorious from global conflict, economically ascendant, and culturally confident.

Postwar Prosperity and National Confidence

Boomers were raised in a climate of unprecedented economic expansion. Home ownership surged due to the GI Bill, manufacturing boomed, suburban communities exploded, and a middle-class ethos became dominant. Families were often supported by a single income, with fathers working and mothers tending the home. Church attendance was culturally normal, and patriotic sentiment remained high through the 1950s.

The trauma of the Great Depression and global war made frugality, stability, and tradition prized virtues for many Boomer parents. Consequently, Boomers were taught to value hard work, institutional trust, and social cohesion.

Cultural Shocks and the Fragmentation of the 1960s

But by the time many Boomers reached adolescence, the cultural winds were shifting. The Vietnam War, racial unrest, and the assassinations of national leaders shattered the idealism of the 1950s. The sexual revolution, bolstered by birth control, unleashed radical changes in sexual ethics. The rise of television introduced mass media into the home, altering perceptions of reality and morality. Add to this the rise of rock-and-roll, the feminist movement, and the widespread use of drugs, and you begin to see the fault lines forming within the generation itself.

It is crucial to note, however, that the radicalism of the 1960s and 70s did not define every Boomer. As with every generation, the loudest voices were not necessarily the majority. While many remember the hippies of Haight-Ashbury or the student radicals at Berkeley, the vast majority of Boomers married young, held jobs, raised children, and attended church. They were not all revolutionaries or dropouts. The countercultural narrative, while true of a segment, must not be confused with the whole.

The Boomer Legacy: What They Got Right and What They Got Wrong

Boomers are often accused of enjoying the benefits of a prosperous America while failing to safeguard those same opportunities for their descendants. But the reality is more complex.

Successes of the Boomer Generation

Economic and Technological Growth: Boomers oversaw the expansion of the U.S. economy into a global powerhouse. Under their leadership, the nation entered the digital age, launched the internet, revolutionized medicine, and pioneered global communications.
Civil Rights Progress: Though often led by older generations, many Boomers joined the civil rights movement, supported desegregation, and helped bring racial equality into public consciousness.
Religious Influence: While church attendance has declined more rapidly among Millennials and Gen Z, many Boomers upheld Christian institutions, supported missions, raised families in the faith, and carried on the legacy of post-war evangelical revivalism.

Shortcomings and Failures

Cultural Accommodation: A significant subset of the Boomer generation capitulated to the secularism and moral relativism of the 1960s–70s. They either embraced the “liberation” movements or failed to oppose them decisively.
Materialism and Careerism: Some Boomers equated the American Dream with material success, failing to pass on deeper values to their children. This created a sense of alienation in Gen X and younger cohorts.
Political Short-sightedness: Boomers, especially those in power, sometimes neglected long-term policy planning. The looming Social Security crisis and national debt have roots in bipartisan failure to reform entitlement spending.

Still, none of these failings justify the blanket condemnation currently aimed at the generation.

Scapegoating and Slander: The Rise of Boomer Hatred

In contemporary discourse, criticism of the Boomer generation has escalated from thoughtful analysis to open derision. In popular culture, memes ridicule Boomers as technophobic, backward, and entitled. In political commentary, they are framed as greedy custodians of a declining empire—hoarding wealth, clinging to power, and refusing to make room for the next generation. Even in Christian settings, some younger influencers speak of Boomers with a tone of disdain more befitting social revolutionaries than saints.

From Critique to Caricature

It is one thing to critique the flaws of an era; it is quite another to demonize an entire generation. What began as cultural critique has often devolved into intergenerational scapegoating. Complex economic realities are reduced to simplistic narratives:

“Boomers wrecked the housing market.”
“Boomers stole the wealth.”
“Boomers ruined the planet.”
“Boomers voted in every bad policy.”

These are not measured critiques; they are sweeping indictments. The language is totalizing. It implies that moral blame can be assigned to an entire age cohort—millions of people, from all walks of life, who made divergent choices in divergent circumstances.

Moral Laziness in Collective Blame

Blaming others for one’s struggles is a perennial human temptation. It is easier to scapegoat than to analyze. It feels empowering to denounce than to understand. And in the modern age of online vitriol, whole groups can be canceled with a meme, a tweet, or a hashtag.

Yet for Christians, this posture is morally reckless. Scripture abhors slander, even when aimed at those who are older (1 Timothy 5:1). We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), honor the aged (Leviticus 19:32), and guard against bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). When generational contempt is baptized with Christian jargon, it becomes not only offensive but spiritually dangerous.

A Generational Mirror: The Hypocrisy of Modern Youth Culture

Before launching into condemnations, younger generations would do well to examine their own cultural environment with sober eyes. For while they rightly lament some of the excesses and inconsistencies of the Boomers, they are not immune to equally dangerous errors.

Materialism, Rebranded

Many Millennials and Gen Zers denounce Boomer materialism while themselves chasing consumer goods with religious fervor—smartphones, brand culture, entertainment, experiences, and lifestyles curated for social media. They mock Boomer workaholism while worshipping “work-life balance” that often veers into sloth. They attack capitalism while monetizing every aspect of their lives through digital platforms.

The Idol of Progress

Modern youth culture often exalts progress for its own sake, as though novelty guarantees virtue. Biblical morality is seen as “outdated.” Tradition is derided. Authority structures—whether in church, family, or society—are assumed to be oppressive. This is not discernment; it is chronological snobbery, the fallacy that newer always means better.

As C.S. Lewis warned, “You must find out why it went out of date. Was it ever refuted (and if so by whom, where, and how conclusively)? Or did it merely die away as fashions do?” Many ideas cast aside by Boomers’ children were not answered, just abandoned.

The Hatred of Hierarchy: A Deeper Spiritual Crisis

At the root of generational resentment lies a deeper ideological current: a hostility toward hierarchy itself. This goes beyond mere disagreement. It reflects a spiritual rebellion against God’s design for order—within the family, the church, and society.

Family Hierarchies

Scripture affirms the family as the foundational institution of society (Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 5–6). Children are to honor their parents. Wives are to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord. Fathers are to lead with wisdom and compassion. This is not tyranny but covenantal order.

Yet the modern world rejects this entirely. Younger generations are catechized by a culture that mocks fatherhood, demonizes masculinity, and undermines parental authority. Disrespect for older generations flows naturally from this rejection of familial roles. If patriarchs are oppressive, then elders are disposable. If every individual is autonomous, then no one deserves deference.

Ecclesiastical Hierarchies

Likewise, church leadership—elders, pastors, teachers—is increasingly dismissed by a DIY spiritual generation. Influencers on TikTok now claim more credibility than seminary-trained shepherds. The idea of submitting to spiritual authority is scorned. But Hebrews 13:17 could not be clearer: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls.” To discard this is to discard the wisdom of God.

Generational Order

Biblical society assumes a generational hierarchy. Wisdom is associated with age (Job 12:12). The young are called to be teachable (Proverbs 1:8). Older women are to train younger women (Titus 2). Elders are not just older people—they are to be esteemed for their experience and example. The cultural hatred of Boomers is, in this sense, a rebellion against God’s design.

The Irony of the Liberation Movements

To the degree that Boomers participated in the “liberation” movements of the 1960s and 70s, it is ironic that those very movements have now turned on them. The youth of the 1960s railed against the “Establishment,” only to become the establishment decades later. But the revolution did not end; it metastasized.

The Hippie Movement: Seeds of Selfism

The hippie ethos rejected restraint. It celebrated drugs, free sex, anti-authoritarianism, and moral relativism. What began as a protest against injustice often devolved into rebellion for rebellion’s sake. And although most Boomers did not live this way, the cultural impact was profound.

Many of today’s cultural crises—abortion, fatherlessness, the sexualization of children, the collapse of marriage—trace their roots to this so-called “liberation.” But note the tragic twist: younger generations, raised in the aftermath of this revolution, now condemn Boomers not for rejecting biblical morality, but for not going far enough in their rejection.

The children of Woodstock now face grandchildren of drag queens. And still, they are mocked.

Inheritance, Longevity, and Economic Friction

Among the more pragmatic criticisms directed at the Boomer generation is the perception that they have consumed more than their fair share of economic blessings—housing, employment, pensions—and left younger generations with the bill. Some of these grievances, while overstated, are grounded in observable realities.

The Wealth Gap and Inheritance Anxiety

It is true that Boomers, collectively, hold more wealth than any living generation in history. Much of this is concentrated in real estate, retirement accounts, and financial investments. As Boomers live longer, younger generations—particularly Millennials—face delays in inheriting those assets. This naturally leads to frustration.

However, there is a lurking self-centeredness in this complaint. Is the concern truly about economic justice? Or is it about impatience and entitlement? The expectation that one’s future security should come through inheritance—rather than labor, thrift, or stewardship—runs contrary to biblical values. Proverbs 13:22 teaches that “a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,” but nowhere does Scripture suggest that the younger generation should demand it on their timetable.

The Healthcare Burden and Social Security

Boomers’ extended lifespans have placed undeniable pressure on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Some Millennials and Gen Zers complain they will “never see a dime” of Social Security despite paying into it. Again, the frustration is understandable. But these structural problems are not the fault of Boomers as individuals. They stem from decades of political cowardice, bipartisan mismanagement, and demographic realities far beyond the reach of any one generation.

To fault an entire generation for failing to solve a problem created by governments, actuaries, and cultural trends is simply misdirected blame.

Are Some Christian Influencers and Younger Pastors Stoking the Fires of Contempt?

Among the most troubling developments is the emergence of Christian voices online who speak of the Boomer generation with open contempt. Some couch their criticism in theological language—accusing Boomers of being “lukewarm,” “compromised,” or “institutionally blind.” Others accuse them of enabling “Big Eva” (a term used to deride the evangelical establishment) and allowing progressive infiltration into churches.

While there is room for robust theological critique—especially regarding theological drift in some denominations—tone matters. So does posture.

When younger Christian influencers mock Boomer pastors, caricature their theology, or scorn their perceived irrelevance, they violate the spirit of 1 Peter 5:5: “You who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.” There is a vast difference between challenging an idea and dishonoring a generation.

The Danger of Platform Without Maturity

The internet has made it easy for the young to broadcast opinions with little accountability. A TikTok clip can go viral, a thread can gain traction, a podcast can become influential. But influence is not the same as wisdom. One can have a platform and still lack maturity. Proverbs warns that “a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (Proverbs 18:2).

Many of these younger Christians are undoubtedly sincere. But sincerity, untempered by humility, can still do great harm.

Generational Honor: A Biblical Mandate

Scripture is clear: honor is not optional.

Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land.”
Leviticus 19:32 – “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man.”
1 Timothy 5:1 – “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father.”

Honor is not blind approval. It is not silence in the face of sin. But it is a posture of deference, gratitude, and restraint. Even when older Christians have failed, they are still to be approached with respect. Even when critique is warranted, it must be clothed in gentleness.

This is especially true within the church, where the body of Christ spans generations. God has not created a youth church and an elder church—He has created one church, with many members, many ages, and one Head: Christ.

When younger Christians speak of older saints with contempt, they sever themselves from the rich wisdom of experience and sin against the family of God.

The Rehoboam Warning: A Tale of Arrogant Youth

One of the clearest biblical illustrations of generational hubris is found in the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. When Rehoboam ascended to the throne, the people petitioned him to lighten the heavy yoke imposed by his father. He consulted the elders—those who had advised Solomon—who counseled him to speak kindly and serve the people. But Rehoboam rejected their wisdom.

Instead, he turned to his peers—young men who had grown up with him. They advised harshness and authoritarianism. Rehoboam followed their counsel, declaring, “My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions” (1 Kings 12:14). The result? Rebellion, division, and the splitting of the kingdom.

This story is not merely historical—it is paradigmatic. When the young spurn the wisdom of the old, disaster follows. When humility gives way to arrogance, ruin is not far behind. Rehoboam’s pride cost him the trust of his people and shattered the nation.

The modern church must heed this warning. When younger Christians reject their elders—not merely in preference but in posture—they risk repeating this ancient error. And the consequences may be just as severe.

The Boomer Generation and the Church: Imperfect But Faithful

It is easy to focus on what the Boomer generation failed to do, but what about what they did right? The post-WWII spiritual revival saw massive church growth, the rise of global missions, the expansion of evangelical publishing and radio, and the founding of numerous Christian colleges and seminaries. Many of the institutions still relied upon today by younger believers—Gospel Coalition articles, Reformed seminary networks, Christian homeschooling curricula—are, directly or indirectly, the fruit of Boomer and Silent Generation labor.

Certainly, not all ministries have stayed faithful. Some have compromised under cultural pressure. But we must not overlook the thousands—millions—of faithful Boomer Christians who taught Sunday school, raised covenant children, planted churches, supported missionaries, gave sacrificially, and labored in the Word.

These are not faceless figures in an age cohort. These are the spiritual fathers and mothers of today’s church. We owe them not blanket approval, but profound respect.

Unity in the Body of Christ: The Generational Bond

Christianity is, by nature, a generational faith. One generation shall commend His works to another (Psalm 145:4). Elders teach the young; the young serve with energy; the old offer wisdom; the young bring fresh vision. Every generation has blind spots. Every generation needs the other.

In an era where secular culture foments division—between male and female, black and white, rich and poor, young and old—the church must offer something better. The world traffics in resentment. The church traffics in grace.

Younger Christians should ask themselves:

Have I truly honored those who came before me?
Am I willing to listen before I judge?
Do I speak of older saints with respect—even in disagreement?

Older Christians should also ask:

Have I been quick to dismiss the concerns of the young?
Do I invite younger believers into leadership, into mentorship, into serious dialogue?
Have I modeled humility and patience in how I relate to their critiques?

Generational respect is a two-way street. But it must be paved with love, humility, and a mutual commitment to Christ.

Final Thoughts: Christ’s Pattern, Not the World’s

The disdain for Boomers we see today is not merely a cultural fad—it is a symptom of a larger rejection of authority, structure, and order. It is no accident that those most vocal in their anti-Boomer rhetoric often also reject pastoral authority, family roles, and theological tradition. They want a world remade in their own image—youthful, autonomous, self-assured.

But that is not the way of Christ.

Christ, though equal with the Father, submitted to Him. Christ, though Lord of all, honored the Law. Christ, though sinless, was obedient unto death. The Christian life is not about asserting one’s moral superiority over others—especially not over those who came before—but about walking in humility, love, and service.

To the Younger Generation

If you are a young Christian, you have much to offer. Your zeal, your insight, your courage to challenge complacency is needed. But remember: zeal without knowledge is dangerous (Proverbs 19:2). Honor those who built the foundations upon which you now stand. Do not bite the hands that raised you. Rebuke is sometimes needed, but it must be delivered with reverence, not ridicule.

Beware the influence of secular ideologies that despise authority, history, and hierarchy. These are not neutral values—they are worldly to the core and rooted in rebellion. As 2 Timothy 3:1–2 warns, in the last days people will be “lovers of self, … disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy.” Let that not be said of you.

To the Boomer Generation

If you are a Boomer, you have borne much—victories and failures alike. You have seen cultural shifts that no other generation has faced so rapidly. But your work is not done. Leave a legacy not just of property, but of principle. Finish well. Speak truth. Train the young. Love those who mock you. Forgive those who blame you. Show them Christ—not with defensiveness, but with dignity.

Conclusion: From Blame to Blessing

There will always be generational tension in a fallen world. But in Christ, there need not be generational war. Instead of blame, let there be blessing. Instead of contempt, let there be honor. Instead of pride, let there be humility.

The Boomer generation is not perfect. No generation is. But to hold them up as the great villain of history is to misunderstand both history and humanity. Let younger Christians speak the truth—but let them do so in love, remembering that one day, they too will be the generation under fire.

May the church of Christ model a better way. May we live not by memes, but by mercy. May we stop shouting “OK Boomer” and start saying, “Thank you, brother. Teach me, sister. Help me walk faithfully as you have.”

This is the way of the Lord. This is the way of the church.

S.D.G.,

Robert Sparkman

MMXXV

rob@christiannewsjunkie.com

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