“In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.” - J. Gresham Machen
Welcome to the first post in a new series about culture and the Christian life. Each of
these posts will be based on a chapter from J. Gresham Machen’s book Christianity
and Liberalism. With that said, let’s begin!
these posts will be based on a chapter from J. Gresham Machen’s book Christianity
and Liberalism. With that said, let’s begin!
Let’s start by defining the idea of culture. I have interacted with quite a few people who
consider culture to be something outside of the Christian world. In the church we hear
much about how we should confront and interact with the culture, but this view ignores
one crucial point. We are not separated from culture.
consider culture to be something outside of the Christian world. In the church we hear
much about how we should confront and interact with the culture, but this view ignores
one crucial point. We are not separated from culture.
Culture is “the the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that
depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding
generations” (Merriam-Webster). It manifests itself in our beliefs, actions,
presuppositions, prejudices, values, and art. Even Christians are affected by the culture
around them. We are not immune to the views of the world around us and it is important
we realize that. Much more harm comes from Christians believing they are not influenced
by the world around us. It becomes a piece of our life whether we realize it or not. It is
only after we realize that we are influenced by culture that we can take steps to right the
wrongs we see and help influence the culture for good.
depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding
generations” (Merriam-Webster). It manifests itself in our beliefs, actions,
presuppositions, prejudices, values, and art. Even Christians are affected by the culture
around them. We are not immune to the views of the world around us and it is important
we realize that. Much more harm comes from Christians believing they are not influenced
by the world around us. It becomes a piece of our life whether we realize it or not. It is
only after we realize that we are influenced by culture that we can take steps to right the
wrongs we see and help influence the culture for good.
The modern world is marked by drastic and distinct physical improvements. The world we
live in today is in some respects safer and more productive than ever before. However,
there have been some dangerous losses in the spiritual realm. This loss translates into
the growth of liberalism and materialism in our culture.
live in today is in some respects safer and more productive than ever before. However,
there have been some dangerous losses in the spiritual realm. This loss translates into
the growth of liberalism and materialism in our culture.
This is the culture that Christians must struggle against. It all comes back to the idea of
being in the world but not of it. We must recognize what parts of culture have become a
part of us and work hard to ensure our Christian culture is what the world sees in us.
being in the world but not of it. We must recognize what parts of culture have become a
part of us and work hard to ensure our Christian culture is what the world sees in us.
Look back for a moment at the quote at the beginning of the post. The things we disagree
about within and without the church are the very things worth discussing. As Christians
we must be able to hold conversations about “hot topics” with grace and truth. No good
has ever come from two people loudly fighting over issues.
about within and without the church are the very things worth discussing. As Christians
we must be able to hold conversations about “hot topics” with grace and truth. No good
has ever come from two people loudly fighting over issues.
This is especially true when we discuss issues in the culture with non believers. We
cannot expect non believers to behave as believers do. They do not have the same moral
standards or convictions so how could they behave the same? We can’t become angry
that they disagree with our beliefs. Instead we must approach those who are part of the
liberal culture with kindness and listening ears.
cannot expect non believers to behave as believers do. They do not have the same moral
standards or convictions so how could they behave the same? We can’t become angry
that they disagree with our beliefs. Instead we must approach those who are part of the
liberal culture with kindness and listening ears.
As we begin this series on culture and liberalism I encourage you to listen with opening
ears and a wary heart. So many members of our culture (yes, remember, our culture not
the culture) are hurting and do not feel heard. Listen and engage in intelligent
conversations. Be sure that you do not “let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29).
ears and a wary heart. So many members of our culture (yes, remember, our culture not
the culture) are hurting and do not feel heard. Listen and engage in intelligent
conversations. Be sure that you do not “let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29).
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