Originally posted on Oct. 9, 2005
The following was posted on my Myspace page on Oct. 9th. Thought I’d repost it for those who don’t use Myspace.
Christians engaging culture. The topic came up in the sermon today. Also the main focus of a class I’m taking. So is culture merely a prop? A handy introductory tool for talking to others about Christ? Yes and no. Sure, Christians must be aware of their culture in order not to be seen as weird by their unchurched friends. But I think we sell God short when we use culture as a mere prop for evangelism. For instance, “Wow-the popularity of the show CSI really makes me think about how God helps me solve mysteries in my life.” Ok, but there’s more.
Most Christians do not need to be encouraged to keep up on culture–they’re already immersed in and living that culture. Is this the ‘living in the world’ business we’re so often warned about? I don’t think so. Pop culture isn’t synonymous with sin. On the contrary, culture very often illuminates what God is up to outside the church, and frankly, it’s exciting. The movies we watch, CD’s we buy and fashions we laud all give us insight into the ways our culture’s needs for meaning and belonging are being expressed. This doesn’t seem like much of a jump for many, but try this on for size. Not only does culture act to give us insight into human need, it also provides us a window into God’s activity. Believe it or not, God is working in and through culture. I often hear frustrated Christians, particularly at my Seminary, say, “We don’t have a corner on truth!” I believe in my God, Savior and gospel wholeheartedly, BUT I also know that God’s work is not limited to venues and media which are explicitly Christian. I saw ‘Everything is Illuminated’ again this weekend. It’s hard to believe God isn’t at work in the hearts of film makers after viewing a story which so compels me to consider the way my past relationships are influencing my present and guiding my future, causing me to ask where I put my trust, from whence do I draw my meanings, and which is the primary story I use to organize my life. This movie caused me reflection far exceeding that inspired by any recent sermons. So many people find church boring and they stay away, preferring the engagement, excitement and relevance offerred by their culture. Perhaps Christians should also take seriously the culture in which the church and the gospel message find themselves. Maybe then we won’t miss out on what God is doing.
For an interesting look at a different approach to church and culture, check out http://jonnybaker.blogs.com/jonnybaker/