February 2021
David Hixon • February 17, 2021
Christ and Culture
As we minister in Jamaica, we still see what is going on in America. I was in a store in Montego Bay last week and there was the impeachment trial playing on the TV. As I stood in line I was almost forced to watch and listen . . . even though I didn’t really want to. Ha. I was more wondering what Jamaicans were thinking about it, and about America and us by extension.
In many ways how we respond to culture in America is very different than the way we respond when in a Jamaican environment. We sometimes forget that we are in a different country and culture. It is easy to think, “Oh I’m just in a poor inner-city neighborhood.” They speak the same language (sort of – ha) and we do have utilities and cars and streets and lights and so on. But there are very real differences here and it is taking us time to adjust and figure those out. But there are also many ways that the gospel message is still the same. Relating to our culture is important but some principles transcend culture. The gospel message is the same in Jamaica as it is in the USA.
I recently was reminded this week about some of these principles from a book I read many years ago by Richard Niebuhr called “Christ and Culture.” It is really a classic and one that I imagine most seminarians have read at some point in their education. In this book the author points out five ways that we can respond to our culture. In light of where we are as Americans and even Jamaicans, I think it is important to be reminded of these principles. Here are those five ways to respond:
Christ of culture: Some will modify their beliefs in alignment with the shifting cultural tide. We are already seeing many pastors and theologians developing a different viewpoint on things like biblical sexual morality. Many are no longer willing to call homosexuality a sin. Many will not stand up against culture when it comes to fornication or even abortion. This approach abandons foundational biblical truth in a never-ending quest for cultural relevance. Culture dictates and shapes our beliefs more than the bible and traditional biblical theology. This is a dangerous path which we find more and more people falling into. They want to “fit in” so they change their theology to align more closely with the prevailing culture.
Christ against culture: Some will demonize those who disagree with them and characterize the “other side” as the enemy. They view anything in the culture as evil. Others will withdraw from social engagement into communities where they can practice their faith without opposition. They fear almost a spiritual infection from the culture. They will keep the “light” of the gospel under their “basket” while repelling those who might be attracted to it (Matthew 5:14–16). These people are so worried about being influenced BY culture that they no longer are making any effort to influence the culture with the good news of the gospel. Evangelism is no longer a priority when we fall into this category.
Christ above culture: In this model culture is seen as basically good. Some will adhere to biblical morality when in community with fellow Christians but make culturally required concessions in their secular lives and work. We might call these people “Sunday Christians.” We see them all around us. They exhibit a faith that seems real, but they allow culture to drag them back down. They may be able to avoid the consequences of their private beliefs, but their public compromises will invalidate their witness and grieve their Lord. They simply have lost the idea of being salt and light in their culture.
Christ and culture in paradox: Some will engage secular society in order to defend religious liberty, working to secure a minority position for evangelicals in culture. This is a valuable and urgent mission, but we must do more than seek the ‘right to be wrong.’ “There is a tension that is ever-present between the Christian and their interaction with culture. Christians are forced to simultaneously live between the kingdom of this world and the Kingdom of Heaven by accepting some aspects of culture and rejecting others. Niebuhr points to Martin Luther as an example of this view. The tenants of this model, while more accurate in its description of how Christian’s experience the world, can lead to a more conservative engagement with culture.”
Christ transforming culture: Some will speak biblical truth with courageous compassion. They will declare and defend biblical morality because they know that its truth is best for all people. They will view those who reject God’s word as those who most need God’s word. “Speaking the truth in love” will be their mantra and their mission (Ephesians 4:15). “The Christian is seen as a conversionist, a person who seeks to transform the values and objectives of culture to the service and glory of God. Christ came to redeem all of creation, and as Christians, we are to participate in this redemptive work now, while awaiting his coming Kingdom.” This is clearly the most biblical and effective way to respond to rising cultural opposition.
My prayer for you in America and us here in Jamaica is that we will be about the business of seeing Christ as transforming culture. It can be difficult. The temptation is there to withdraw into our Christian bubble or to get sucked in by our culture because we want people to like us. May God challenge each of us to be salt and light in whatever culture He has placed us. Pray that we will be that here and we pray God will challenge you there!!