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November 2011 DevotionalChristianity and the Culture War
There is a perilous view within Christianity that is growing in popularity, which seems in opposition to biblical teaching and our Christian tradition. The view states that it is not the church’s responsibility to become involved in the “culture war” that is raging, but rather simply proclaim God’s truth. When Christians are engaged in cultural activities, it is said, it detracts from the “true mission” of the church. Furthermore, it is said the church has been incapable of generating significant cultural change thus far. A proponent of this view wrote, “… the Christian pulpit is devoted to commenting on what’s wrong with our particular culture, and what ought to be done to improve it, either by individuals or (worse) by the coercive powers of government … Many people love to live in their imagined and self-made world of good guys and bad guys …” Is this an accurate assessment of standing for God’s Truth in ethics and values by the Christian culture? Is the church simply trying to be recognized as the “good guys” in the cultural war against God and His Word? If that is all we are attempting to do our efforts are wasted, for we are culturally labeled as intolerant, ignorant and superstitious fanatics. The author continues, “What’s wrong with … every culture … is that all of us … in Adam have revolted against the reign of God …we are utterly incapable, in and of ourselves, of changing. The government cannot change us … education cannot enlighten our darkened minds; not even the church can deliver us from our darkened understanding that considers our own way better than God’s way; and surely coercive human governments cannot cure our souls … Such a view is so contrary to everything the Bible teaches that its prevalence must be accounted for as a kind of blindness that is due to misplaced patriotism.” This quote concisely outlines the view I perceive as “perilous.” I would add there are others that hold similar beliefs about Christian involvement in the social evils of our day. In response, I offer the following considerations. The proclamation of God’s Truth must be pre-eminent within the church. In that proclamation, our primary Message is always the Gospel that alone has the power to regenerate hearts and minds and change lives. Yet that doesn’t demand we ignore the “sin” issues that oppose God’s Word and reveal the fundamental differences between Christianity and the world. As God’s Word is credibly expounded, the cultural issues of the day will be addressed - and we find the church is called to action. Righteousness is not merely a matter of the mind and heart, but also of obedience and action. It has little to do with “good guy and bad guy” perceptions of the world, but much to do with standing for righteousness as God defines it. For example, Proverbs 24:11-12 outlines our responsibility to those drawn unjustly to death and the accountability of God’s people for trying to protect them from it. There are likewise New Testament references directing the church to help those in need and to stand for righteousness, cf. Matthew 5:7, 8; Luke 10:30-37; Gal. 6:10; James 1:27; 1 John 3:17. God has given us directives to represent Him in our world and ignoring the injustice and victimization others experience doesn’t reflect His holiness, justice or love. The Scriptures certainly do not advocate that His followers simply allow the ungodly to pursue their devious plans and programs without challenge or rebuke. Whether Old or New Testament, the people of God are called to truth, obedience and service. Clearly, all people are under the results of sin and the fallen nature, and apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, are incapable of change. Correspondingly, equally fallen government officials cannot change or rescue other fallen people from sin, nor can education or anything other than salvation result in godly changes. Nevertheless, God has ordained governments to promote order, protect the innocent and punish the wicked. The government therefore can establish and enforce just laws to regulate behavior, laws that by necessity demand a standard of right and wrong – and that is the point at which the church can be actively involved and promote righteousness in a society.
If Christians do not get involved in the “culture war,” who will proclaim the Truth and provide a Light? Who will be moral and ethical voice? Who will take a stand to protect the life of the unborn, aged and infirm? Who will advance the cause of truth and justice? The world in it’s decadence doesn’t need a silent church, but a righteous and vibrant response from it. We must reflect our Savior, Who was neither silent nor apathetic, but went about “doing good,” Acts 10:38. Though He was misunderstood, the perceptions and rejections of the world didn’t deter Him from His mission, His message or His work. Will those perceptions and rejections deter you? The church cannot impact a culture for good by maintaining silence; it impacts the culture by living and proclaiming Truth. God uses His Truth through His people, whether the world accepts it or not. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 5:14, 16. Pastor Richard C. Rogers |
“If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:11-12
Few have a better understanding of the total depravity of man than our Founding Fathers did, and they recognized the need of just laws to govern society. They knew a good government must provide protection and liberty in which citizens could live in peace and equality. We have been given a special gift of liberty above any other nation! Thus, though we cannot “change” the decadence of society, Scripture doesn’t allow for us to remain in apathetic, fearful silence. Clearly, neither the church of Jesus Christ nor America made the impact on the world by “non involvement.”