How much cultural engagement is appropriate for Christians? The answer to this question depends to some extent on the culture (both inside and outside the Church). A century ago, many churches in the West frowned upon activities that today would be considered pretty innocuous (at least in the UK): drinking alcohol, dancing, going to the cinema, wearing make-up… These issues no longer seem contentious, but others have taken their place. Should Christians read the Harry Potter books? Should Christian couples use contraception? Should churches engage with social media such as Facebook and Twitter? Should we celebrate Hallowe’en?
The Bible is virtually silent on such matters, and consequently there is little or no consensus; sincere believers are to be found on both sides of every argument. At one extreme, some Christians are so ‘engaged’ with contemporary society that they are indistinguishable from unbelievers; at the other, Christians are hunkering down in church bunkers, committed to a ‘ghetto’ mentality that paralyses their witness. Surely the ideal position is somewhere in the middle - but that still leaves a lot of scope for variation.
We need to discuss these issues, but I think we should be wary of criticising those who disagree with us. We can only go by what the apostle Paul says: “Each should be fully convinced in their own mind.” (Romans 14:5) Whatever we have decided to do, we must be able to justify it before God. We must be able to do it with a clear conscience, for “everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) And our actions (or inactions) must be honouring to God (I Corinthians 10:31)
The Bible is virtually silent on such matters, and consequently there is little or no consensus; sincere believers are to be found on both sides of every argument. At one extreme, some Christians are so ‘engaged’ with contemporary society that they are indistinguishable from unbelievers; at the other, Christians are hunkering down in church bunkers, committed to a ‘ghetto’ mentality that paralyses their witness. Surely the ideal position is somewhere in the middle - but that still leaves a lot of scope for variation.
We need to discuss these issues, but I think we should be wary of criticising those who disagree with us. We can only go by what the apostle Paul says: “Each should be fully convinced in their own mind.” (Romans 14:5) Whatever we have decided to do, we must be able to justify it before God. We must be able to do it with a clear conscience, for “everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) And our actions (or inactions) must be honouring to God (I Corinthians 10:31)