Taking every thought captive for obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10.5)

Vision
Culture as Statement
It’s easy to take culture for granted, to fail to recognize the role and power of culture in our lives. Human beings are creatures of culture. We make and use it every day, much of the time, without much in the way of forethought or reflection. Culture is everywhere; we can’t avoid, escape, or do without it. It’s like the air we breathe – there, necessary, but only reflected on seriously when it’s either offensive, diminished, or particularly heightened by some fragrance or aroma.

Culture is like the air we breathe, but not entirely. Unlike the air we breathe – which is simply there – culture is a matter of choice. We choose what to wear, where to live and work, what we will eat, how we converse, the manner in which we decorate and keep our homes, what we read or listen to or watch in the way of films or television programming. Our culture offers as many choices in such areas as there are people to choose, and this is a very good thing.

By culture I refer to the artifacts, institutions, and conventions by which people define, sustain, and enrich their lives. The word processor on which I’m composing defines me as a writer, aids in my ability to sustain Susie and me, and enhances my life by facilitating self-expression, as well as by the many other benefits it brings into my life via the Internet.

Such as Erin Thompson’s insightful article, “Why People Collect Art” (Aeon, 23 August 2016). Ms. Thompson addresses the first use of culture mentioned above, that of its role in helping us to define ourselves. She explores the various reasons people collect art, and concludes that they do so not so much because of their appreciation of art, or their ability to profit from collecting, but because art allows people to make a statement about themselves to the world.

Collecting art serves thus a personal and a social function. She writes, “The best way to understand the underlying drive of art collecting is as a means to create and strengthen social bonds, and as a way for collectors to communicate information about themselves and the world within these new networks.” She further explains, “Think about when you were a child, making friends with the new kid on the block by showing off your shoebox full of bird feathers or baseball cards. You were forming a new link in your social network and communicating some key pieces of information about yourself (I’m a fan of orioles/the Orioles). The art collector conducting dinner party guests through her private art gallery has the same goals – telling new friends about herself.”

Art collectors use their art to express ideas and feelings dear to them, and to establish themselves within a community of peers, admirers, and intimates. They can point to their art to defend or elaborate some cherished opinion, taste, or ideal, and this lends a measure of authority to those feelings and views, as well as to the one who holds them.

Collectors also acquire art to make a statement about the world, either as it is or as they think it ought to be. Ms. Thompson writes, “Other art collectors see their collections as having a broader power – to convey messages not just about themselves, but about the world as a whole.” Her fine article offers numerous examples of how art collectors have undertaken their passion in order to define themselves and their world, and to create a legacy of conviction to broadcast their self-image and worldview to the generations to come.

In my book Christians on the Front Lines of the Culture Wars I argue for the importance of becoming more culturally aware, sensitive, and discriminating, particularly with respect to the cultural choices Christians make in everyday life. Since all culture – even including such things as table manners, diet, and choice of beverage (1 Cor. 10.31) – is to be engaged in ways that bring glory and honor to God, Christians need to make sure that the culture they make and use makes a true declaration about themselves and their worldview.

Very few of us are likely to become major art collectors. But we collect and use culture in many forms every day. Since culture has power to define who we are, and to declare our world and life view, we should make our use of culture, especially everyday culture, a matter of prayer and careful forethought.

By our cultural lives we reveal ourselves, our beliefs, our priorities and values, as well as our heritage to the world around us. Like everyone else, Christians make choices about culture every day. For most people, the cultural choices they make are defined by what Francis Schaeffer referred to as “the spirit of the naturalism of the age.” Christians should make their cultural choices based on the leading of God’s Spirit, as He guides us through the teaching of Scripture about cultural matters, and as He opens to us the vast heritage of Christian culture that can inform and shape our lives still today.

Let’s not be naïve about culture, nor merely indifferent. In the cultural choices we make each day we have abundant opportunities to declare our witness for our beautiful, good, and true Savior and King, and the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Kingdom to which He has called us.

For reflection
1.      Which aspects of your cultural life at this time definitely declare your citizenship in the Kingdom of God?                                                               

2.      Do you make your daily cultural choices a matter of prayer and planning? Give an example.

3.      What should be the defining ideas or principles that guide Christians in their cultural choices each day?

Next steps – Boasting in the Lord: Your use of culture makes a statement. It declares you to the world. What’s one thing you could do today that would help to ensure your use of culture demonstrated the hope that is within you (1 Pet. 3.15)?

T. M. Moore

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At The Fellowship
ReVision: This week’s ReVision is the final part in our series on the Kingdom Economy. This week we’re considering what is involved in advancing the Kingdom economy as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Download this week’s studies in a free PDF by clicking here.

Crosfigell: What can we learn from Paul and Patrick about following Jesus? Yesterday’s column relates one very important lesson.

Scriptorium: That Paul: He just can’t seem to keep out of trouble. In Jerusalem, trying to be on his best behavior, he is seized and beaten because of his witness for Christ. God has a purpose in this, too. Be sure to follow each day’s study in the book of Acts.

In the Gates: In our Saturday column we continue looking at what is involved in setting the Law of God firmly in our souls. We’re looking at the role of the conscience in that effort in this part of our series on “The Rule of Law.”

Voices Together: John Nunnikhoven’s daily meditations can help you in the practical work of prayer and obedience.

In the Bookstore: Order a copy of Christians on the Front Lines of the Culture Wars and learn how you can begin to be more effective in using culture for the glory of God.

Videos: Finally, check out the state of your Christian worldview by watching the video and downloading the Personal Discipleship Inventory, a tool for evaluating your worldview and growing in Kingdom vision, disciplines, and outcomes.

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