Engaging the Culture: Why is it crucial for Christian Education? Dr. William E. Brown

A. See through the eyes of Christ

Naturali sm Transcen - dentalis m Theism

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 2 Corinthians 5:16

19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

B. Know the world you serve

Will and Grace, WWE Smackdown, Eminem, and Madonna have more to do with the direction of our culture than all of Congress. Bill Wichterman Policy advisor to Former Senate Majority leader Bill Frist The Power of Pop Culture

More theology is conveyed in, and probably retained from one hour of popular television, than from all the sermons that are delivered on any given weekend in Americas synagogues, churches and mosques. Phyllis Tickle Publishers Weekly God-Talk in America

Three Approaches WITHDRAW Offended by Culture

Brian Head WelchReginald Fieldy Arvizu

Three Approaches Delighted by Culture WITHDRAW Offended by Culture ASSIMILATEASSIMILATE

Church Man, have you ever really wondered Like why are we here? What the meanin to all of this? Man, have you ever really wondered Like why are we here? What the meanin to all of this? The Way You Move

Three Approaches Delighted by Culture WITHDRAW Offended by Culture Distressed by Culture ASSIMILATEASSIMILATE ENGAGE

II. Engaging the Culture with the Heart and Mind of Christ Dr. William E. Brown

Three Approaches Delighted by Culture WITHDRAW Offended by Culture Distressed by Culture ASSIMILATEASSIMILATE ENGAGE

The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot ever fence it out. Gildor Inglorion in J. R. R. Tolkiens Fellowship of the Ring

A. Distressed by Culture

... Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) 2 Peter 2:7-8 Engaging the Culture

... Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) 2 Peter 2:7-8 Engaging the Culture

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogues,...as well as in the market- place day by day.... Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship... Acts 17:16-34 Engaging the Culture

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogues,...as well as in the market- place day by day.... Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship... Acts 17:16-34 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogues,...as well as in the market- place day by day.... Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship... Acts 17:16-34 Engaging the Culture

Greatly Distressed

Sought to understand the culture (v. 23) Started where they were (vv ) Positive about the truth he found (v. 22) Knew and quoted their sources (vv. 23,28) Communicated the Gospel (vv.18,30-31) Sought to understand the culture (v. 23) Started where they were (vv ) Positive about the truth he found (v. 22) Knew and quoted their sources (vv. 23,28) Communicated the Gospel (vv.18,30-31)

B. Prepare to give an answer

C. Engage the Culture: what does it mean?

Engage the culture? What does that mean? 1.Starting Point: God and His Word 2.Think Deep: Get at the worldview, values and behaviors behind culture 3. Be Cautious: Culture is deceptive and enticing (celebrity, sexual, emotional)

Engaging the Culture with the Heart and Mind of Christ Dr. William E. Brown