The Christians Response © John Stevenson, 2008

What are some of the more inadequate ways that Christians go about offering a critique of popular culture?

What have been the effects of Christian boycotts?

How has Christianity been impacted by culture?

What are the problems with equating patriotism with Christianity?

For what are Christians known?

What benefits might there be for the church and our culture if Christians performed the task of cultural criticism more adequately?

James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

A Review of Church Models Conversionist Church Church Gods Realm World Antithesis Church World Church Gods Realm Transforming Church Church World Accommodation Church World Church

Doing good in the world Does this commit St Andrews to an explicit cultural strategy? What is good about this plan? Are there liabilities in this plan? Should we presume that one strategy is best for all Christians in all times and all places?

Is there a consensus as to the best cultural strategy for Christians to assume today in our North American context? Do multiple strategies by Christians in the same cultural context enrich and advance Gods kingdom – or do they conflict, possibly negate and thus hinder kingdom advance?

Culture and Church in Tension In the world, but not of the world Gods Realm Church World

How are Christians to relate to the World? Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16).

How are Christians to relate to the World? Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). This refers, not to culture in general, but to culture as it is self glorifying and autonomous from God

Romans 8:20-22 For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.

Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God. Does this promise relate to the cultures of the world?

What should be the Churchs role in criticizing popular culture?

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, 19.

...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)