Discerning Cultural Strategies Class Session 5a © John Stevenson, 2008

Class Objectives To consider the varieties and implications of how Christians relate to culture To reflect upon the task of Christian criticism of popular culture To practice the craft of learning from each other To consider the concept of vocation in the Kingdom of God To sum up what we have learned about Christian thinking and living

Applied Learning Paper Due next week

A Review of Church Models Conversionist Church Church God’s Realm World Antithesis Church World Church God’s Realm Transforming Church Church World Accommodation Church World Church

“Forming students to transform the world through Christ” TIU’s Motto: Does this commit Trinity to an explicit cultural strategy? What is good about this motto? Are there liabilities in this motto? 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 God’s 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 God’s 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).

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 Church’s role in criticizing popular culture?

Traditional View Separation between clergy and laity Priesthood of all believers Reformed View Active life versus contemplative life Work is a calling from God

Genesis 2:15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; 12 so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; 12 so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. Work Rest

Ephesians 4:28 Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.

Traditional View Separation between clergy and laity Priesthood of all believers Reformed View Active life versus contemplative life Work is a calling from God What have been the excesses in each of these two views?

Summary of Biblical Concept of Work Work Comes from God Because of the fall, there is a secular view of work that stands in opposition to the Biblical view of work

Secular View of Work Biblical View of Work I work in order to get status or to get money to do the things that I really want to do I work because God has designed me for a labor of service to Himself and to my fellow man

Summary of Biblical Concept of Work Work Comes from God Because of the fall, there is a secular view of work that stands in opposition to the Biblical view of work When I realize that my earthly work is a service, not only to men, but also to God, then it takes on eternal consequences. A Biblical View of Work brings a sense of Rest.