Why Christians should read/watch/listen to/know about . . .

An introduction, published in the 7 November edition of Christian Renewal magazine, to a forthcoming series of articles.

Christians have sometimes earned a reputation for withdrawing from non-Christian expressions of culture and setting up their own alternatives: for example, their numerous publishing houses, enormous music industry, and separate film production companies. Ignoring for the moment that the largest of the Christian arts companies are actually owned by massive secular corporations (HarperCollins or Gaylord Entertainment, for example), it is reasonable to say that Christians have “ghettoized” to at least some degree as far as the culture is concerned.

Often this withdrawal is of necessity. Few secular publishers, for example, would bother to publish theological books. Even more importantly, our culture is often more than simply non-Christian, it is anti-Christian, and many of its words and images are antithetical to the Christian worldview and objectionable to those who hold it.

This withdrawal from anti-Christian culture, however, is itself an admission of the power that words and images have us. All words and images are expressions of ideas. Everything that has ever been written, drawn, sung, sculpted, or filmed reflects in some way the mindset of its creator.

In terms of our own sanctification, we must recognize that we do not come to faith as clean slates. We have all been “shaped” by the words, images, and associated ideas of the culture in which we grew up. To one degree or another, we will reflect our cultural origins until our dying day (and beyond?).

This is good in some ways. God has made a diversity of people on the earth, each one with a unique appearance, set of interests, and personality. It can be a very beautiful, God-honoring thing when these various people interact. The New Testament church was characterized by a great diversity of personalities and ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds.

But it can also be dangerous. We all have a latent mindset that is at odds with the truth and righteousness of God. Too often we make assumptions or decisions without realizing how we are being influenced by our “former manner of life,” as Paul describes it. Sanctification is the process of replacing this residual “old self” mindset with the “new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

In terms of interacting with our culture, we must recognize that anything we say or do will be received within a certain cultural context or mindset. The people to whom we speak do not come to the proclamation of the gospel with a clean slate of ideas either. They too have been shaped by the words and images they have encountered throughout their lives, and if we are to engage those around us effectively, we must understand what they think and why.

Words and images both reflect and shape the soul, and no one is exempt from their influence. That is why it is so important for Christians to boldly proclaim the gospel, for Christians are the only ones who offer words of truth and hope amongst the cacophony of ideas that are being screamed at us every moment, it seems at times, of every day.

“How are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Romans 10:14-15, ESV).

This series will examine various aspects of our culture with these thoughts in mind. It begins in this issue with a great work of literature; in future issues, it will consider music, film, and various iconic figures and events. Our goal in examining each of these is to understand them in light of the gospel, and I hope they will encourage Christians to live boldly as salt and light in the world.