Creatively Engaging with Culture

I like to observe what’s happening around me and I try my best (although not always successfully) to pause before responding. A number of things have caught my attention recently. There is of course Brexit and the bitter division it seems to have caused. Then there’s Israel Folau’s social media post and the response to it. As well as a couple of articles in the Christian media about homosexuality and the church and a pastor who has launched a website about Christian Cannabis. Not only are these stories in themselves fascinating but so too are the strength of the opinions that they’ve generated.

We live in a fast flowing, cluttered Culture in which we all get to comment, share, quote, condemn, judge, agree, disagree, laugh, cry and a whole lot more besides. This article seeks to provide a simple framework that will help us as Christian’s to engage creatively with Culture as opposed to living up to any Bible bashing stereotypes. This is a framework I’ve gleaned from Paul’s experience in Athens which is found in Acts 17:16-34. Before we hone in on our central framework there are 10 principles that I want us to see in the narrative.

We live in a fast flowing, cluttered Culture in which we all get to comment, share, quote, condemn, judge, agree, disagree, laugh, cry and a whole lot more besides.

1. Paul wasn't in a rush

2. Paul kept his emotions in check

3. Paul started by having conversations

4. Paul was comfortable debating with other philosophies

5. Paul understood the different platforms within the Culture

6. Paul worked within the Culture and used it to his advantage

7. Paul’s daily interactions opened the door for him to speak on a more prominent platform and it was the Culture that invited him here

8. Paul found the gospel within the Culture (quoting Greek poetry) and he also found the Culture in the gospel

9. Any sneering came from the other side

10. Paul was comfortable walking away until another day

Right in the middle of this story Paul masterfully demonstrates a framework in how to engage with Culture creatively.

SEARCH the Culture

STUDY the Culture

SYNC with the Culture

SPEAK to the Culture

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19 NIV