Wanted: Christians who will engage culture

[matthollycart]

There is a huge need for Christians to engage culture in the following ways. Either by getting involve ourselves, or raising our children to do so, we have the following needs:

1a) Christians who will write children's books that are not cheesy and that will address areas in life other than "Love and sharing".

1b) The same thing as the above, except TV shows that promote a Biblical Worldview.

2) Christians who will make video games with a Christian worldview. Not some cheesy "Charlie the Church Mouse" game, but something that is like "The Chronincles of Narnia" movie, but in video game format. It would be a quality game but would promote the Biblical Worldview.

3) Other video/learning games for the computer that teach children important life lessons, language, vocabulary, history, science, etc. at the same time as promoting a Biblical Worldview.

4) Biblical Worldview Movies: This is one area where I think some progress is being made. We had Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and the Chronicles of Narnia. More recently we had "The Widow's Might" by John Moore, which had an even better story than all of the above; this is because "The Widow's Might" actually went into political and social implications that effect more than just "your personal life" (yes we are in an age where everything is about "me" personally instead of towns, States, and Nations). Not only this, but it also promotes homeschooling, and the family unit (unlike Facing the Giants and Fireproof).

So we have a long way to go. Christians need to stop focusing so much on their personal life and holiness and start thinking more about influencing the culture around them, so that as a nation we can glorify God. We should not be satisfied until our entire nation acknowledges the God of the Bible as God.

We have left these areas described above to the unbelievers for far too long (not only these areas, but politics as well). It is time to get involved and time to stop complaining that there are no good TV shows, movies, video games, politicians, etc. There aren't any because Christians have withdrawn from them.

[Mike Bull]

That's all true, but what we really need are Christian dads (and teachers) who will use the materials available:

http://www.bullartistry.com.au/wp/2009/ ... he-father/

[seal]

Amen Matt and I see what you are saying by engaging that culture. People need to have their lives interrupted by a steady dose of a Christian Worldview and Principles daily. What you listed above is a great way to do that. If you don't mind, I'd like to post your post on another thread for we have a few people over there who do some of the things you mentioned above I believe.

I love making music for the LORD and handing it out for free to those who listen to rap music. I have found it to be a serious and very influential medium of how to get the Christian Worldview articulated to people who are not going to hear it in the near by churches or their momma. It's how I was reached actually with sound doctrine that by Grace alone has me in my current state. So, I try to replicate what happened to me to engage culture.

Grace and Peace,
seal

[matthollycart]

Seal,

I don't mind you posting that anywhere you want. You have my trust. And may your music reach others with the Christian worldview and influence them to follow the path of truth; that Christ may have complete reign on this earth as he deserves.

[frepar]

"Christians need to stop focusing so much on their personal life and holiness and start thinking more about influencing the culture around them, so that as a nation we can glorify God. We should not be satisfied until our entire nation acknowledges the God of the Bible as God."

I believe you are creating a dichotomy that is not necessary here. A Christian must be very focused on holiness in their personal life. But in doing so they will also be influencing others. Faith is by grace upon grace and as that increases through growth in the Word and applied to one's personal life, then it should exude from that life onto those around them. Faith without works is dead. But works not grounded by truth and Spirit is only busybodyness (kingdoms built on sand) and working under one's own power. Only God changes hearts. We participate by making disciples.Those that do not become disciples of Christ, may, if we are faithful, live under the common grace of God, as the founding of this nation illustrated. A true and faithful church makes a nation under God ,but to be true and faithful one must work towards holiness, even though it is God who is working in us to will and to do His good pleasure. If we live a life of obedience in holiness--we will influence those around us through taking occupations that influence the culture (university, politics, teaching, science entertainment etc) I believe we are not living that life as a church (personal holiness)and are trying at times to make a worldview on knowledge alone--apart from Gods power. So it is not either/or, but rather both/and. God bless.

[matthollycart]

frepar,

Sometimes it is not always neccesary to cover both sides of an issue at one time. If there is a particular problem in the Church that needs to be addressed then we focus on that alone at times. We do not always need to speak about all sides of the issue at once.

I never claimed that holiness is not important. What I did say is that there are a whole lot of Christians out there that focus only on holiness in their personal life and have no effect on the culture around them. This is what the topic was addressing.

While it is true that many Christians neglect their own personal morality, there are a whole slew of Christians that I know that are very moral and "holy" but do nothing to impact the world around them. This is because they believe the end of the world is coming and it is no use. They see the world as a sinking ship, unable to be salvaged. I am frustrated because there are thousands if not millions of holy Christians in the united States who refuse to vote, get involved in politics, get involved in book writing, movie making, etc.

So my purpose for the post was not to say holiness is not important. You can only discuss one subject at a time. The other side of the coin is part of another discussion for another time.

[Objectivitees]

Agreed. Doin' the best I can here.

[nathanalbright]

Agreed. How about we look at the ways in which we have ourselves engaged culture, or how we have seen others to do? Hearing about Seal's rap music was a great example (I'll have to find a way to meet Seal and hear some of that for myself, considering we're both in Tampa and all). I once wrote a play that was actually published online (www.aviarpress.com) about a Christian and a Jewish historian who fell in love while exploring a tablet found about a young man during the divided kingdom times, seeking to uncover what it said. Their interest was in the lives of common people during biblical times. I always love hearing about the creation of Christian culture, though, as that is what we seek, rather than merely to criticize the existing humanistic culture.

[RustyCarr]

How about engaging the culture by standing against nonsense and injustice in courtrooms? Then writing an inspirational memior in the manner of Mark Twain with humor and sarcasm.

The courts have forgotten, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It is pretty ugly out there, the destruction of families....

[Objectivitees]

How about engaging the culture by standing against nonsense and injustice in courtrooms? Then writing an inspirational memior in the manner of Mark Twain with humor and sarcasm.

The courts have forgotten, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It is pretty ugly out there, the destruction of families....

We use humor and sarcasm.