Christians and Contextualization in a Consumerist Culture
Written by Paul Dean
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
The more time marches on the more things stay the same. The church finds herself in a culture of consumerism. The temptation is ever the same: to appeal to the cultural mindset in the name of and in an effort to reach people. The problem lies in the fact that in attempting to do so, that is, in attempting to contextualize, there is always the danger of falling into compromise and therefore into irrelevance. In the race to be relevant, we can be tripped up, as it were, prior to crossing the finish line.
In addition, there is the notion that the culture is in a constant state of flux and indeed it is on many fronts and hence the drive to contextualize. At the same time, change is often merely apparent or surface. Philosophical underpinnings may be the same over time.
Further, still, there is the notion in the contemporary church that we cannot put forth propositional truth for at least two reasons. First, we’re not sure about the truth. Second, if we are sure, we must allow others their opinions. Each of these dynamics is set forth in terms of being humble. “How humble we are to admit that we don’t understand the truth or attempt to force it upon others!” Should such an idea be embraced? And, is such a dynamic really a new development or the same old response to the same old problem? Does it not amount to catering to the consumer?
On today’s edition of “Calling for Truth,” we’ll talk about Christians and contextualization in a consumerist culture.
