missio

There is a lot of discussion in the church planting world today on being relevant to culture, or redeeming culture (I prefer the latter terminology). But no one is really discussing what culture is. The major assumption when discussing culture is that you are referring to the arts: literature, theater, cinema, music, painting, etc. I think that these are merely manifestations of the surrounding culture, however. Culture, as defined by dictionary.com, is the totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. That is, culture is much more than the arts. Culture also comprises the academics, the mannerisms, the linguistics, ways of living, familial structures, beliefs, and general patterns and products of a particular ethnic, social, or age group.

The Church, if it is going to be relevant to and/or ultimately redeem culture,  it must realize that painting pictures of Jesus and the cross is not enough. Creating Christ-centered music is not enough. Directing redemptive movies is not enough. We have to form our families, teach our children, instill beliefs, and form productive patterns around Christ and His Kingdom. The Cross, the Resurrection, and the Kingdom must all penetrate the “totality” of any and all behavior and products of the Christian’s thought and action. That is what is required to redeem culture. And of course, it must be done with the eternally relevant message of Jesus, His Work, and Kingdom.