© 2004 Arielinds Photography
I keep hearing people moaning about our general cultural decline, and lamenting the moral deficiencies of our children, our politicians, our nation, etc. My reaction to America’s cultural slide—and it’s not intended cynically, or as a political modus operandi—is a little different: What do you expect?
One reason for our current Christian subculture is a misunderstanding of bittersweetness as applied to society. As Christ observed, the setting for life, thus ministry, is the “wicked and perverse generation” in which we find ourselves, and of which perhaps we are a part (Matthew 17:17). After making his assessment, Christ did not retreat from the moral morass, horrified at the sinners around him. He did not say, “Peter, John, James…let’s build our own city, boys.”
He did say, “How long must I be with you?” (a thoroughly bittersweet response), but implicit in this question is the reality that Jesus would be with these people as long as he was on earth. Being in a wicked culture and subverting its inhabitants for Christ is a mission as exhilarating as it is imposing. Too bad so few Christians are up to it.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Bitter Culture, Sweet News
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8 comments:
hey there stumbled across your blog thought i would say hi and your blog is very interesting
Well thanks. Although, funny thing, "interesting" is an *interesting* word, isn't it? Such a wide spectrum of meanings. I'll take it as a compliment, though!
I saw your comment on my blog, if you wanna know something in your language, just ask for... ;)
All cultures and all societies have their inherent faults and deficiencies.
My view is that we who believe can do their part simply by trying to enrich the lives of those who come into contact with them. It could be with generous gestures, thoughtful comments, or as easy as the long-lost "common courtesy".
Christ did have a greater task facing him than all the rest of us, but he never overlooked the simple contributions.
Here, here! Simple gestures of kindness go a long way. (And are far too often overlooked...) Of course Christ's compassion and acts of mercy were accompanied by a hard-edged gospel that for many was too much to swallow. I think that paradigm - truth with grace - holds true today...even though "telling the truth" has fallen on hard times.
(Did I mention that BitterSweetLife is post-postmodern? ;)
Hey Ariel, happened across your site by looking for other bloggers who liked Iona.
Anyway, great post! I agree, too many Christians want to hide in their little "bubble" instead of getting out there and getting involved in the lives of those who are lost: loving them, being a light in their life, and actually taking the time to care for them and show them the GOODNESS of the gospel. Yes, the Truth is hard, but we as Christians often forget that the gospel means GOOD NEWS, and it is our duty and highest honor to share this good news with the world. I know I often forget that just because it's sometimes a hard teaching doesn't mean that someone out there desparately needs to hear it and will respond to it with joy, as I (eventually) did.
As Derek Webb sings, "The truth is never sexy." But it sure works. And I'd have to say that transformed lives DO have a certain allure to them. I'm curious how long it took you (ninjanun - that's quite the screen name! :) to "respond with joy." If you come back by, do let me know...
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