DownloadOct. 19, 2009 issue
Treasures of faith, culture
By John A. EsauPage:
- 1
- 2
Thirty-seven years ago I completed a master’s thesis, “Religion and Culture: A New Model for Understanding Their Changing Relationships.”
Esau
I was a young pastor, committed to the ideals of an Anabaptist Mennonite faith — a faith that sometimes clashes with the wider culture and society. I believe this conflict is a mark of what it means to be Mennonite.
But that was only half of my story. My life had been shaped by being a part of society and a citizen of the United States. I grew up with a father who listened to the evening news on the radio and took an interest in things political.
I also loved the urban world. I valued the cultural opportunities of music and drama. I treasured the daily newspaper. I served in leadership of our neighborhood group, seeking the welfare of the city in the tradition of Jeremiah.
All of this was in the context of the war in Vietnam and the social revolutions we know as “the Sixties.” How was I to live and minister with this cultural and spiritual ambivalence? I wrote my thesis to work on that question.
Maintaining a life-long interest in the question, I was gratified to learn about a recent book published by Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, Mutual Treasure: Seeking Better Ways for Christians and Culture to Converse. The book is jointly edited by Harold Heie and Michael A. King.
The title promised more than a stereotypical critique of things cultural. It seemed to suggest positive ways for Christians to engage the culture, even to view that relationship as a mutual treasure.
The editors have selected nine authors to tell how they are involved in secular society in ways that seek to build bridges of understanding and cooperation.
These are case studies in areas as diverse as serving as a state legislator, working as a community organizer dealing with conflict, developing conversation around faith and values with faculty of university communities, serving as a Hollywood film maker, attempting models of dialogue within the church around the issue of homosexuality, and working on conflict resolution within the criminal justice system.
A common theme is that Christians don’t perceive culture or those who represent a more secular orientation as an enemy. We see others as partners in the search for truth. We are part of the culture rather than separate from it.
Page:
- 1
- 2
Comment on the article Treasures of faith, culture
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
