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| Does culture shape your beliefs? |
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Thank you, ohtacosforotakus, for suggesting this topic!
In some form or another, culture does seem to shape the way people think and approach life, whether we know it or not. Behavior, speech, eating habits, holidays, traditions, what is considered acceptable, what is considered profane... Even the way people perceive modesty may especially be influenced by culture (an older CQQ blog post that you can also check out here).
How much more does culture even influence the way we view bible scripture or perceive Christianity? It's much more common than we may think.
In some form or another, culture does seem to shape the way people think and approach life, whether we know it or not. Behavior, speech, eating habits, holidays, traditions, what is considered acceptable, what is considered profane... Even the way people perceive modesty may especially be influenced by culture (an older CQQ blog post that you can also check out here).
How much more does culture even influence the way we view bible scripture or perceive Christianity? It's much more common than we may think.
For instance, consider how one may take scripture out of context according to one's modern western influence, even though Christianity and bible history originated in the middle east. This has affected how some (mis)interpret Jewish laws as outlined during Moses' time, a time when the Israelites would be familiar with Egyptian culture (having been freed from their slavery) as well as the pagan practices of their time that they were being told not to emulate (also, see last week's CQQ post about tattoos). Taking certain passages out of their cultural and historical context may potentially lead us to legalism.
Sometimes culture may influence others to add ideas or "rules" that may not necessarily be biblical or supported by scripture, which can also lead to legalism when treated in such a strict way. Some examples: church dress code, strict observance of man-made traditions and practices, perfect attendance, strict choice or style of music, candles and prayer beads, praying to saints (or someone other than God/Christ), or sayings like "Cleanliness is next to godliness".
Some sources even state there may be some pagan elements from Rome's culture that may have influenced the practices of the Roman Catholic church (as founded by Emperor Constantine). Catholicism is especially prevalent in certain countries, even a major part of the cultural practices of some Latin countries.
Not only can culture be an influence, it can also pressure others into behaving a certain way or believing certain things. Following Christ according to scripture can potentially lead us to ridicule, ostracism, or attracting some form of trouble merely for standing out against the culture of our location.
And in some places where there's no real freedom of religion, or where the dominant religion is something other than Christianity, there can be even more cultural pressure for Christians living in those countries. Believe it or not, Christian persecution is still happening in other parts of the world.
Sometimes cultural bias or pressure can affect the way we live or perceive faith. If we're not careful, culture can get in the way of fully grasping scripture and God's will for our lives.
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Do you think culture has influenced the way you approach life? (Behavior, diet, clothing, speech, traditions, etc.) Do you think this is this a good or bad thing?
Does culture influence the way you interpret bible scripture? Are there areas in the bible in which readers need to bear in mind cultural context?
Does culture influence the practices or beliefs of your church? Does it conflict with scripture?
Do you believe that the practices of the Roman Catholic church were influenced by the pagan practices of Rome?
Is your faith in conflict with your culture?
Have you been treated wrongly due to your beliefs being in conflict with culture? If so, how do you approach this issue?
Does culture pressure you into behaving a certain way? Believing certain things?
In what other ways does culture influence or pressure a person?
Do you think culture has influenced the way you approach life? (Behavior, diet, clothing, speech, traditions, etc.) Do you think this is this a good or bad thing?
Does culture influence the way you interpret bible scripture? Are there areas in the bible in which readers need to bear in mind cultural context?
Does culture influence the practices or beliefs of your church? Does it conflict with scripture?
Do you believe that the practices of the Roman Catholic church were influenced by the pagan practices of Rome?
Is your faith in conflict with your culture?
Have you been treated wrongly due to your beliefs being in conflict with culture? If so, how do you approach this issue?
Does culture pressure you into behaving a certain way? Believing certain things?
In what other ways does culture influence or pressure a person?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding culture (and anyone's particular culture) or persecution. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding culture (and anyone's particular culture) or persecution. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to ohtacosforotakus for suggesting this topic.
Cover image courtesy of Úrsula Madariaga.
(Written on December 15, 2019.)
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I think the world falling prey to being "PC" (politically correct) rather than "BC"(biblically correct) is a huge part of the culture today. As is being judgemental of others who believe or look differently. Jesus ate with sinners & tax collectors. As a Christian we need to draw these people in through being good examples not by pointing fingers, judging or being overly critical yet without compromising who we are in Christ. (I hope that makes sense to everyone) I am ADD & tend to be extremely detailed as I am so often misunderstood.
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