Why Cultural Apologetics?
In a recent Breakpoint article, Shifts in Culture, Shifts in the Church,
John Stonestreet observed that one social commentator had poignantly noted that, “we’re not in an age of change, but a change of age.”
It is evident to parents and grandparents that we are living in a confusing and chaotic cultural moment. As Christians, we know and believe Scripture, but may be unsure as to how to lovingly apply it in the ‘here and now’ of our personal relationships. Each of us needs to clarify our personal Christian worldview to connect our lives and relationships to actively reflect and live our faith.
Any culture is the sum total of the ways of living developed by a group of human beings and handed on from generation to generation. Cultural Apologetics attempts to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel and the desirability by reestablishing a Biblical Worldview that addresses the universal human longings—truth, goodness, and beauty
It is the hope and goal of this series of Cultural Apologetics classes to share some of the tools and processes from the Colson Fellowship program to help each of us connect our personal, Biblical worldview to our lives and relationships.
“Cultural Apologetics isn’t the only—or even always the best—way to defend the Christian faith…we do think cultural apologetics can connect us to vital sources of biblical, theological, and historical wisdom, so we can apply the gospel in compelling ways for our secular age.”
— The Gospel Coalition
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-cultural-apologetics/
How Each Cultural Apologetics Class Will Be Organized
Every class in this Cultural Apologetics Series is structured to address the following questions and issues:
(Maybe in the attached text)
- Tracing the history of the various “Cultural Movements”
- When did this belief become a “thing”
- What is the issue in culture that is distancing us from God?
- What does the Bible say about this?
- Examples of the anti-biblical issue being taught and promoted
- Provide biblical ways to answer (a Cultural Apologetic)
- Lists of other resources to learn more
- How to use new things in culture in godly ways
- Closing prayers for those who are addressing these issues in their families and communities – Thoughtful ways to pray for those confused or seduced by the culture
The goal for each of our Cultural Apologetics Classes is to examine:
- What are the cultural questions and how are we addressing them?
- How to address issues in culture that distanced you from God
- How to use new things in culture in a biblical was as apposed to a retreat to earlier days.
- Present the biblical precepts
- Make the case that culture is systematically reversing God’s commands
( In book include history – when did this become a “thing” )
What exactly is Worldview?
- A simple definition for worldview is to describe it as your picture of reality. It’s how you see the world, the beliefs, and the ideas that you use to interpret everything that you see and experience.
What is a Bible Worldview?
- The understanding that our work has not been removed by the Restoration…from this we can imply that our Kingdom work was always part of God’s plan…we have a garden to tend, and a harvest to reap.
Worldview Videos