I was raised in a society that embraced atheism and disregarded biblical principles. In that environment, the existence of God was not only denied but also actively suppressed.
Here, we will briefly examine Cultural Christianity, a term that refers to the societal adherence to Christian values and traditions without necessarily embracing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or living according to the teachings of the Bible. While this phenomenon has both positive and negative aspects, it is essential to explore what is desired for a society and how biblical principles can contribute to this.
One of the positive aspects of cultural Christianity is that it promotes certain moral and ethical principles that contribute to the common good. For example, Christmas is rooted in the Christian belief in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and celebrates values such as generosity, kindness, and goodwill towards others. The Bible teaches that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’””(Acts 20:35 ESV), and the spirit of Christmas embodies this principle.
However, cultural Christianity can also have negative effects on society if it dilutes the true essence of Christianity and leads to a superficial faith. The Lord Jesus Christ warned his disciples to beware of false teachers and false prophets who would deceive many people with their teachings (“And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.”
(Matthew 24:11 ESV). It is essential to examine whether the values and traditions that are being promoted align with the teachings of the Bible.
What is desired for a society is a foundation built on biblical principles that promote love, respect, and integrity. The Bible teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves (“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.””(Mark 12:30–31 ESV). This commandment is the basis for all other commandments and promotes a harmonious community where individuals are valued and respected.
Another biblical principle that contributes to a healthy society is forgiveness. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential to let go of bitterness and resentment and to move forward in love and peace. The Bible teaches that we should forgive others as God has forgiven us (“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV), and that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven (“but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
(Matthew 6:15 ESV).
Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity. Proverbs 11:3 says, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them." Honesty and integrity build trust, respect, and credibility, which are essential for healthy relationships and communities.
Cultural Christianity has both positive and negative aspects, and it is essential to examine whether the values and traditions being promoted align with biblical principles. What is desired for a society is a foundation built on love, respect, integrity, forgiveness, and other biblical principles that promote a harmonious community. As the apostle Paul wrote, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up" (Romans 15:2 ESV). By following these principles, we can contribute to a healthy and thriving society that honors God and serves others.
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Mark Hobafcovich, is a Kingdom catalyst, pastor, leader, and author of "Defector: A True Story of Tyranny, Liberty and Purpose" , a memoir chronicling his journey to becoming a disciple of Christ inspiring others to live a purposeful life.
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