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Why we should use contemporary culture

Thoughts from Dave Buckna

I think it’s important for Christians to use aspects of contemporary culture if they are serious about beginning a dialogue with non-Christians. Rev. John Stott (in Basic Christianity) has said: “The great tragedy in the church today is that evangelicals are biblical but not contemporary, while liberals are contemporary but not biblical. We need faithfulness to the ancient word and sensitivity to the modern world.”

One can also use examples of contemporary culture to point out the truth of a situation. When the Pharisees and Sadducees tested Jesus by asking him to show them a sign from heaven, he quoted a popular saying of the day: “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16: 1-3)

When Paul spoke to the men of Athens on Mars Hill he quoted at least two pagan poets (Arastus, a Stoic who lived about 270 BC, and Cleanthes, who lived about 300 BC); he also made a reference to Greek architecture (eg. the statue to the unknown god.) Why did Paul does this? To first establish common points of reference and contact. You can’t have a productive dialogue with someone if you are talking past each other.

The fishing metaphor

In Matthew 4:18-19, when Jesus saw Simon Peter and his brother Andrew casting a net into the Sea of Galilee, he told them: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” In fly fishing, the fisherman won’t be very successful unless he first gets the fish’s attention! How does he do this? He uses the right type of bait. So too, one can’t “catch people” for the Kingdom of God unless he uses the right bait – which includes a) God’s word: “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) and b) aspects of contemporary culture (books, movies, television, music, etc.) to establish common points of reference.

Favorite resources

Two web articles I return to quite often are:

• Discernment 202: Pop Culture: Why Bother? [www.ransomfellowship.org/articledetail.asp?AID=41&B=Denis%20Haack&TID=8] by Denis Haack
• Paul in Athens [www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/1023-paul-in-athens] by Joseph Sanok

Some of my favourite contemporary culture websites include:
Dick Staub [www.dickstaub.com] | Hollywood Jesus [www.hollywoodjesus.com] | Beliefnet Entertainment Blog [blog.beliefnet.com/idolchatter]

David Buckna writes regular quizzes based on popular culture – usually films or music. These are intended for those who enjoy reading about popular culture – whether they are Christians or not. His quizzes at ANS can be reproduced – with permission – in print or on websites. Buckna’s quizzes are listed here.

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related pages within the Using culture menu links recommended books including free downloads valuable online videos about web ministry