Culture: Navigating Traditions and Faith in a Modern World

Culture encompasses the customs, traditions, and way of life of particular nations, peoples, or groups. As believers, we are called to value and respect all people while discerning which cultural practices align with biblical principles and which may compromise our faith.

Biblical Perspective on Cultural Practices

Many cultural beliefs passed down through generations, especially in Godless societies, contain aspects that directly violate biblical teaching and principles. Paul instructed the church to take a definite stand against sinful activities, as demonstrated in the Corinthian church which was plagued with the sexual liberty of surrounding pagan practices (1 Cor 5:1-13). We must exercise careful wisdom before endorsing or participating in activities arising from customs, because the majority are not godly or beneficial to society.

Halloween, for example, might appear as "just a bit of fun" on the surface but has evil connotations. Experimenting with different cultural activities can seem harmless, but depending on the practice, it may lead to fully embracing ungodly practices and through deception cause you to lose your commitment to Christ (1 Kgs 11:1-6; 2 Kgs 17:15, 21:2). The Bible reminds us, "Don't let the world or any culture, squeeze you into its mould" (Rom 12:2). God's Word must be our standard in what we think, believe, and do.

Standing Firm in Foreign Cultures

Daniel and his three friends provide an excellent example of how to navigate heathen cultures. Rather than embrace the culture of their captors, they negotiated alternative solutions so they wouldn't have to compromise their convictions (Dan 1:1-20). No culture is completely right or wrong—all societies have elements of ingrained practice that are inconsistent with God's Kingdom of light.

God warned the Israelites: "Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about the gods of other nations and do not imitate their detestable ways" (Deut 12:30, 18:9). Today we should influence the surrounding culture by engaging with it, not isolating ourselves from it but insulating ourselves from its wrong influences. Like a boat—be in the water but don't let the water be in you.

It is wise to avoid shrines and temples as they have been dedicated to evil forces, having various souvenirs personifying evil spiritual influences that should not be purchased. Paul provides a model for us in how to engage another culture respectfully. It begins with observation, then when he spoke he established common ground from which he gave a reasoned explanation and clearly communicated the gospel (Act 17:16-34).

It may be culturally acceptable yet contrary to God's way

Cross-Cultural Engagement and the Gospel

Cross-cultural interaction occurs between two or more cultures, often with major diversity or distinctiveness between groups. What is acceptable to one culture can be offensive to another, requiring orientation into various etiquettes and customs, especially for missions work. Cultural relativism refers to not judging a culture by our own standards but trying to understand cultural practices in their own setting.

Awareness and sensitivity to other cultures prevents offense, but before embracing them we must consider: will it honour or dishonour God, will it help or hinder my being a believable witness for Christ? We should not compromise on clearly defined Bible teachings or override our conscience. However, when people see genuine attempts to embrace their amoral ways (where no moral considerations apply) and attempts at their language, it builds bridges for sharing faith.

The gospel of Christ extends across all social and cultural barriers—each person in the world needs to hear of and receive the forgiveness of sin that only Jesus can provide. Jesus shared the truth with those of other despised races (Jn 4:4-26). The early church ultimately reached out to the non-Jewish Gentiles (Act 10:28, 18:6, 26:20).

All cultures need to hear about Jesus in a way they can comprehend

However, we are not to impose western cultural views on others, but rather share the gospel—understanding that Christianity is not a European religion although in the past Europeans were the most active in propagating it.

Culture shock occurs when our way of life is confronted by one unfamiliar to us, especially in another country. Common feelings include anxiety, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, and homesickness. Besides Daniel, numerous biblical figures encountered new cultural settings. Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland to live among people whose culture and religion were drastically different (Gen 46:1-7, 28-34). Moses was to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land and remain faithful to God in the midst of competing culture and religion (Ex 3:7-10).

The New Testament disciples were called by Jesus to leave behind family and careers to become traveling missionaries (Mk 1:17, 3:14). Jesus Himself left the glory of heaven and came to this sinful world. "But Christ made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Phil 2:6-8).

Reflection and Application:

Evaluate your own cultural practices through the lens of Scripture—what aligns with God's Word and what doesn't?
Consider how you can engage with your surrounding culture without compromising your biblical convictions
Reflect on opportunities you have to build bridges with people from different cultural backgrounds
Identify specific ways you can share the gospel that transcend cultural barriers