Perspectives On Christian Culture

Be very careful how you live do not be foolish. Ephesians 5:15,17

Glenn on Discipleship

Editor's Note: This is a piece of email from a conversation Glenn had with a pastor we'll call Joe about Christianity and culture. Where is the line between culturally relevant, and "worldier then thou"? There have been some very minor alterations made for coherency.

Joe: Just wanted to get some perspective thoughts from you on the following - Cussing - it seems that more 'christians' are cussing. "bitchin" etc words Is this 'cultural' or what? Ephesians 5:3-10 is interesting. Conerstone has had IONA and one member of the band said the above word - I think it shocked some there. Any input - or advice?

Glenn: Yup. It's in my opinion wrong in that it is not sensitive to others, a bad example for the young, demonstrates our lack of smarts and skill with the English language, rude in most contexts, uneccesary, very much a part of current culture which is 99% caught up in what I call "cool speak"- don't think, or if you do, use terms that access you to the "cool people" of the moment, I am convinced from the Word that Jesus did not and would not, and finally, what's the motive- or unthinking quality- in the person swearing? Love?

It's a matter of immaturity which we wouldn't want to constantly harp on in the faces of very young ones, but yet, we gotta address it, and I do more than you know...

Joe: Smoking - is another issue - now I am not talking about 'babes' in Jesus, some 10 -20 yrs in Christ. Glenn: Most of what I have just said, I say ditto to on this issue. Add cancer and misery, respritory. disesases, the fact my wife has asthma, etc., and the fact that it is the thing I hate most about various gigs I have done and will do over the years.

Joe: Cornerstone 96 had a whole session on this last year BUT I MISSED IT!! :-(

Glenn: You missed a mess. The folks (not from JPUSA) in charge of that particular meeting let things get out of hand sans confronting those with the problems and rather lame excuses as I have already listed. We have communicated our feelings to them on that, as we got many reports on how it went, and were saddened by the lack of response from a more biblical, thoughtful perspective. Hey, don't all of us want to justify our nonsennse? In the flesh, yes, but God help us to leave something more for those who are following our example!!!

Joe: Any input. I am not trying to be critical or nitpicking but I pastor people that have this 'fruit' and am loving and patient and just would like some more advice.

Glenn: My advice is be gracious, but direct and from time to time, address the issue in each life as appropriate. Some major in the minors, and do nit-pick. But I know of one guy who did his last set (a brilliat writer I'd say) due to heavy smoking coupled with heart problems running in his family. It took him to the Lord, and somehow I don't think his family is encouraged by the resulting death.

Mercy on us Father, and on those we serve and respond to!!!

Posted 04/07/01