The panel examines the theological foundations for engaging culture.
Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack
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A Theology of Culture
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4 Responses to “A Theology of Culture”
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I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)
I enjoyed the discussion. Good review. I would like to point out that as Ken Myers points out referring to Terry Eagleton’s book, The Idea of Culture, the word culture is very complex. Though I do think the discussion pointed out good aspects of what culture is, people groups and culture media/content. Yet I think Andy Crouch’s book, Culture Making, points to another dimension of culture. Crouch is critiquing the view that culture is merely theory about something. In his view, culture is intrinsically connected with culture making that does something with the stuff of creation; the making of cultural goods. Cultural goods are something done with the stuff of creation because of given values of faith. Someone adept in technology doesn’t necessarily inform the ability to wisely discern the knowledge of the world. Christians deal with and are involved with the world and non-Christians deal with and are involved with the world. Common grace is co-extensive for all human existence in this fallen world. Yet I think the little book by Jan Veenhof, translated by Albert M. Wolters, “Nature and Grace in Herman Bavinck,” points out that redemption doesn’t add anything to creation but is redeeming creation. Therefore, perhaps culture is religious because the resulting cultural goods we come into contact with invariably reveal the [religious] values involved with the production of the cultural good. I think with a Reformed and Vantillian view of creation, providence and common grace, we engage world various culture[s] because of the cultural mandate and the gospel mandate.
Interesting and helpful comment, I would love to hear Ken Myers on this subject given his experience with authors covering every aspect of culture. He is a WTS grad! I agree with your statement above, yet I think in a future program we should spell out what is meant by ‘mandate’. In other words, dive into a proper balance of not going over board into a transformational eschatology while at the same time not dismissing the clear notion of common grace. Thanks for your input Rob!