Christ, Culture, and Pluralism

The name of our Sr. High youth group is, ENGAGE. This name is taken from Prov. 1:20 & 21. In these two verses we see that wisdom (which is a personification for God in this text), cries out in the busy places, and from noisy street corners. Wisdom is engaged in declaring truth; and, she does so in the busy and populated places. The places where culture is created and established. The vision for our Sr. High students is to do the same. Speak truth into culture, be culture redeemers, and encourage others to create Godly culture. If we're not engaged, this will never happen. And yet, when we are engaged, there are so many questions that arise, it seems to take the wind out of our sails. The question of pluralism is just one of many.

Pluralism, or the belief in multiple systems (often contradictory to each other) is not new. We see it in the nation of Israel in the OT, and we see it in the 1st century church. Paul spends a ton of time dealing with pluralism in his writings. Even Jesus confronts it... Mark 10, Matt. 6:19-24 & John 14:6.  Pluralism, doesn't solely have to deal with religious items. It can affect social items or beliefs as well. And, we all wrestle with it. Both, socially and religiously.

In our faith beliefs, we may say, "God is love." and "I can't believe they came to church like that." in the same breath. These are two very incompatible statements of belief. We will wrestle with pluralism for the rest of our days, this side of heaven. But, the real danger comes when we project our pluralism onto  a perfect and Holy God. This is where things get really messy. We wrestle with pluralism because we are finite. We can't fully understand the truth of God (this side of heaven). We understand (and He reveals to us) bits and pieces at a time. And, the longer we pursue it (and Him), the more we digest. Even in a lifetime of pursuit we will not run out of truth to be challenged by, and to grow in. But God, he is the source of truth, and does not wrestle with pluralism.

What does it mean to coexist for the Christian?

As we pursue truth ourselves, then cry out that truth in the busy places (redeem culture), and form our students to be Christ-like culture "engagers", let's not project our struggle with pluralism onto the One True God. He is not a pluralist. He does care how he is worshiped, what people believe about him, and how we live out his Truth.

Simply, there are not many ways up the mountain, and we need to be intentional in how we cry out in the busy places.

Questions to ask:

1. What incompatible belief systems do I hold?
2. How can I be engaged in redeeming culture,

not take on contradictory beliefs, and not burden others with unnecessary rules and laws? 
3. Why should I be engaged in culture, and not just live in my own safe bubble?
4. What is hard about engaging culture?
5. What is culture? 

Want further thought on this? Check out, Is God A Pluralist?