What’s Jesus asking us to do?

Jesus didn’t come to make cultural Christians.

Not only was that not even a concept in His time, but it was also contrary to His message.

Allow me to explain.

Full Life Orientation

Jesus was looking for people willing to dedicate their entire lives to His teachings and person.

As He famously said, in a verse I often return to on here:

“If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

It’s this full life orientation, this “circumcision of the heart” as YHWH puts it in Deuteronomy 30v6, that gives Christianity its world (and, yes, culture) changing power. 

That’s what cultural Christianity lacks.

My prayer is that cultural Christians will come to see the buildings and artwork and hymns they admire so much to be a result of devotion to the risen God-Man Jesus.

I find it very interesting that “culturally Christian” nations, like those in Europe, are seeing a decline in Christianity…

…while countries like China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Iran, which lack Europe’s “Christian culture”, are seeing Church numbers rise.

It’s a growth analogous to the early Church, for whom cultural Christianity wasn’t an option.

Final Thoughts on Cultural Christianity

I feel it worth mentioning that I don’t think cultural Christianity is a bad thing per se. 

In a world that’s becoming increasingly devoid of meaning, cultural Christianity is a great first step in awakening people to the deep value and beauty of the Gospel.

But, on its own, cultural Christianity will only get you so far.

Look, I’m a massive admirer of art and culture and I cannot begin to tell you how much pride I have for the Christian contribution to these…

…but all the lavish churches, stunning sculptures, and moving poetry in the world aren’t worth it if the fire of the Gospel has gone cold.

The Church's cultural contributions are significant because they come from a place of fidelity to Jesus’ beautiful Way of life.

Cultural Christians rightly recognize these things as significant but wrongly believe this significance can exist without the Gospel.

Even so, I encourage orthodox Christians to take advantage of this common ground, to show the love of Christ in doing so, and, through full devotion to Jesus, continue contributing to the Kingdom in step with the Holy Spirit.

God bless.

Our Father in heaven,

    may your name be revered as holy.

     May your kingdom come.

    May your will be done

        on earth as it is in heaven.

Jon,

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