How are Christians to relate to culture?

Question

How are Christians to relate to culture? Identify varied perspectives and discuss/defend your understanding of how Christians should relate to culture.

Answer 1

we are called to love the person ,but to hate the sin.we stand strong on what we believe without compromising,we dont have to like what everybody does but we do have to show love

Answer 2

It's all about Balance.

There is the perspective that Christians should lock themselves inside the house and not go out amongst society; then there are those who live too "foot-loose and fancy free." -Their thought is that Jesus died for our sins, so they can go out and perpetually live in sin and it's all okay.

Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV) states, "If we deliberatley keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth. no sacrifice is left for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."

I am a Christian who works with a many non-Christians. I don't judge my co-workers because of their lifestyles (that's God's place), but I don't conform to their way of life (fornication, alcohol, drugs, etc..) either.
I am friends with many non-Christians, and I try to lead a Christian life around them and be a good example.

Answer 3

To which culture are we Christians suppose to relate to? American? European? Chinese? Arabic? Specify and clarify your question. As far as America, we relate just fine in the normal American culture. It is the little special minority groups that haven't, such as muslims, homosexuals, communists, socialists, the NAMBLA organization, far left nut job wackos who go against the will of the people and go to the 9th circuit court of appeals to get the vote of the people over turned.

Maybe it is you who wants culture to change to fit you and you don't relate to "culture" as you put it.

Answer 4

I think, in a general way, cultures should be left alone.

The biggest mistake Christian missionaries make is to go in and try to enforce their own (i.e., foreign) cultures on others. The original culture - if it does not contradict Christian beliefs (at least the essentials - according to the Creeds) - the culture is better left alone.

Answer 5

We are to relate to culture the was Jesus did by being salt and light. We are to live to a different standard. Spend time with people you don't know, do and share life with one another. Be able to share Jesus, not by beating someone over the head, but with gentleness and respect.

Answer 6

In America, Christians have CREATED the culture and most of its norms.

So I'd say we relate easily.

Answer 7

The best analogy I've heard for being a Christian in the world is like sitting in a boat in the middle of the ocean, as long as I stay in the boat or don't get to far away from it if I do go in the water i will be o.k. but if I get to far away from the safety of the boat I will end up in some serious trouble.
We are to be in the world but not of it.

Answer 8

Christianity seems to fit nicely into every culture.

Answer 9

Our only concern is our relationship with the Lord. Doing what He instructs us to, and live for Him. When we do as He tells us, everything comes together. When people go against Him the world will have discord with one another.

Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Answer 10

I can RELATE to culture (as in understand) - it doesn't mean I have to be a part of it.

the bible tells us to live where we are, but not to conform to it (ie you are part of this world, but not OF the world).
In relating, we can only ask that the Lord will help us to be His light in the world (also scriptural) and hope that by doing so, others will see how much they too are loved by God, and want to be saved as well.