Explore the six distinct roles Christians can take in engaging with culture: trainer, ambassador, protester, builder, artist, and advisor. Each role offers unique strengths and biblical examples, emphasizing a diverse approach to cultural transformation. Delve into the historical perspectives that shape today’s challenges and the importance of unity within the Church. Uncover your personal approach by taking a self-assessment. The power of art in societal change and the call for genuine activism against injustices also take center stage.
The podcast outlines six distinct roles Christians can adopt—trainer, ambassador, protester, builder, artist, and advisor—for cultural engagement.
It emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to the intersection of faith and politics, exploring historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr.
The hosts highlight the significant role of art in cultural change, illustrating how creative expressions can inspire hope and convey truth.
Deep dives
Engaging Culture: A Historical Perspective
Christians throughout history have approached the challenge of engaging with culture in various ways, yet there is no unified strategy that has emerged. Different perspectives, such as Christ against culture or Christ transforming culture, illustrate this diversity of thought. The podcast discusses the importance of examining Christian history to learn from past responses to cultural dynamics. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all solution is impractical, it suggests that Christians should adopt a tailored approach based on their unique contexts.
The Dilemma of Political Engagement
The podcast raises concerns about the intersection of faith and politics, specifically questioning whether it is possible to be a good Christian and also a member of the Republican Party. The hosts express skepticism regarding the intertwining of religious beliefs with political endorsements. They illustrate the complexity of this relationship through discussions of historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr., who had differing approaches to political engagement. This examination emphasizes the need for mindfulness in how faith informs political views and actions.
Six Ways to Influence Culture
The podcast outlines six distinct roles Christians can play in cultural engagement: trainer, ambassador, protester, builder, artist, and advisor. Each role offers a unique way to effect change in society and caters to varied personal strengths. For instance, trainers prioritize discipleship and habit formation, ambassadors focus on evangelism and sharing the gospel, while protesters challenge injustice through activism. This framework encourages listeners to discern where their passions lie and how they can participate in transforming culture according to their God-given gifts.
The Role of Protest and Activism
Protesting is portrayed as an essential action for Christians confronting injustice, yet the hosts caution against the potential pitfalls of viewing the world in binary terms. They highlight that effective protest must not only seek to address wrongs but also strive to avoid demonizing adversaries. Examples such as the recent activism by leaders in various social movements demonstrate how true advocacy relies on nonviolent principles, similar to those modeled by historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. This balanced perspective encourages both courage in addressing societal issues and compassion toward those with differing views.
Art as a Form of Influence
The podcast discusses the critical impact of art on cultural change, showcasing how creative expressions can convey truth and beauty that resonate deeply with human experience. Artists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Vincent van Gogh are cited as examples of individuals whose art inspired hope and challenged societal norms. The hosts emphasize that art can bridge the gap between despair and hope, revealing truths that logic alone may not capture. This understanding invites Christians to value the artistic vocation as a vital means of influencing culture towards God's vision of flourishing for all.
Christ against culture. Christ for culture. Christ transforming culture. Which approach is correct? Shouldn’t Christians have a one-size-fits-all, agreed upon set of principles for engaging with culture? The truth is that the Bible doesn’t give us one right answer. More like…six! On today’s episode, Keith and Patrick are previewing the six types of culture changers they lay out in their new book, Joyful Outsiders. They introduce each type: the trainer, the protester, the advisor, the artist, the ambassador, and the builder. The two share key insights for each, as well as biblical examples and temptations, or weak spots. They highlight the importance of unity and diverse churches that can make room for such different approaches to culture change. Plus, which type are you? You can find out before the book’s release by taking our free self-assessment today! Listen now!
Our new book, Joyful Outsiders, is coming January 21, 2025. Want to start reading now before release day? Download the first chapter for free now.
Interested in joining our book launch team and helping us spread this important message? Learn more here.
Have you benefitted personally from Truth Over Tribe or seen it have a positive effect on someone you know? have you used the podcast, book, or blog as a catalyst for conversation on polarizing topics? We want to hear about it! Share your story at choosetruthovertribe.com/story.
Ok, truth time... Did you like this episode? Tell us by leaving a rating or review! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 If you did, you won't want to miss what's next (so subscribe now!). And help a friend by sharing this with them. Thank you! 🙏
Plus, the conversation is just beginning! Follow us on Twitter,Facebook, and Instagram to join in on the dialogue! If you disagree with anything in this episode, we'd love to hear your thoughts here.Want to learn more about Truth Over Tribe? Visit our website and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.