Christian Living in Cancel Culture: Interview with Keith Simon
Feb 4, 2025
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Keith Simon, a pastor and author known for his insightful commentary on faith in modern society, dives into the challenges Christians face in an increasingly secular culture. He discusses his book, "Joyful Outsiders," advocating for a gospel-centered approach to navigate cultural clash without bitterness. Simon outlines six compelling roles for engaging culture—artist, protester, builder, advisor, ambassador, and trainer. He emphasizes the importance of winsome communication and finding joy in maintaining faith while impacting society positively.
Keith Simon advocates for Christians to embrace their outsider status joyfully while engaging positively with modern culture's challenges.
The podcast introduces six distinct roles for Christians—ambassador, trainer, advisor, artist, protester, and builder—providing diverse avenues for cultural engagement.
Simon emphasizes a comprehensive vision of salvation that includes not only personal redemption but also active participation in societal restoration and justice.
Deep dives
Upcoming Remnant Conference on Prophecy
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Keith Simmons and the Joyful Outsiders Book
The episode features Keith Simmons discussing his book, 'Joyful Outsiders,' which delves into the experience of being an outsider in culture and the tension that many Christians face. Simmons recounts his journey from a non-Christian background to becoming a pastor and author, sharing insights derived from his personal experiences and the questions posed by the members of his church community. The book addresses how ordinary Christians can engage positively with culture, providing practical guidance amidst a backdrop of societal changes and division. This discussion emphasizes the importance of developing a joyful, Christ-centered approach to navigating life as a modern believer.
Engaging in Culture Without Compromise
Simmons emphasizes that navigating cultural tensions requires a balance between joy and the realities of living as an outsider within society. He discusses various approaches Christians might take, including combativeness, conformity, and cloistering, while advocating for a joyful acceptance of one’s outsider status in order to engage winsomely with the world. Instead of seeking to reclaim cultural dominance, believers are encouraged to embrace their calling as outsiders, following Jesus's example and finding joy in their unique position. This paradigm shift enables Christians to influence culture while remaining faithful to their convictions.
Different Roles in Cultural Engagement
The conversation highlights six different roles Christians can occupy within culture to make a positive impact, namely the ambassador, trainer, advisor, artist, protester, and builder. Each role offers a unique avenue for engagement, showing that while all believers are called to share the Gospel, their approaches can vary based on individual gifting and context. Simmons underscores that understanding one’s specific role in cultural engagement can help alleviate the potential for divisiveness among church members with differing views. Embracing this diversity allows Christians to work together toward common goals, despite varying methods.
The Broader Scope of Salvation and Redemption
Simmons articulates a vision of salvation that encompasses not only individual hearts but also the redemption of society and culture as a whole. Drawing on biblical narratives, he stresses that God's plan includes the restoration of creation alongside the reconciliation of humanity to Himself. This understanding extends to social justice, environmental stewardship, and cultural influence, highlighting that Christians' involvement in various societal issues should flow from their faith. By acknowledging both personal salvation and the broader mission of redemption, believers can contribute to a flourishing society, reflecting God's love and justice.
Are you struggling with how to engage modern culture as a Christian? Feeling like a biblical worldview makes you an outsider in today’s society? You’re not alone. As the gap between Christian values and secular culture grows wider, many believers are wrestling with how to maintain their faith without becoming bitter, fearful, or compromising.
In this episode, we’re joined by Keith Simon, pastor, author and co-host of Ten Minute Bible Talks and TruthOverTribe, to explore biblical responses to cultural Christianity, cancel culture, and the growing hostility toward traditional Christian values. His new book “Joyful Outsiders” provides a gospel-centered approach to navigating contemporary issues while maintaining both biblical truth and Christian joy.
We’re exploring topics from Keith's book, including: • Biblical cultural engagement vs. culture war Christianity • How to respond to secular culture as a Christian • Practical ways to share your faith in a post-Christian world • Finding your role in God’s kingdom as a culture-shaper • Christian living in hostile environments • Gospel-centered responses to cultural issues • Biblical wisdom for modern cultural challenges
Keith identifies six biblical models for cultural engagement: the artist, the protestor, the builder, the advisor, the ambassador, and the trainer. Through these Scripture-based examples, we’ll discover how to maintain biblical faithfulness while effectively engaging our post-Christian culture.
Whether you’re dealing with workplace hostility to Christianity, navigating social media as a believer, or seeking biblical answers to cultural issues, this conversation will equip you with practical wisdom for being a faithful Christian witness in an increasingly secular world.
Join us as we explore how to be culture-changing Christians who maintain both biblical conviction and Christ-like compassion in today’s challenging cultural landscape.
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