The Control of Culture
by Christopher Hendrix
Over the centuries, Christians have grappled with the influence of worldly culture on our beliefs and worship. A notable example is the adoption of Social Trinitarianism, a concept that has persisted from the 18th century to the present. Social Trinitarianism, which seeks to explain the Trinity through human relationships, presents numerous challenges. We find ourselves asking, “How can the finite comprehend the infinite?” This idea emerged from a desire to make our doctrines more acceptable to culture, a decision that effectively handed over the reins of our beliefs.
Listen to Pastor Chris teach on 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Culture seeks to control churches not just in doctrine but also in practice. During the COVID season (already five years ago!), governments around the world outlawed churches meeting together. While this occurred under the banner of ‘safety,’ the governments reached over their boundaries and threatened those churches that rightfully continued meeting. They also attempted to stipulate how worship should occur and what people were allowed to wear.
However, the more common ways culture attempts to control the church come in subtle attacks. Whether it involves convincing Christians to join specific Marxist movements, how to think a certain way about marriage, or simply catechizing Christians into focusing on having a life of comfort, the church opens the door for an onslaught of worship malpractice. The Christian yokes his mind to the unbeliever and attempts to live a Christian life while being dragged towards pleasing culture.
The Corinthians struggled with this as well. Paul gave the forceful and clear command in 2 Cor. 6:14 for the Christians to not bind themselves with unbelievers. The command’s connection to Leviticus 19:19 and Deut. 22:10, as well as the context of the writings to the Corinthians, guide us to understanding that this doesn’t mean avoiding business transactions with unbelievers, investing in unbelievers and their companies, or daily life (hear the sermon from this past week for more details). It does mean we stay spiritually separate from unbelievers.
Practically speaking, we guard our minds and conform our thoughts to only those of Scripture. We think through our worldview biblically and stand against all unrighteousness. We participate in cultural stances from a Christian foundation and do not jump into the latest trend. We seek moral purity, a life of holiness, and learn to think rightly about theology. We don’t pray with other false religions, such as the Roman Catholic Church or Mormons, and we define unity based on doctrine and not emotions. Why? Because what partnership does righteousness have with lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with dark? What harmony does Christ and Satan have, or what commonality does a believer have with an unbeliever? The answer is nothing! The Triune God is good and righteous. He is perfect and holy. He will not be the co-pilot or play second fiddle. God will not share His children. We belong to Him and Him alone.
So, as Paul sums up in 2 Corinthians 7:1, repent and cleanse our minds and hearts of the filth we’ve rolled in. If you’ve been stained by the world, wash your hands by repenting to Christ. Then, change your clothes by believing in the nature and work of Christ. Our strength comes from the Gospel. Only through Christ can we be cleansed and protected from falling into the control of culture.