Christians and "culture wars"...
An excellent essay on Christians and culture by Frederica Matthewes-Green.
She expresses so well the idea I was trying to bring out in my evaluation of Dr. Dobson in a previous post--more specifically, his approach to engaging culture.
It is not that we should put no effort into changing the "weather conditions" in culture by influencing the entertainment industry, the legal system, the educational system, etc.--but we do so recognizing the true battle ground of expressing the Kingdom of God is first in our own hearts, in the lives of individuals drowning in the drift of culture, then by also recognizing the systemic principalities and powers that are at work. And we do so with a tone of grace and humility, not righteous indignation as if somehow we are immune from expressing fallen/sinfulness in our own lives, relationships, lifestyle, thoughts, etc.
Karissa was able to hear Frederica when she spoke at Eastern Mennonite University this week. Her impressions of Frederica are profoundly revealing. Jesus said that you will know a tree by its fruit. Humility and grace exuded from the life of a person are, for me, the most convincing evidence of a depth of spirituality and authenticity in following Jesus.
Labels: Christianity and culture
posted by Brian Miller @ 6:28 AM
4 Comments:
At 4:42 PM ,
Karissa said...
In less than an hour I will hear Frederica Mathewes-Green speak here at EMU...!
At 11:01 AM ,
Karissa said...
She was wonderful. Funny (she shared a story of how her practical joke on a friend led to an FBI investigation), thought-provoking (her book The Lost Gospel of Mary sounds fascinating but also raises questions), and challenging (in talking about humility and love for others). I also just came back from chapel, where she spoke on the icon of Christ that I believe we sometimes display in church--The Christ of Sinai, I think? It might be a different one, but it's at least similar. I wasn't sure what to expect from such a big name, but she just radiated with humility and grace. Have you ever heard her speak?
At 11:15 AM ,
Brian Miller said...
I have never heard her speak. I've often though she would be a great resource speaker for a church retreat.
However, I have read several of her books and essays.
The Illumined Heart: The Ancient Christian Path of Transformation
Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy.
Have a great day!
At 9:57 AM ,
Anonymous said...
I have met Frederica and her husband numerous times. She is as delightful and authentically humble in person as she comes across from the podium.
Brian I would love to have her come as a resource speaker. She so radiates the love of Jesus!.
Leon
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