At a conference I attended recently, words such as relational, informal and engaging language were used to define how we need to present the Gospel in the current age. While I understand and agree with this, it is beginning to concern me because this is the language of post-modernism and post-modernism is the language and culture of this age.
Why the concern? Why does it bother me that we are trying to relate to and inform culture? My warning antennae are vibrating because I am convinced that the New Testament wants us to inform culture through the Gospel under the power of the Holy Spirit, whereas the Church seems powerfully intent in bringing post-modern culture in to influence the Gospel.
In the 1950's to 1980's in Australia, the Church was very institutional. Why? Because the Australian mainstream society was institutional and the same mistake was made. This strict allegiance to authorities, rules and form was the heart of modernism and unfortunately, the Church took these principles into itself and said "this is how the Gospel and the Church should be in our age."
When will we stop allowing the Spirit of the age to form our principles, attitudes and behaviours and instead rely on the Spirit of God?
Don't get me wrong - we have make the message of the Gospel and the character of the Church meaningful and relevant to the age in which we live but we cannot alter either the Gospel or the Church beyond what is declared by the scriptures, and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.
Come on - isn't it about time that we formed culture into the likeness of Christ, rather than the spirit of the age shaping us and our message?
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