Sharing JesusSample

To change our culture, we need to know our culture

Have you ever wondered why Christianity flourishes in some countries, and then struggles to grow in others? Perhaps this is because every culture is different. Right from when the message was first preached in the book of Acts, the challenge for Christians has been to communicate the Gospel in a way people can understand. 

Today, nothing has changed, and we undertake the amazing task of explaining eternal truths in ways that connect to the culture of our time.

In today’s reading we see the apostle Paul adapting the message of Jesus to the group of people he was speaking to. He used ideas and references they knew, and then even used their own beliefs to point towards God!

Our impact in sharing Jesus in our school, home, neighborhood, workplace or church is directly linked to our knowledge of those around us and our ability to engage with them.

To better understand western culture, yesHEis recently commissioned a research agency to survey and report on Millennial (Gen Y) behaviours and attitudes towards faith and Christianity. Though the survey was held in Australia, it is indicative of many other cultures too. The results showed that mainstream younger people are relatively critical of religion in society. 55% say that religion has a negative impact in society. In contrast, many are more likely to be positive about spirituality than religion, with two in three (64%) indicating that spirituality has a positive impact in society.

As we make an effort to understand our culture and the people God has placed around us, we will find better ways to engage with and respond to the strong negative perceptions that many have against religion and Christianity.