1400 Troy Road
Collinsville, Illinois 62234
618-667-6708
secretary@ctcofc.net
Worship Service 9:30 AM
Bible Classes 11:00 AM
Special Activities 11:50 AM
Bible Class (Adult) 1:30 PM
Bible Classes (All Ages) 7:00 PM
Last week we began this discussion on how American culture and ideals can impact how we practice our Christianity. We noticed how some are under the impression that Christianity is a European religion designed to oppress various demographics of people. We also noticed that those things are demonstrably false. This week we will continue our discussion by looking at how American culture may have an impact on how Christians practice their Christianity.
Our culture is all about freedom. I am thankful for that. I am sure we all enjoy the various freedoms that we are afforded in this nation. I pray that we can continue to have those freedoms (1 Timothy 2:1-2). However, sometimes it seems the American idea of freedom has a negative impact on our service to Christ. We take on an “I can and therefore I should” attitude. Or, conversely, the “I don't have to so I'm not going to” mindset. It is true that in our civil relationships we have freedom to do or not to do what we wish so long as it does not harm or break the law.
Yet, those mentalities are absent in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul wrote, "'All things are lawful', but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, ESV). Earlier, in a similar context, he stated, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:13). Paul was not under the illusion that just because he could do something that he should do it. His focus was not on his own freedom but what was best for those around him.
As Christians, we must be careful to not allow our culture to influence our service to God. Rather, let our service to God influence our culture. Christianity is a religion of selflessness and service. When it comes to our relationships (both with God and each other) we do not always need to think in terms of what is commanded or not commanded. We must grow in our love for God and one another to begin thinking in terms of what is best. What is going to help our relationship with God the most? What is going to be most beneficial to my brothers and sisters? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.
We live in a nation that was founded upon many Christian principles. We should be thankful to God that our Founding Fathers were mindful of the ethics put forth in scripture and used them as the groundwork for our country. This, of course, does not mean that all the Founding Fathers were morally upright men, or even truly believed that Jesus is the Son of God. Yet, because of what they did we have been blessed to live in a nation which has many godly ideas woven into its fabric. This, however, can lead to other issues. For example, some view Christianity as an "American" or "European" religion.
Recently, I watched a video wherein a man would go to college campuses and discuss the existence of God, the scriptures, and Jesus with any student who would speak to him. One very brave female student stood up and began to make comments to the effect that Christianity was a European religion that was designed to oppress women and those of African descent. From a historical standpoint, in one way, she is right. Christianity has been used to do those very things. However, she fails to see that is not the original intent or design of Christianity. In December of 2024 a man drove his truck down Bourbon Street in New Orleans killing around 14 people and injuring 37-57 others. No one would claim that vehicles were designed to harm people. That man corrupted their intent and used it for something wicked. Many have done the same with Christianity.
Fortunately for the college student, there was another student who, at least in some way, adhered to Christianity. This student was from Ethiopia. He quickly gave his peer a history lesson. He pointed out that Christianity found its way to Africa long before European colonization (Acts 8:26-39). Not only that, but Christianity has its origins in the Middle East. The Christian religion is not of American or European origin. In fact, it's true origin is not found on the map but in the mind and heart of God.
There is much more to say about how our American culture and ideals can impact our understanding and practice of Christianity. Some things are positive, others negative. Perhaps we can address those in a later article. For now, let us not forget that our primary allegiance should be to our God. To Him belongs heaven and earth and all that is in them (Deuteronomy 10:14).
