"A growing trend in the evangelical church is what is referred to as “redeeming
the cultures” or “Cultural Identification.” Essentially, it is the idea that God
created cultures and has no desire for anyone to leave their cultural practices
but can incorporate their belief in Jesus into their already existing culture.
The words culture or society cannot be found in the Bible, but rather it talks about “nations” and how these nations worshiped false gods as opposed to the “one true God”5 (read Romans 1).
What does the Bible have to say about the different nations (cultures)? In Deuteronomy, we are cautioned to:
But Scripture tells us that the Gospel Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Colossians 1:26. This is why Jesus gave that command to the disciples to go to all the nations sharing the truth of God’s Word.
The following comparison chart shows the differences between man’s view and God’s view of cultures:
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh . . . That at that time ye were without Christ, being . . . strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:11-12" FLT
The words culture or society cannot be found in the Bible, but rather it talks about “nations” and how these nations worshiped false gods as opposed to the “one true God”5 (read Romans 1).
What does the Bible have to say about the different nations (cultures)? In Deuteronomy, we are cautioned to:
Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them . . . that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods. Deuteronomy 12:30-32
But Scripture tells us that the Gospel Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Colossians 1:26. This is why Jesus gave that command to the disciples to go to all the nations sharing the truth of God’s Word.
The following comparison chart shows the differences between man’s view and God’s view of cultures:
Man’s View: All cultures are equal in their worth.
God’s View: All cultures are not equal.
Man’s View: God loves all cultures and nations as they are.
God’s View: God does love all people but not their cultures. He does not accept their various ways to worship but has given man the correct manner in which to worship.
Man’s View: All religious practices and rituals are acceptable ways to approach God.
God’s View: Only one way is given by God that is acceptable, through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son.
Man’s View: We are all united as one humanity and should accept everyone as they are.
God’s View: Our humanity is united in sin (in Adam), resulting in our separation from God, and we need to be united in Christ. Christ, and Christ alone, then becomes our common denominator.
Man’s View: All the gods of the nations are the same or have insignificant differences.
God’s View: The gods of the nations are false; YHWH alone is God, and there is no other according to His own Word.
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh . . . That at that time ye were without Christ, being . . . strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:11-12" FLT