The Form of the Liturgy
Behavior is shaped by liturgies because, as Lewis stated, our inclinations are organized through trained habits, and habits are formed through rituals. And it is… Read More »The Form of the Liturgy
Articles on Culture
The People’s Work
Perhaps one of the best ways to help us contemplate how behavior is shaped in the way that I have been explaining over the past several… Read More »The People’s Work
Habits
Last week I suggested that data transmission alone does not create disciples. Rather, we must focus upon the heart’s inclinations in order to shape one’s… Read More »Habits
Make Disciples
Last week I argued that culture is essentially the behavior of a people. Here is the second peg to the argument I am developing over these… Read More »Make Disciples
Culture and the Liturgies of Life
Evangelicals today are enamored with culture. Visit any Christian blog or pick up a catalogue of recent Christian books, and you will likely find discussions… Read More »Culture and the Liturgies of Life
Is “cultural transformation” part of a church’s mission?
There is a lot of talk today about cultural transformation. This has led to discussions about whether such a thing is part of the mission… Read More »Is “cultural transformation” part of a church’s mission?
Worship, hymnology, and philosophy of ministry reading list for pastors and church musicians
Last week I made the argument that all pastors and church musicians (or “worship leaders”) should give themselves to the study of worship, hymnology, and… Read More »Worship, hymnology, and philosophy of ministry reading list for pastors and church musicians
Worship Implies a Theology
We spend a lot of time thinking about how our culture has affected Christian worship, and we often reflect on what sorts of things we… Read More »Worship Implies a Theology
Theological Issues at Stake in Discussions of Culture and Contextualization
Discussion of culture is an essential ingredient in any intelligent philosophy of Christian music. Especially in today’s globalized, multicultural environment, understanding what culture is and… Read More »Theological Issues at Stake in Discussions of Culture and Contextualization
Paul the Cultural Conservative
One of the most difficult passages of Paul’s writings to interpret is 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. In this passage, Paul commands Christian women who are praying or… Read More »Paul the Cultural Conservative
Corporate worship and the formation of a new culture
Navigating the difficult relationship between corporate worship and the culture around is is a challenge, but it is one made easier when we recognize the… Read More »Corporate worship and the formation of a new culture
Are emotions universal?
This is a fascinating article in many ways. It traces the scientific debate concerning what, exactly, emotions are and whether they are universal or not.… Read More »Are emotions universal?
Culture is human behavior
Evangelicals today are enamored with culture. Visit any Christian blog or pick up a catalog of recent Christian books, and you will likely find discussions… Read More »Culture is human behavior
More on affirming culture
Yesterday I posted some reflections on the idea of “cultural affirmation” in response to another blog post, and a few friends helpfully indicated that I… Read More »More on affirming culture
What does it mean to be “culturally affirming”?
I was recently directed to a blog post that rejoiced in the fact that certain segments of conservative evangelicalism were becoming more “culturally affirming.” The… Read More »What does it mean to be “culturally affirming”?
All Things to All Men | Part 5: What the Passage Means (vv22-23)
In 1 Cor 9:22, Paul says, “I have become all things to all men that by all means I might save some.” This should not be… Read More »All Things to All Men | Part 5: What the Passage Means (vv22-23)
Be holy in all your culture
This post concludes my series on the New Testament implications of the idea that culture is behavior. Here are all the implications: New Testament authors explain… Read More »Be holy in all your culture
All Things to All Men | Part 4: What the Passage Means (vv21-22)
I am writing a series of posts on the meaning of 1 Cor 9:19-23, in particular his comment in verse 22, “I have become all things… Read More »All Things to All Men | Part 4: What the Passage Means (vv21-22)
Borrowing culture
Since culture is the same idea as behavior, we have been discussing important New Testament implications from this idea. Here are the previous implications: New Testament… Read More »Borrowing culture