Cultural Contextualization & Christmas

How well do we know our Bible? Contextualization vs Normativity is a battle that wages on not only in societal and ecclesiological venues, but in the hearts of every believer. Normative truth is the pure truth. The constancy of truth. Regardless of how we misinterpret or simply don't know, the normative truth does not change. I was amazed as I watched a re-run of "House" tonight on Fox. The doctor was leading a classroom discussion with a group of students and was supplying them with three different scenarios for the same symptoms. One of the patients in this imaginary lesson dies, much to the outrage of the students who defend themselves by saying, "we didn't know that was true." House refutes by reminding the young med students that whether they know it or not, the truth always exists. There is not the possibility of "your way is as good as mine." But, contextualization is a horse of a different color. This is where we get to strain to discover the line where what we have grown accustomed to has become normative in our hearts and minds for no other reason than we are accustomed to it. We have a serious responsibility as Christians to know the difference between what is truth and what is culture. The two might not be at odds with each other, but often times they are and we can't afford the luxury of laziness. This is why the pulpit is such a horrific place to find yourself. Are you claiming with authority the Word of God or the word of culture?

Let me illustrate with a couple of simple Christmas fallacies:

1. How may wise men visited Jesus? Three, of course! Actually, we don't know. Read Matthew Chapter 2 again and be amazed.
2. Why did the Shepherds go to Bethlehem to see Jesus? Because the angel of the Lord appeared and told them to go, of course! Actually, the angel never told the shepherds to go to Bethlehem. The angel only announced the birth of Jesus and told the shepherds what they would find in Bethlehem.
3. Where did the wise men find Jesus? In a manger, of course! Actually, the wise men found Jesus in a house. Matthew 2:11 (Jesus is also not referred to as a baby by the time the wise men approach him, but as a "child." Contrast that with the shepherds).

Are these little mistakes major problems for the Christian faith? Probably not. But for a postmodern culture that celebrates ambiguity and demonizes specifics, the last thing Christians need to embrace is an attitude of "close enough."

So how do we avoid the pitfalls of cultural contextualization? Read the Bible. Pray for clarity of mind and understanding. Stand firm on biblical truth and do not waiver, but keep an open mind to what the Bible is teaching, even if it rubs against your life long held beliefs. Do not settle for trite answers, but dig for deeper truth.

On December 24th, I will have the honor of preaching at the first church I ever served, Fosterville Baptist Church (Picture below). I am going to bring a message on the Trinitarian Truth of Christmas Submission on that Christmas Eve. Together, the dear folk at Fosterville Baptist Church and myself are going to think about what the next day, Christmas day, really means. We won't settle for "God became man and came to earth." That is a fine place to start. But the story is deeper than that my friends. Much deeper.