Post-Counter-Cultural Thoughts

Well, my study has come and gone, and I've had the opportunity to hear a wide and diverse range of opinions on what really is counter-cultural Christianity. Here's some of what I heard...

Charles Colson believes that counter-cultural Christianity is the willingness to uphold what he believes to be Biblical and Christ-like principles in the face of secular non-Christian opposition. This includes standing up for Christian morality in the face of multi-cultural differences in the understanding of truth, abstaining from corrupt secular influences (via music, film, etc.), looking for spiritual messages in films, opposing nihilistic worldviews, and seeking redemption for all people from sin.

Here's what some other people in my study said:

"Maybe this is Chuck Colson's wake-up call to all Christians."

"What harm can cultural products really have on my faith?"

"We can prevent tragedies like the Columbine shootings by showing these people that God loves them over and above any rejection they may receive from the outside world."

"Jails teach people to become pretty good criminals."

We had many fascinating and compelling conversations in this study. However, perhaps the most compelling part of my week actually occurred after I left the place where I was running my study. At our National Staff Conference with the Navigators, we heard from a speaker named Bruxy Cavey, pastor at a church known as The Meeting Place.

Bruxy spoke to us on how Christianity as a religious system, and even the Bible can be used as tools of oppression and as tools contrary to the Good News of Christ. He suggested that counter-cultural Christianity may actually be the avoidance of religion in any way, shape, or form. As The Meeting House so coyly puts it on their main web-page, "God Hates Religion."

You can check out their website at www.themeetinghouse.ca Be sure to check out Bruxy's sermons on "The Irreligious Christ." Very compelling stuff...