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Monday Miscellany

Focus Text: John 8.32

This message is not about Christmas; it is about cultures and how they sometimes contrast, conflict, and/or even contradict. All the observations about the two cultures selected for discussion were made between December 1,2007 and today’s date (December 10,2007).

In “Culture X” a national broadcast provided the “sample” from which these conclusions about the culture were extracted. The program seemed to present itself as being mainstream within the country in which the broadcast originated. It was a variety show of sorts with no recurring theme; in this program, however, it was the month of December and the excited anticipation of Christmas permeated the show. Discussions of home, freedom, God, peace, and Christmas observances within the culture were plainly evident. Interviews were broadcast from around the world sampling the feelings of citizens temporarily displaced from their country for one reason or another. Each of these interviews gave unabashed support for the culture back home, for God, and for the privilege of being a citizen of a country in which such feelings could be freely expressed. As the program signed off, a chorus from one of the branches of the country’s military sang a traditional religious Christmas hymn. This musical serenade faded out as the star of the program urged all who were tuned in to have a safe and merry Christmas and to remember the reason for the season, i.e. Jesus Christ, Savior of all mankind.

In “Culture Y” a radio broadcast and a prominent billboard provided the “sample” from which the conclusions about that culture were extracted. The radio program originated from a local station and made no claim to represent any viewpoint other than the obvious. A mention was made of the “upcoming holidays” and the celebrations that would accompany them. It was noted that many “religious traditions” were present in the culture and each of them had equally valid reason for celebration. The word “God” was not used, no mention of country was made, and no reference to religious freedom was made. From this one could correctly infer that there was no specific mention of Jesus or His role as “Savior of all mankind.” The huge billboard (14’ 10:48’) was alongside a major thoroughfare; thousands of cars passed it each day. It was cleverly designed to look like a stained glass window around its perimeter; the words were stark and simply read, “Imagine No Religion.” Additionally the billboard advertised the website of the atheistic and agnostic charitable foundation which sponsored its erection.

“Culture X” seemed to acknowledge the validity of the foundations upon which the Christian religion were established and took pride in the fact that country supported that position. “Culture Y” seemed to be pluralistic with no particular view toward truth, but saw all religious traditions as equally valid. In addition, “Culture Y” supported from tax deductible donations a movement to be free from all religion.

The “Culture X” sample was taken from a recent rebroadcast of a 1950’s Bing Crosby radio show. The “Culture Y” samples were taken from current events in Atlanta, Georgia. Are these cultures in contrast, in conflict, or in contradiction? Truth frees! (John 8.32).

Questions:

1. What is pluralism? Does it describe our current culture? Can pluralism and truth coexist?

2. Why are atheists opposed to attempts to proselytize others to the doctrines of Christianity? Do atheists attempt to proselytize through things such as the billboard mentioned?

3. What is the difference between freedom “from religion” and freedom “of religion”?

4. What does truth have to do with such matters? Ought truth to be debated in the public arena?

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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