This Sunday is our International Sunday - one day in the year when we make a special effort to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity that comes with a multi-cultural congregation. So what sort of things do we have planned for tomorrow? Hopefully there will be some who come in their national dress. We will sing some songs in languages other than English. We will acknowledge every country represented by name, and encourage the children to colour the relevant flags. And to round everything off we are having lunch together, and everyone has been encouraged to bring a national dish, which will have a flag in it, so (if we know our flags) we can know where it has come from.
So why do we have an International Sunday? Well, I think that multi-cultural church is biblical - where a church exists in a multi-cultural environment, that church should be multi-cultural. And to build a multi-cultural church you have to be intentional. And this Sunday is just one part of that jigsaw.
I don't believe that it is good enough to say, 'I'm colour blind - I don't see colour - I don't think of you as black, white ...' For whilst I am not defined by the colour of my skin, I can't deny who I am - and that is moulded by where I have come from, where I have grown up etc. And therefore it is wrong to think of everyone else as being just like me (and I believe that is often what is under-lying comments like, 'I don't see you as black...'
On International Sunday we acknowledge that we are all different (and this is as true with gender, age, class etc. as well as race) and yet we are all created in the image of God, we are all loved by God, and we are all a vital piece in the bigger picture. God wants to use me and God wants to use you. Wherever we are from we have something to bring to the table that will enrich life for us all.
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
International Service
Why do we have an International Meal and International Service on the first weekend of July? As a church we have members from many different parts of the world, probably somewhere in the region of 50 different nationalities represented. As we have seen from recent studies in Ephesians - we are one in Christ. But we're also all different - and we want to make a conscious effort to celebrate our diversity and to thank God for it.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that we're all made in the image of God. Therefore we are all special. One group of people are not more special than another - we're all created in the image of God.
John 3:16 drives this point home - in case you're struggling to believe that it is true. Here John tells us that God so loved the people of the world that He sent Jesus to die for us. We're all so special and God loves us so much.
Revelation 7:9 is a picture of what heaven is going to be like - multicultural - made up of people from every nation, tribe, people and language. If you struggle with the concept of living with people from different parts of the world as your neighbours - I suggest you start getting used to the idea quickly. Otherwise eternity is going to seem an awfully long time!
Acts 13:1 shows a multi-cultural (and multi-class) leadership of a multi-cultural church. The Jew from Cyprus, the black African, the north African, the well connected Jew and the Jew from Tarsus. Wherever we come from we have an important place within the life of the local church. There are things that we bring from our culture that reflect God and others will benefit from us sharing those things. There are of course things in every culture that need to be rejected when we become a Christian.
Think of one thing in your culture that reflects God and needs to be celebrated and endorsed. Also think of one thing in your culture that needs to be rejected once a person becomes a Christian.
To listen to this message click here.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that we're all made in the image of God. Therefore we are all special. One group of people are not more special than another - we're all created in the image of God.
John 3:16 drives this point home - in case you're struggling to believe that it is true. Here John tells us that God so loved the people of the world that He sent Jesus to die for us. We're all so special and God loves us so much.
Revelation 7:9 is a picture of what heaven is going to be like - multicultural - made up of people from every nation, tribe, people and language. If you struggle with the concept of living with people from different parts of the world as your neighbours - I suggest you start getting used to the idea quickly. Otherwise eternity is going to seem an awfully long time!
Acts 13:1 shows a multi-cultural (and multi-class) leadership of a multi-cultural church. The Jew from Cyprus, the black African, the north African, the well connected Jew and the Jew from Tarsus. Wherever we come from we have an important place within the life of the local church. There are things that we bring from our culture that reflect God and others will benefit from us sharing those things. There are of course things in every culture that need to be rejected when we become a Christian.
Think of one thing in your culture that reflects God and needs to be celebrated and endorsed. Also think of one thing in your culture that needs to be rejected once a person becomes a Christian.
To listen to this message click here.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
To watch or not to watch?
Every now and again a film, book or play is released that draws the call for a boycott from some Christians and Christian groups. To watch or not to watch - that is the question.
But if we believe that our Christian faith should impact every area of life, and make us distinctive, then the question 'to watch or not to watch' is surely a question we answer personally on a daily basis. But how do we come to an answer and how come my answer and yours may be different?
Two verses spring to mind that bring us to different sides of the debate. In John 17:15 we see that even though we are not of the world we are called to be a part of it. We need to engage with those around us. If we withdraw from our culture how will people see Jesus? Then Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent - hardly the description of your average Hollywood offering!
5 December sees the release of the widely anticipated and advertised 'The Golden Compass', clearly targeting the highly lucrative Narnia, LOTR and Harry Potter market. This is one of those films, that even though it is a children's film, has brought calls of a Christian boycott. Not so much for the content of the film but more because of the book on which the film is based, 'The Northern Lights' by Philip Pullman, the first in his 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. The concern is that unsuspecting parents will allow their children to see the film and they will then want to read the books.
Many who have read, or watched, C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' stories, especially, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' will not have missed the Christian images and values that Lewis promotes in his writing, for Lewis was a Christian. Pullman, on the other hand, is an atheist - and he uses his writing to promote his beliefs. According to Wikipedia, Pullman is a supporter of the British Humanist Association and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. He has been described as one of England's most outspoken atheists. It is my understanding that towards the end of his trilogy 'god' is killed and a republic of heaven is established. Pullman says,
"We're used to the Kingdom of Heaven, but you can tell from the general thrust of the book that I'm of the devil's party, like Milton. And I think it's time we thought about a republic of Heaven instead of the Kingdom of Heaven. The King is dead. That's to say I believe the King is dead. I'm an atheist."
According to the Channel Four website review of the film, 'The subtext of the novels [His Dark Materials] is fiercely critical of religion - involving the overthrowing of God'.
But you may not pick this up from the film. Film makers after all are there to make money. And therefore making a film that would be potentially boycotted by Christians - particularly right-wing Christian America and the worldwide Catholic Church would not be a good economic move. Therefore many references to God and the church have apparently been stripped out, in favour of a more general attack on large powerful institutions.
Not long ago I blogged about Dawkins' 'God Delusion'. One thing we can be sure of is that atheism and secularism are not going to go away. If anything they are becoming more 'popular' - at least their public intolerance of anyone with a religious viewpoint is becoming more vocal and more acceptable. I have since got a copy of Dawkins' book - but not from Borders (who have missed out on all my Christmas shopping this year!) - but not read it yet. But I do not anticipate this book shaking my faith - certainly if the section on miracles is anything to go by!
But what should our response as Christians be? As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of the world. The people we meet each day, and the children our children go to school with are soaking up an increasingly atheistic and secular worldview without even realising it. And films and books like this simply add into that melting pot. This is why I don't feel that a blanket call on Christians to boycott this film is helpful. Clearly every individual, and parent, needs to take what they believe is the right decision for them and for their family. But for those parents who feel that it is appropriate for their children to watch 'The Golden Compass' I would want to encourage them to watch it too (not necessarily together!) and read the books behind it. And then engage with their children and the bigger themes from a biblical perspective.
A Christian is a person whose mind has been transformed and renewed (Romans 12:2). Therefore we no longer think the world's way and so whatever we read and watch - whether Neighbours, Eastenders, James Bond or The Golden Compass - we should be aware of those messages that are not consistent with the Bible and our Christian faith. A Christian has had their mind renewed - not removed!
Our Christian young people will come across the atheistic/secular worldview sooner or later no matter how hard we might try to 'protect' them. And they need to know that their faith has nothing to fear. The atheist believes that God is dead. Sometimes I get the impression that some Christians believe that too and they are desperate to keep the secret hushed up. As if films like 'The Golden Compass' or 'The Da Vince Code' will bring down a faith that people have died for for thousands of years.
But people today do believe that God is dead - at least they live that way. Isn't the release of this film more of an opportunity than a threat? "You believe that God is dead? Let me tell you how I know He is alive."
But if we believe that our Christian faith should impact every area of life, and make us distinctive, then the question 'to watch or not to watch' is surely a question we answer personally on a daily basis. But how do we come to an answer and how come my answer and yours may be different?
Two verses spring to mind that bring us to different sides of the debate. In John 17:15 we see that even though we are not of the world we are called to be a part of it. We need to engage with those around us. If we withdraw from our culture how will people see Jesus? Then Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent - hardly the description of your average Hollywood offering!
5 December sees the release of the widely anticipated and advertised 'The Golden Compass', clearly targeting the highly lucrative Narnia, LOTR and Harry Potter market. This is one of those films, that even though it is a children's film, has brought calls of a Christian boycott. Not so much for the content of the film but more because of the book on which the film is based, 'The Northern Lights' by Philip Pullman, the first in his 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. The concern is that unsuspecting parents will allow their children to see the film and they will then want to read the books.
Many who have read, or watched, C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' stories, especially, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' will not have missed the Christian images and values that Lewis promotes in his writing, for Lewis was a Christian. Pullman, on the other hand, is an atheist - and he uses his writing to promote his beliefs. According to Wikipedia, Pullman is a supporter of the British Humanist Association and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. He has been described as one of England's most outspoken atheists. It is my understanding that towards the end of his trilogy 'god' is killed and a republic of heaven is established. Pullman says,
"We're used to the Kingdom of Heaven, but you can tell from the general thrust of the book that I'm of the devil's party, like Milton. And I think it's time we thought about a republic of Heaven instead of the Kingdom of Heaven. The King is dead. That's to say I believe the King is dead. I'm an atheist."
According to the Channel Four website review of the film, 'The subtext of the novels [His Dark Materials] is fiercely critical of religion - involving the overthrowing of God'.
But you may not pick this up from the film. Film makers after all are there to make money. And therefore making a film that would be potentially boycotted by Christians - particularly right-wing Christian America and the worldwide Catholic Church would not be a good economic move. Therefore many references to God and the church have apparently been stripped out, in favour of a more general attack on large powerful institutions.
Not long ago I blogged about Dawkins' 'God Delusion'. One thing we can be sure of is that atheism and secularism are not going to go away. If anything they are becoming more 'popular' - at least their public intolerance of anyone with a religious viewpoint is becoming more vocal and more acceptable. I have since got a copy of Dawkins' book - but not from Borders (who have missed out on all my Christmas shopping this year!) - but not read it yet. But I do not anticipate this book shaking my faith - certainly if the section on miracles is anything to go by!
But what should our response as Christians be? As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of the world. The people we meet each day, and the children our children go to school with are soaking up an increasingly atheistic and secular worldview without even realising it. And films and books like this simply add into that melting pot. This is why I don't feel that a blanket call on Christians to boycott this film is helpful. Clearly every individual, and parent, needs to take what they believe is the right decision for them and for their family. But for those parents who feel that it is appropriate for their children to watch 'The Golden Compass' I would want to encourage them to watch it too (not necessarily together!) and read the books behind it. And then engage with their children and the bigger themes from a biblical perspective.
A Christian is a person whose mind has been transformed and renewed (Romans 12:2). Therefore we no longer think the world's way and so whatever we read and watch - whether Neighbours, Eastenders, James Bond or The Golden Compass - we should be aware of those messages that are not consistent with the Bible and our Christian faith. A Christian has had their mind renewed - not removed!
Our Christian young people will come across the atheistic/secular worldview sooner or later no matter how hard we might try to 'protect' them. And they need to know that their faith has nothing to fear. The atheist believes that God is dead. Sometimes I get the impression that some Christians believe that too and they are desperate to keep the secret hushed up. As if films like 'The Golden Compass' or 'The Da Vince Code' will bring down a faith that people have died for for thousands of years.
But people today do believe that God is dead - at least they live that way. Isn't the release of this film more of an opportunity than a threat? "You believe that God is dead? Let me tell you how I know He is alive."
Saturday, 30 June 2007
International Sunday
The first Sunday in July is traditionally our International Sunday. (This year our International Meal is next Saturday on 7 July). But what is an International Sunday and why have one?
Immanuel Baptist Fellowship is a very diverse and multi-cultural church. Each International Sunday we recognise and acknowledge each country where those who attend originate from. Last year there were over 50 nationalities represented across our four centres, from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. What I want to know is where are those from Antarctica? If you're from Antarctica and you're reading this blog then if you're ever in London you'd be more than welcome at one of our centres - please make yourself known to us - you may be the first from your continent to visit us. [Visit http://www.ibfchurch.org.uk/ for details of where to find us].
Each of us is shaped by the culture(s) in which we grew up. For many people it is not until they leave 'their culture' (maybe to live in another country, or leave home to go to university etc) that they realise that there are lots of other people who think differently about things, and do things differently. This makes life in a multi-cultural church both exciting and challenging - for there is plenty of scope for misunderstanding (and therefore potential for upsetting and offending people without even realising it). This begins as soon as you walk into the church. Some cultures are more reserved than others and therefore a firm handshake is all that is needed by way of a greeting. Others need a hug and a kiss on each cheek. As you can see the potential for upset is already there, and we have only just got through the door of the church. One person feels offended because they were only given a handshake - "don't they like me or something?" Someone else is made to feel totally uncomfortable as their 'personal space' is infringed.
But what are we to make of culture as Christians? There is a sense in which Christianity is always 'counter cultural' - there are things in every culture that are not in line with God's will. But I believe that there are also things in every culture that do demonstrate something of the truth of God. Therefore all of us need to allow 'our culture' to be transformed by the teaching of Jesus. That doesn't mean that we will end up with all Christians only having one culture. It means that the 'good' in our cultures will be celebrated whilst the 'bad' will be confessed and changed.
Our International Sunday reminds us that we have an incredibly creative God. He made us all different. He gave us different personalities. And He wants us to rejoice and celebrate that. And so on our International Sunday we celebrate our differences and look to learn from one another - this is part of what it means to worship a God who is creative and diverse. And at the same time we wonder that through Jesus it is possible to become one family - and yet not to lose those qualities that make us different.
Some questions for reflection (and comment):
What in your culture needs to be celebrated by the church?
What in your culture needs to be challenged by the teachings of Jesus?
Immanuel Baptist Fellowship is a very diverse and multi-cultural church. Each International Sunday we recognise and acknowledge each country where those who attend originate from. Last year there were over 50 nationalities represented across our four centres, from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. What I want to know is where are those from Antarctica? If you're from Antarctica and you're reading this blog then if you're ever in London you'd be more than welcome at one of our centres - please make yourself known to us - you may be the first from your continent to visit us. [Visit http://www.ibfchurch.org.uk/ for details of where to find us].
Each of us is shaped by the culture(s) in which we grew up. For many people it is not until they leave 'their culture' (maybe to live in another country, or leave home to go to university etc) that they realise that there are lots of other people who think differently about things, and do things differently. This makes life in a multi-cultural church both exciting and challenging - for there is plenty of scope for misunderstanding (and therefore potential for upsetting and offending people without even realising it). This begins as soon as you walk into the church. Some cultures are more reserved than others and therefore a firm handshake is all that is needed by way of a greeting. Others need a hug and a kiss on each cheek. As you can see the potential for upset is already there, and we have only just got through the door of the church. One person feels offended because they were only given a handshake - "don't they like me or something?" Someone else is made to feel totally uncomfortable as their 'personal space' is infringed.
But what are we to make of culture as Christians? There is a sense in which Christianity is always 'counter cultural' - there are things in every culture that are not in line with God's will. But I believe that there are also things in every culture that do demonstrate something of the truth of God. Therefore all of us need to allow 'our culture' to be transformed by the teaching of Jesus. That doesn't mean that we will end up with all Christians only having one culture. It means that the 'good' in our cultures will be celebrated whilst the 'bad' will be confessed and changed.
Our International Sunday reminds us that we have an incredibly creative God. He made us all different. He gave us different personalities. And He wants us to rejoice and celebrate that. And so on our International Sunday we celebrate our differences and look to learn from one another - this is part of what it means to worship a God who is creative and diverse. And at the same time we wonder that through Jesus it is possible to become one family - and yet not to lose those qualities that make us different.
Some questions for reflection (and comment):
What in your culture needs to be celebrated by the church?
What in your culture needs to be challenged by the teachings of Jesus?
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