The Cultural Clash
Sometimes we are caught up and confused between cultural and Bible values. We could argue about something that is only a different cultural reference but not the Bible essential.
In Act 15, there's a story about the fierce protest between the church leader in the non-Jewish nations. The Jews think that the Gentile need to be circumcised too to keep Moses's law. So Paul and Barnabas were sent to reach out to the Apostles in Jerusalem to resolve this matter.
I suggest that you read the whole chapter by yourself to understand better what I am talking about. I am writing this article for Westmark Bible Study. This week we read Acts 15 and 16. Everyone shares what they get. Are you ready to dive? Let's back to the story.
The Cultural Clash
This story is also a warning for us. It's not between Jews' tradition and Gentile anymore. But sometimes by our culture and other church culture. From nowadays culture and the next generation's culture. Like it or not, there has always been a ''culture gap'' and "culture preferences."
Culture is good, but it could be a burden if we weren't careful, especially when it is irrelevant and you try to push it to the next generations. For example, some churches still sing the old song, making the young ages don't like to be at church.
It's like the Jews try to force Gentiles to be circumcised. Could they insist on teaching and applying the circumcised? Of course! But I don't think it would be effective for the Gospel to the non-Jewish. Circumcision is Jew's tradition - a cultural context. Yes, the Bible mentions it, but it doesn't mean you need to uphold it as a value of life. Circumcised or not is not affecting your salvation.
God's grace is not for a particular culture.
Salvation for every culture is the essence of the Bible's value. No matter how the way we do it. Everyone could be different from one and another. Are you relevant or not, are you singing the old song or the new song, are you using high-tech media or using plain paper for the text, are you using a big podium or simply without electricity; His love and grace are still the same.
What to do?
Reach out to the higher leader
If this case happens in the organization, you could reach out to the higher leader to seek their wisdom and point of view. Because sometimes we need a bigger perspective to see things.
The non-Jewish church sends Paul and Barnabas as their delegations to reach out to the Apostles in Jerusalem. They need to seek counsel. No one had this case before. This debate is something new. Because for the first time, the Gospel was flourishing and accepted outside Israel.
Luckily, in this case, one of the Apostles was Peter. He is the one that God reveals the revelations that His grace is not only for the Jews. He experienced and saw firsthand how the non -Jewish received the Holy Spirit. That's why Peter can settle this matter.
When you experience something like Peter did, you will have a better perspective, giving you strong convictions. You will quickly see things which one is a matter or not.
Why do I say 'luckily'? Because in the reality of life, not every leader we have is wise and objective. Just because someone has a title of a leader or in higher rank, it doesn't mean they have wisdom and can solve things.
Be a mirror
We can't change other people's cultures. What we can do is to inspire them and be an example. If someone asks you about the culture or somehow you are in that kind of argument about the culture, we could be their 'mirror.' We asked them back - a question with a question:
'Which culture is more effective to bring people to know Jesus?'
'What is your target audience?'
'When did the last time you evaluated the culture?'
So, we help them self-evaluate without judgment from our side. Then, if those people are interested, we can share more about it.
Interestingly, back to the Acts, the one who insists on applying the Law of Moses - the circumcises - is a religious group of Pharisees. TPT's translation says that they were false teachers. No wonder that they were so old fashion - rules-minded.
Bring the change or leave?
If you can stand up and bring the change as Paul and Barnabas did, then do it! It surely will cost you your time, energy, and mental. But, in the end, it's worth it.
On the other hand, some people or organizations sometimes don't want to change; some stay old-fashioned and live with 'the law.' Whatever the reason is. If the situation gets worse and costs you too much, not worth it anymore, I think it is better to find which culture is suitable for you. Rather than being caught in the middle of a cultural heat argument and draining your mental health. Because sometimes we are outgrowth the culture, and it's okay to leave. Know what's matters most. Choose wisely.
In other words, only you can decide you want to fight to stand up for the things that you believe will bring more impact, or you choose to leave. Even Paul and Barnabas, also at the end, didn't work together anymore. They had sharp arguments and finally went separate ways. (Acts 15:36-41)
Things to remember
Lastly, the most important, like the way Peter resolve this cultural clash, we need to remember and ask ourselves:
''So why on earth would you now limit God's grace by placing certain rules on how to be the believers?''*
Why?
Because if we are not careful, it could be us who put the rules and be a burden for other people and the next generations. God has chosen to give the wonderful Gospel for every nation and culture.
Thank you for reading this post, and leave your comment or thought down below. Let's learn together.
*Inspired by TPT translations.
This post is my personal notes from the Westmark Bible Study assignment. So, every week we read two chapters together and share what we learned or found from them. Let’s learn and grow together.
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