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Questions
On Evangelism And Our Example (2)
Question 6. I am of
Native American descent. I go to a non-dinominational Christain church. I struggle with
the idea of Christianity and my native culture (e.g. the Sundance). Is there a way that a
person can be a Christain and follow their native ways as well?
Answer As to this, your question is very
good. I believe the following outline should answer most of your question. Also, as to
becoming a Christian, please refer to the section on What
Must We Do To Be Saved? Now, here's the outline.
- The Unifying Power of The Gospel - Introduction
- Dinkins (one-time mayor of New York City) Thanksgiving speech calling for reason,
respect (tolerance) and reconciliation.
- Fernandez and school system Children of the Rainbow Sex-Ed and multi-cult. programs.
- Our own country, freedom - today, freedom without responsibility or an absolute moral
standard.
- All of these examples are attempts by humanity to harmonize diverse groups into
educational, social and political units where people might live together united in one
purpose without destructive strife and selfish concerns being displayed by one group
against another.
- The goal is worthy, but the means of humanity are lacking. Many times their cures only
exasperate the differences between groups or else force others to compromise their beliefs
and accept the beliefs of others that are forced upon them.
- It is only on the gospel of Christ where humanity can unite, no matter what the national
or social differences, in such a way where they can worship and work together in serving
God and one another.
- What is it about the gospel that can bring about what man so desperately wants to
accomplish? We turn to a study of the unifying power of the gospel of Christ.
Basis For This Unity - Submission To Christ
Jesus, in His death, has provided forgiveness of sins to all people, not matter what our
national origin - no matter what our social status. Rev. 5:6-10.
Regardless of cultural differences, all have sinned before God. Rom. 3:21-23.
It is only as we submit to Jesus in obedient faith that we can receive forgiveness of
our sins. Gal. 3:26-29.
Since all have sinned and all must obey in the same way, there is no difference between
us as far as worldly differences are concerned. We are all brethren in Christ.
Unity Displayed And Maintained In Christ
The way we are unified in Christ is, we all agree to submit to the same standard of
behavior - His word. Col. 3:5-17.
The barbarians identified here were those who were not Greek and/or did not speak Greek.
They were considered worthless by those who felt superior culturally.
Instead of tolerating and excusing the sins of every culture, in Christ, all cultures
agree to set aside sin and abide by His word.
Although we may have local churches in different countries, composed primarily of the
same nationality, there is no local church in any country superior to another because of
any cultural differences!
The same is true for individual Christians.
Unity Displayed Even When There Are Differences
Although we are to submit to the same standard, there are situations when we may differ
with one another without having it affect our unity together.
These are situations where the differences don’t have to do with sin, but are
matters of opinion.
- Nature of the differences. Rom. 14:1-2.
- What should we do in these situations? Rom. 14:3-6, 10-12.
- Keep these things to ourselves and don’t lead anyone to stumble - do something they
believe is sinful. Rom. 14:13-17, 21-23.
However, there are situations when our cultural influences confilict with the Law of
God, we must disobey our cultural traditions and submit to the Word of God.
- Example 1 – Polygomy.
- Practiced in nigeria and many Arab countries.
- As Christians, we should not practice this. Matthew 19:3-6.
- Example 2 – Eating of blood.
- Practiced in Philippines, Germany and other places.
- As Christians, we must not practice these things. Acts 15:19-20.
- Example 3 – Drinking of alcohol.
- Common in many cultures, especially gathering together for parties at bars or pubs or
for various social occasions.
- As Christian,s we must not practice these things. 1 Pet. 4:1-6.
Conclusion
In Christ, we are united together - seeking to follow the same standard having come to
Jesus the same way because we are all sinners before God.
If not sinful, we can continue to follow cultural traditions as long as others do not
stumble. In this way, we can be an influence to others. 1 Cor. 9:19-23.
If sinful, we turn from these practices no matter how beloved they are in our cultures.
God has always required this of His people. Lev. 18:1-5, Titus 1:10-14.
What man is searching for can only be found in Christ and eventually will be perfectly
manifested in eternity.
Hope this helps. As to your specific example in regard to sundance, note Romans
chapter 1. We are to worship God and not what has been created. Contact Gary
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