Communicating Christ in a Multicultural World
2. Religion in Culture, Society and Politics

Those who are sharing the Gospel today must keep sending it to new addresses. The recipients are constantly changing their addresses and no one is forwarding the mail.

Lesson Objectives

In the previous article we discussed the concept of "religion", in a globalised world. This lesson continues to explore the foundational issues, in connection with culture. It then looks at religious expression in multicultural Australia and discusses the changing face of religion observance in Australia, and what this means for the messaging and shape of the future church.

What is Culture?

The 1980 South African movie "The Gods Must Be Crazy" (written and directed by Jamie Uys with a low budget, it became an icon) indicated how differences in cultures (compounded by ethnocentric views) can lead to false assumptions and misunderstandings between people that can take a long time to heal.

Culture matters. Christians who desire to touch the world for Christ need to understand the role of culture in informing what people believe and how they behave.

"Culture" has many facets; for example, it is the way we:

Culture is not isolated; it is shared with other people. Culture unifies people through common experiences. It also marks us out from others. People generally learn culture by the society in which they grow up, eg through language, watching and imitating behaviours, being corrected or encouraged as the case may be.

Every society has multiple cultures, reflected in art, literature, music, beliefs, customs, institutions, inventions, language, technology and values. "Popular" culture includes arts, literature and entertainment, expressed by media such as television, radio, recordings, advertising, sports, hobbies, fads and fashions. Culture is also reflected in the use of symbols (religious, national, gender, slogans, flags). Religion has been a key source of inspiration in the arts. Some of the most beautiful buildings in the world are houses of worship. Much of the world's greatest music is religious. Religious stories have provided countless subjects for paintings, sculptures, literature, dance and movies.

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism recognizes that different collocated cultures are good/desirable; it welcome and encourages diversity, for example through diver immigration. Multiculturalism works best in societies with different ethnic groups and a political system that celebrates differences and provides freedom of expression.

However, ethnic groups that keep their values and traditions can also threaten social harmony and national unity. People sometimes feel confused and uneasy when they deal with people of other cultures, especially if those cultures seek to dominate the rest, or if "other" people become ghettoized.

"Ethnocentrism" is an attitude that one's particular culture is best. The opposite view is a form of cultural relativism, which contends that no culture should be judged by other standards; this can present problems if carried to extremes, eg undermining the value of traditional marriage, or practices that tolerate infanticide, cannibalism or torture.

Culture can be local (parochialism) or national (nationalism). Australia's culture has been influenced by:

Many people follow certain religions because of heritage, tribe or family. Judaism, Islam and Christianity have been major influences in the formation of modern cultures.

They have also played a crucial role in developing regional cultural values and practices (and prejudices), such as in the Middle East. Cultures of Asia have been shaped by Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism and Shintoism. Most religions have been influenced by older ones. Judaism influenced Christianity, which in turn influenced Islam and the Baha'i faith. Hinduism influenced Buddhism, which sprang directly from it.

Many rituals commemorate historical events, eg Passover recalls the meal the Israelites ate before their departure from slavery in Egypt. Christian celebrations of Communion (various formats) are related to the last meal that Jesus shared with His disciples before His death. Many Hindu rituals reflect ancient stories.

Rituals also mark important life events, eg ceremonies make sacred birth. circumcision. Adulthood, marriage, death. Rites of passage (from one stage of life to another) serve to accept young people into the religion, society and responsibility. In Judaism, circumcision is performed on baby boys. Some Christians "baptize" babies soon after birth: others baptize only youths or adults. Traditional Aboriginal circumcision signalled passage to manhood

Culture is dynamic and constantly changing; some people fear, oppose change. The effects of change can be to:

We need to understand culture if we are to appreciate the nuances of belief systems and how to reach people with the Gospel, eg

We need to understand inter-linkages, eg what happens when a Muslim becomes a Christian believer (in some countries the death penalty is imposed or the affected party is expelled from family, alienated from economic life).

One or Many

Role of People Movements, cf individualistic society. In the West, individualism predominates, eg 80% of Christian books are reader-centred ("my" family, church life. spiritual growth, rituals); the decision to follow Christ is usually an individual one.

The culture/subculture relationship:

Cultural language - how words change meaning

"Fundamentalism"

Christian "fundamentalists" have exercised great social/political influence, especially in the United States. Christian fundamentalist leaders include television evangelists. Less today than in the 1980s (Religious "Right" less organised now; Moral Majority disbanded).

Hindu fundamentalists exercise political power across in India (especially BJP under Prime Minister Modi). In 1992, extremists who were responsible for the destruction of a Muslim mosque built on the remains of a Hindu shrine in the town of Ayodhya, gained many followers. Their action angered local Muslims. Such extremists have stirred up riots throughout India's history.

Islam and Judaism have also developed strong fundamentalist movements, both in the West and in the Middle East. Islamic revivalists (people who seek to reawaken the faith) have considerable political influence in such countries as Algeria, Egypt, and Iran. Hasidism is gaining a large number of followers among Jews in Israel and the United States.

"Born again"

  1. a Christian term, taken from John 3
  2. re-birthing
  3. "born again Buddhist"

Seeking a peaceful way of life many Westerners turn to new religions or movements, particularly those with origins in the East. A large number of these people seek fulfilment in the teachings of Asian religions, such as Buddhism; Zen, a form of Buddhism, emphasises meditation. Others turn to supernatural experiences such as astrology, spiritualism, paganism. Astrology is based on the belief that the planets and other heavily bodies influence human affairs. Spiritualists believe that it is possible to communicate with the spirits of the dead. Pagans find inspiration from ancient religious cults. Many blame religion (with some justification) for all the ills in society.

Religion in Australia

In an optional question in the 2011 Census, 61.1% of the Australian population declared some variety of Christianity. Historically the percentage has been far higher (74% in 1996) and the religious landscape of Australia is changing and diversifying. 22.3% (up from 12.9% in 1996) of Australians stated "no religion" and a further 9.4% chose not to answer the question. The remaining population is a diverse group which includes Buddhists (2.5%), Muslims (2.2%), Hindus(1.3%) and Jews (0.5%). Here are details for the top 20:

20112006
Catholic - 25.3%Catholic - 25.8%
No religion - 22.3%Anglican - 18.7%
Anglican - 17.1%No religion - 18.7 %
Uniting Church 5.0%Uniting Church - 5.7%
Presbyterian and Reformed - 2.8%Presbyterian and Reformed - 3.0 %
Eastern Orthodox - 2.6%Eastern Orthodox - 2.7%
Buddhism - 2.5%Buddhism - 2.1%
Islam - 2.2%Islam - 1.7%
Christian, nfd - 2.2%Baptist - 1.6%
Baptist - 1.6%Christian, nfd - 1.6%
Hinduism 1.3%Lutheran - 1.3%
Lutheran - 1.2%Pentecostal - 1.1%
Pentecostal 1.1%Hinduism - 0.7%
Judaism - 0.5%Judaism - 0.4%
Jehovah's Witnesses - 0.4%Jehovah's Witnesses - 0.4%
Sikhism - 0.3%Salvation Army - 0.3%
Seventh-day Adventist - 0.3%Other Protestant - 0.3%
Other Protestant - 0.3%Seventh-day Adventist - 0.3%
Salvation Army - 0.3%Church of Jesus Christ - 0.3%
Latter-day Saints - 0.3%Latter-day Saints - 0.3%

Key points

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, www.abs.gov.au/census

Religion and Politics

People claim religion and politics don't mix, but even in our culture this is not true. Judeo-Christian input has traditionally influenced views on such issues as: Sunday trading; public holidays; contraception; use of alcohol, smoking, gambling; gun control, capital punishment. The major political parties have drawn support from sectional groups, although this is decreasing.

Christian groups are active in political life, eg lobby groups such as Australian Christian Lobby, Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, Opening of Parliament.

Political and legal views: Republicanism; Socialism. Temporary banning of Scientology. Recognition of Astrology as a religion by the Australian High Court.

Personal involvement: people claim to be tolerant but object to a mosque with a 20 metre minaret being built in their street (consider opposition in cities such as Bendigo during 2015) . Other clashes include: Sikhs' wearing turbans at work, Muslim women wearing (or not wearing) the hijab; work breaks for prayer.

Print and electronic media focus on the "different", eg ignore major denominational conferences but report on peripheral events such as the annual "Blessing of the Fleet" at Bega; ignore miracles but focus on small cults.

One of the consequences of multiculturalism (and, to a lesser extent, ecumenism) has been to "celebrate" religious differences as diversity and concentrate on common values and goals. The impact of this has to make evangelicalism appear intolerant (or "unAustralian"). Some prejudices are, however, shared by the community, eg Children of God; Jim Jones, David Koresh, Ananda Marga, Islamic Jihad/ISIS.

Presenting the Gospel

The traditional presentation of the Gospel in Australia has been influenced by Western philosophies, history and notions of individualism. It has looked something like the following:

As people have gone from book to screen there has been a further cultural shift. The old (and some not so old) images no longer work. People are experimental, interactive, multi-screen, multi-channel; affected by a wider range of symbols, music, language, sound. They are increasingly accustomed to virtual reality (real in effect but not in fact). If we are to reach them the narrative has to be culturally relevant (without changing the central message). We need to engage affectively and imaginatively.

Christianity in the 21 century needs to be:

Changing Patterns

Attendance patterns are changing. People are increasingly busy. They don't have time for meaningless repetition- there has to be value added in going to church even once on a Sunday.

The Christian formation of young people is changing. Lots of discipleship courses are available, however not all of them are in "church". Wesley built the "class" system to skill new converts. We need to provide solutions to the same sort of issue.

Young people have a fear - almost a phobia- about distinctiveness. Grow up with fear of being rejected because they are different. Fear of starting out. There has been a growth of pluralistic inclusiveness. Not a theological problem, but an emotional one.

In this context, the small, traditional, suburban church, with a brick hall and manse out the back faces a bleak future. Many now only appeal to an aging population (the average age of Anglicans on Sunday is over 50 years of age). Consider the number of churches converted to retail outlets or homes, or being sold and re-badged as mosques or temples.

The church of the future must employ culturally sensitive evangelism, without being seduced by pressure to conform culturally. Need to have relevant structural renewal in parallel with spiritual renewal.

Religious differences have an impact on Australian society, eg social categories and ethnicity give rise to differences. Social differences have an impact on religious expression, eg age, education patterns, economic conditions, family make-up.

Discussion: If you were organising a new "Australian religion " what would you include and what would it look like? How would it be marketed? Organised? Governed? What would be its "emphasis"? Compare it with what you know of traditional Christianity in Australia. What would be the same/different?

Myths That Need to Be Confronted When Building New Paradigm Churches

  1. denominational franchise model - all churches have to look alike, have the same name and sound alike
  2. the village/family cross-generational church is the only model
  3. build "a stable church for a stable population" - dated
  4. there is a common Australian culture to which we relate
  5. people under 45 are denominationally loyal
  6. pastoral maintenance will work
  7. new churches can only be planted in new housing estates
  8. styles of worship from the 1950s still work
  9. personal faith is caught by others by association
  10. the only model of ministry is the ordained pastor
  11. people understand our language: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lord of Hosts; stewards of God's grace; Suffering Servant; meditation; House of God

Characteristics of Australia's Top Current Churches

  1. empowering leadership
  2. gift-oriented ministry
  3. passionate spirituality
  4. functional structures
  5. inspiring worship services
  6. holistic small groups
  7. need-oriented relationship
  8. loving relationships
  9. good Biblical teaching
  10. cross-cultural

ALL of these factors need to be present. Like the "water in a barrel" analogy we need all planks in place and must remember the water (growth) only comes as high as the lowest plank. There is no single model. If we take the above issues into account and seek God for what He is saying to US about OUR neighbourhood, He will give us the most effective strategies.

More Revealing Statistics About Belief in Australia

Survey Results: NCLS/Edith Cowan University Survey of 8,500 people

Percentages of Respondents Who Claimed they Believed in:

God74
Heaven53
Deity of Jesus Christ43
Hell32
Resurrection43
Devil33
Life After Death45
Reincarnation27

"Religion" is back on the agenda. People are prepared to believe anything, but they are not necessarily prepared to come to church.

Having briefly considered the meaning of religion in culture, we now turn to non-evangelical expressions of Christianity (or movements that claim to be Christian) before considering a selection of non-Christian religions. All are within reach of every one of us, and if we are to be able to reach followers with the Good News about Jesus Christ we need to understand how they operate and why only the Gospel really "works".

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