THE CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGE

In reading about the work of Emil Brunner (1899-1966) when he was faced with the rise of Communism, Fascism and Hitler I am impressed by how he understood the role of Christian preaching, teaching and writing. He wrote that the church could not ignore the fact that it exists in a world shaped by a variety of understandings of life, some of which are benign, and others dangerous. We must intellectually engage with the surrounding culture, debate issues of the day and offer responses to situations and questions that are specific to a given situation. Preaching proclaims the Word of God but it speaks to people. Simply proclaiming pure doctrine is insufficient. We need to engage with the contemporary concerns of humanity, challenging people’s illusions and helping them realize that their true concerns are not what they believe them to be. We must address the current situation of our hearers. The Gospel challenges human notions of autonomy and shatters our narcissistic thinking in which we are always at the center instead of God. We have to be aware of the temptations of modern ideologies that prioritize the goodness of humanity instead of our need of God’s grace.

What are these ideologies and our cultural context?

As I survey the world around me I see an obsession with entertainment, information and opinion influencers. We are saturated with constant media conveying news, movies, business, concerts and sports. Our culture is materialistic, commercial driven and designed to stimulate personal pleasure and human fulfillment. Our feelings need to be indulged. Whatever gives us a kick is to be desired. There are no guard-rails, no inhibitions, no morality. Physical pleasure is paramount. Appearance and longevity, health and wealth are our objectives. Anything that stands in the way of our comfort is to be jettisoned. Our religion is self-fulfillment, God is our servant not our master. We worship ourselves for are we not worth it?

As a result faithful, lifelong marriage has been abandoned. People believe that the state is there to provide for their every need. Luxury is to be coveted. Death and suffering is to be avoided, delayed or denied. Affluence is our goal. Sex and gender is malleable. Committed relationships are discounted. Whatever is convenient is preferred.

Compare these modern cultural ideologies with the divine revelation in Scripture. What does Jesus as the Word of God have to say about these egotistical self-centered attitudes? They are doomed and antithetical to human flourishing. Instead: “Enter the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (NIV) “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life – to God! – is vigorous and requires total attention.” (The Message. Matthew 7:13,14) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message) This is what we need to hear.