In this week’s post, let’s take a look at Biblical Christianity vs Cultural Christianity and perhaps some reflection on our daily lives.
What is Cultural Christianity?
Cultural Christianity can be defined in many different ways but for this week, let’s focus on these two aspects.
Cultural Christians Prefer to Just “Fit In”
Unlike biblical Christianity, cultural Christians tend to steer clear of offending others who hold differing beliefs. This means that they avoid discussing sin, repentance, and eternal damnation as a result of our transgressions. Essentially, cultural Christians prioritize pleasing the world over following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Cultural Christians are Focused on Their Outward Appearance
In the book of Matthew, there is an account of Jesus admonishing the religious leaders of his time for their hypocritical behavior. Specifically, in chapter 6, while teaching his disciples about the importance of giving and prayer, Jesus points out the hypocrisy that was prevalent among the religious leaders.
So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! Matthew 6:2 Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! Matthew 6:5
Cultural Christians often miss the essence of being a genuine born-again follower of Christ as they prioritize their external image. By limiting their faith to mere Sunday attendance or worse, treating their beliefs as a one-time event, such as Easter Sunday, these nominal Christians may lack authentic repentance for their sins. Falsely relying on outward appearances, as Matthew 23:15 warns, can potentially lead others astray and towards eternal damnation.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as fit for hell as you are! Matthew 23:15
What is Biblical Christianity?
Biblical Christians Do Not Align with a Societal World View
Biblical Christianity is characterized by a refusal to conform or align with societal norms. In contrast to the aforementioned nominal Christians, it emphasizes the importance of not being captive to human traditions and empty philosophy, which are grounded in the basic principles of the world. This is articulated in Colossians 2:8.
Biblical Christianity is Focused on Inward Appearance
Biblical Christians seek acceptance from God, not from man. As a result, their focus is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Another tenet of Biblical Christianity is humility. Again, let’s look at Matthew 6:2,5 and contrast Biblical with Cultural Christianity.
So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! Matthew 6:2 Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! Matthew 6:5
In verse 2, Biblical Christianity teaches we are to be humble, not anticipating any recognition when giving to the poor. And verse 5 was referring to those who pray in open and public spaces just to be seen as someone who is religious.
Closing
In conclusion, the difference between cultural and biblical Christianity is vast. Cultural Christianity often prioritizes social acceptance and outward appearances, while biblical Christianity emphasizes a genuine transformation of the heart and living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. While adhering to societal norms may be easier, biblical Christianity reminds us that true faith requires a willingness to stand apart from the crowd and embrace a life that is centered on a deeper, spiritual truth.
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Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.