Q: As Adventist Christians, how can we relate to society in a healthy way? do we have to ignore pop culture? politics? Secular Fiction?
Marvin, 25, Ivory Coast: We shouldn’t and can’t ignore pop culture, politics, or secular fiction. It’s something that we have to face. Through our daily activities, we can show a positive lifestyle to people around us. You have to show that your life can make a positive difference in their lives. Always put God in the picture and He will do the rest.
Siphosenkosi Ndlovu, 22, South Africa: Now that we profess to be Adventists and one thing that distinguishes us from other Christians is that we follow the Bible and especially the Ten Commandments and of which if you break one you are responsible for all. If that be the case one of the commandments says do not bear false witness that means whether for good or for bad do not bear false witness and thus it is to my little knowledge that I feel the truth has to be said though it might mean exposing others to danger or hurt of feelings.
Katie, 16, Missouri, United States: I don’t believe that we have to ignore everything that the world does. For example, what would happen if Adventists in the United States didn’t vote because they believe they shouldn’t educate themselves on politics? There might be some fairly frightening people in office. Also, on the subject of politics, I think its okay for Seventh-day Adventists to try to get into political positions. Right now the Chaplin of the Senate is an Adventist. That is pretty awesome! I think that we should know just enough about that the things around us to be able to know what we are talking about when they ask us about particular topics. You may be able to find a way to lead them to Christ because they started talking about Star Trek.
Samuel, 25, Kumasi, Ghana: We have to relate well with our neighbors by sharing and organizing community service programs such as clean-ups, donations to hospitals, and individually treat all humankind as equal irrespective of gender, race, color, or religion. This is because the love of God is in abundance to all the world (John 3:16). With respect to culture, politics, and secular fiction, they are all human societal bedrock which we cannot do totally away with. This is because some cultural practices are very healthy but those that are not should not be entertained among children of God. We can also deduce from the Bible that Daniel and other “big guns” served as politicians and statesman. They did not allow themselves to be influenced by falsehood. Rather, they used that opportunity to proclaim the message of God. Therefore as Adventists, everywhere we are, we have to brighten the corner we find ourselves in.
Imadylle, 23, Philippines: I don’t think we can ignore this. We are a part of our culture and community. Pop Culture, politics, and secular fiction are in our community so there is no way we can ignore it. What we can do is to be firm with our stand about it. We can show them on what we believe—to have our stand and to be firm with it. We can show them what Adventists are when it comes to those issues.
MARCELO LIMA, 27, ALAGOAS/MACEIO/BRAZIL: It is important for us as Adventists to say that the principles of the Bible regarding modesty are beyond the culture of this world. Although there are not any patterns of dresses authorized by God in Scriptures, we should consider the Christian role when the modesty is concerned. Apostle Peter said, “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (KJV - I Peter 3:4). We are representatives, ambassadors for Christ in this world. We do not belong to this world. We are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and we are to draw attention to our Savior Jesus Christ through our dresses, our speech, our food, and so forth. A naked body does not attract attention to our Redeemer. The Bible says, “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12 - KJV). The word “lusts” is very significant in this context. It means “passion”, and it is related to sexual practices. All we do should exalt the will of God for our lives. Think about it: what is the reason we stay at the side of Christ, live His life or catch the attention of the people around us to our worldly living? John Baptist, for instance, wore simple, modest clothing. Is this not a good pattern for Christian to follow? Remember: we are a frame of a picture. Christ is the picture.
Chibuzo, 22, Rivers, State Nigeria: Well I say yes and no, because you need to look at what the culture of that place is all about, so there is need for the church to work out a policy on this issue.
SIPHOSENKOSI, 22years, South Africa: I do think culture plays a role in what you wear like take for instance the Indians they wear clothing that covers their heads and almost 95% of their bodies and to some people its in applicable because they do not have it in their cultures but as Christians be it whatever culture, race or creed we have the same standard the Bible which rules above all the cultures. Though we are from different cultures we all converge at this one point and certainly have to conform.
Locksley, 24, Jamaica: Culture does play a role in what people wear and do. It should play a very important role in how people dress and act. Why? Because culture shows what has been done, what has been discovered, and what has been tested, thus resulting in what is best. Therefore the humanity of any culture will always be better as time rolls on. The question that this leaves lingering is: What is our culture as SDA? or How do we define our culture? Is our culture defined by a combination of what we learn from the Bible and some of what is practice in the world around us? Do we filter the culture of what we call the secular through what we call religious? What part of the filtration do we retain, is it the residue or the filtrate? The Bible, the providence of God and the impressions of the Holy Spirit are three standards that I have learnt we live by. Therefore a careful distinction of what is of the world and what is of Christ should be seen and heard of among us.
Eivind, 18, Norway: As Adventist Christians, how can we relate to society in a healthy way? Do we have to ignore Pop Culture? Politics? Secular Fiction? Of course we don't have to stay away from pop-culture, politics or sec. fiction! We have to use it to promote the message of God? Da-Vinci Code the villain? NO! Da-Vinci Code is our golden opportunity to tell about God and promote what is fact and what is fiction. If a band sings or call themselves. "Bad Religion"... make a band and call it "Good Religion"! Lets take what's anti-Christ and make it pro-Christ!
Mlamuli, 21, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: As Christians living in this world we cannot afford to ignore what is happening around us. Pop Culture, politics, and secular fiction make up part of the world we are living in. At the same time I am not saying we have to drift/sway with society as we know it. It is OK to know that the so-called "latest heats" exist but it becomes something else when we spend all we can to make sure we get the latest CD/DVD/novel etc into our houses. I believe as Adventists we have so much material to read, we can't afford to waste our time reading/listening to that which will not edify us
Sizwe, 26 Gauteng, South Africa: I always believe that principles are what guide our behavior both to society in general and within the Adventist context. An awareness of what surrounds us in the world in which we live is imperative. We need not become experts in politics, pop culture or any of the other interests that occupy much of the world's time. Awareness is exactly that, a realization that other views, other interests and beliefs exist that may not subscribe to our own. Having said that, however, a great responsibility rests on each of us to reach out to a world which needs Christ and I believe it would not be possible to be effective in our witness if we do not have an awareness and appreciation for the only things that God's people have known their entire lives. May God grant us the wisdom to be able to love all people that are in the world but not the things of this world.
Jacquelyn, 22, Georgia, United States: It is our duty as Christians to affect relate to society in a healthy way and to be examples of God's merciful forgiveness and love. Jesus said: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:15; KJV) One problem I see with Adventism, in North America at least, is that we are too exclusive, building protective walls between us and society and claiming that we need to be separated from the rest of the world "lest we become tainted". But this is not the Lord's will for us! We are to remove ourselves from the world; we "are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14; KJV) Personally, I am an avid reader and learner; I have read hundreds (if not thousands) of fiction and non-fiction books alike. As an aspiring writer myself, I honestly believe that fiction is an area of evangelism that is often overlooked by Adventists. A "secular" fiction story can carry Biblical messages to unbelievers and plant spiritual seeds that may grow later on. As a college student with three Associate degrees, I also feel that Adventists should be aware of the political atmosphere in our home countries and the world. It is amazing how many small events are occurring today that are in one accord with the Biblical message of the End Times. Should we participate in politics? That is an interesting question that reminds me of a scenario: there is a train that is racing along a track and you can see it will crash. Do you stand there waiting for it to crash and then, afterwards, say: "I saw that coming?" Or do you do whatever you can to prevent the crash and/or prepare to assist in the rescue operation? As Bible-believing Christians, we can "see" the end but it is what we do now, today, that matters... will we just stand around proclaiming doom and then saying "I told you so" or will we jump in to try to save our lost brothers and sisters in the world? As for me, I follow politics some due to an interest, a sense of duty (to vote and such), and also because I am from a military family. My father has served both in Iraq and at the Pentagon, and so I have a unique perspective of how important it is to share the Message of God with everyone. I also know how many Adventists treat our military brothers and sisters in Christ horribly, and that attitude is wrong and should be stopped immediately. We should remind Romans 2:11, which says, “For God does not show favoritism.” (New Living Translation) We are all God's children and precious to Him.
Arlynne, 23: It is considered healthy to mingle with people bearing different beliefs when we share what we believe in with brotherly love and with tact. We should also respect their beliefs but we should make it a point to share to them what we know. From there, it would be up to them to decide what to follow. Coercing them to believe on what we know that's right is not a good idea. Once we share them the truth and they don't accept it, this is where prayer comes in. The Lord will do the rest provided that you did your best. God Bless us all!
Sweet, 19, Manila, Philippines: I don't think we really have to ignore pop culture, politics, or secular fiction. Instead, we must be aware of it and have an idea of what is going on around us. By doing so, we'll know how to interact with other people especially non-Adventist Christians. We can relate to society in a healthy way by being warm, kind-hearted people. As Adventist Christians, we should put into practice what we learn in church every Sabbath so that others can see Christ in our lives. We can also share what we believe in, what the Bible says about what is right or wrong, and the good news of salvation to others and to those who do not know about the marvelous love of Jesus Christ.
Admire, 25, Zimbabwe: Let us draw lessons from Lot, Abraham, Joseph, Noah, Daniel, the list is endless. They all lived in a filthy world just as we do now yet they were able to rise above the world. They lived in the world but they were not of the world. In the closing days of the world history we are now living in, true Christians will put their focus upward to heaven. What they see and hear around them will not detract their focus if they keep their eyes on the cross.
Okuthe, 23, Uganda: Basing on John 17:13-17 we should involve ourselves but never forget to ask for the heavenly guidance in our endeavors (Holy Spirit).We should be wise as serpent and harmless as doves. Let us be examples in the way we handle issues in our offices and in society. I am a student in Makerere University Uganda
Londiwe, 25, Gauteng, South Africa: We can never ignore that which surrounds us e.g. Pop culture & secular fiction. The best way to relate to such a society is to live transformed lives. The world is not ready to listen to our story because our lifestyles are not in harmony with what we preach. We talk, dress, eat and do everything just like them that are in the world. The best way to relate to society if to offer them a free life advertised in Jesus. The world will lend us an ear once we live what we sermonize
Al, 19, Texas: We can relate to today's society in a healthy way by acting with Christ in our heart. Although norms, lifestyles, and morals change, by following God's laws and focusing on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (as found in Phil. 4:8), others can follow our example and see how God can change someone's life.
Zillah, 23, Plateau State, Nigeria: Whatever is done in the society affects us Adventists because we are also part of the society. I think we should be involved to an extent by getting involved in only that part that doesn't contradict the bible.
Teka-Ann, 24, California, United States: We are in this world, but we know we are not of this world. The healthiest way to relate to society is to live this fact, but to love everyone as Jesus taught us from His example. I find that through love all relations are smooth despite differences. So, though we know are not of this world and we differ from others spiritually we need not be separated. The greatest example was shown in Jesus. He came to the world, and though not of it, wasn’t separated from it. The very people He came to save were the very ones he lived His life with. Most importantly, His connection to our Father in heaven was ever-present and we need this too. Should we ignore pop culture, politics, and other things of this world? Absolutely not! If we ignore these things we will ignore the people we need to be reaching out to. When Jesus and Peter were asked to pay Temple taxes, Jesus was above paying these taxes, but He paid them nonetheless. We must make our decisions wisely and this includes not separating ourselves from the world. We are a peculiar people, but a peculiar people with a mission. I’m not saying we should indulge in sin, but God gave us discernment to make these decisions. Do not ignore pop culture and the people partaking of this culture or any other factor. We cannot ignore the very things that separate the ones we are trying to show the gospel from living the gospel.
Elvis, 26, Texas, United States: By striving to do God's will. By studying God's word and applying it in our lives. We should not ignore our society but we are called to be 'a light to the world' meaning in our lives as Christians, we should desire to do things that will exalt God and have a positive influence to our society so that all may come to know our loving God and glorify His name forever.
Grewen, 19, Batangas Philippines: For me I don’t want to be involved with politics, because politics don’t enhance our spirituality. Politics is just wasting of time, maybe I just want to be a leader in our church other than being a politician.
Pablo, 25, South Africa: I think that we as Adventists concentrate so much on being peculiar that we appear strange to the world. I believe that we can relate to current culture, etc, however, we should not become fanatical about it (as the world does). I believe everything in balance.
READ PREVIOUS TOPICS • SUGGEST A TOPIC