THE GOSPEL AND CULTURE PROJECT
James E. Brown Jr.
RLGN 210: Introduction to Cultural Engagement
January 17, 2025
Contents
Church
Assignment.......................................................................................................................1
Gospel Implications
Assignment..................................................................................................1
The Personal and Communal Gospel Assignment.....................................................................1
Contextualization
Assignment......................................................................................................2
Engagement Motivation
Assignment...........................................................................................2
Model Critique
Assignment..........................................................................................................2
Model Selection
Assignment.........................................................................................................3
Bibliography..............................................................................................................................
.....4
ii
1
Model Critique
The relevance model is definitively the least effective in my current context. In H. Richard
Niebuhr’s framework, the second and third models demonstrate a strong positive stance toward
culture.1 “Those who embrace this model believe that God is at work redemptively within
cultural movements that have nothing explicitly to do with Christianity.” 2 Harnessing cultural
intelligence in our profession is vital for effectively bridging cultural differences with love and
respect. We must actively engage with diverse perspectives to promote understanding and
collaboration. While this engagement does present challenges, it is crucial that Christians reject
sinful desires and uphold moral behavior that truly sets them apart. With the power of the Holy
Spirit, we can and must overcome temptations.
The redemptive work of God should work within the cultural movements. However, one
must understand sin and salvation in radically corporate categories to equate Christian salvation
with liberation from unjust economic, political, and social conditions to adopt Liberation
theology. Liberation theology fits the “Christ of culture” pattern because it sees movements of
political liberation from oppression as God’s work in the world—a work that the church should
join.3
As a Pastor who has vowed to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we believe the Bible is
God-inspired and our ultimate authority. All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may
be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:16-17 (English Standard Version)
Liberal churches do not believe in an infallible Bible, a historical incarnation, an atoning sacrifice
on the cross, or a literal resurrection. They reject any “once for all” regarding Christian doctrine
1 Timothy Keller, Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City
(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 201.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
2
and salvation. They see God continually revealing and doing new things in history and culture.4
This idea is so foreign to my background and belief. How can anyone call themselves a
Christian or a Church if they reject the basics of Christianity?
Individuals operating within this model emphasize the “common good” and “human
flourishing.” Being good, doing good, or flourishing as a person is a great way to live life. But
these things do not justify your salvation. In my profession, we cannot teach that being good is
how we receive salvation. That is contrary to the word of God.
Bibliography
Timothy Keller, Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City (Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 201.
Ibid.
4 Ibid.
