The question regarding how to engage with culture, specifically one that is spiraling towards a postmodern secularism, has been an enquiry that many passionate young Christians have asked. It seems as though the phase “world changer” has been spreading like wild fire specifically among the young adults in the church and high Christian education. This quest to change the world and redefine the church’s mission has Christian college student on the edge of their seats and egger to graduate and enter the mission field. In this book To Change the World by James Davison Hunter, he begins to unpack and present a compelling argument asking people to truly understand the implication of trying to be a “world changer”.
Hunter abruptly reveals the flaws in this phase by simply inferring that the world cannot be changed nor should be changed. There is no doubt that phase such as “world changer” or “transforming tomorrow today” are catchy and inspiring, but as Hunter reveals many Christians do not understand the philosophical and practical applications of these phrase. This transformationlist way of viewing vocation can be very detrimental to society as well as the church. As Hunter engages in this conversation be he induces some thought provoking arguments that I believe all Christians should be aware of.
In this book Hunter provides historical investigations that bring fourth both sociological and theological consideration of the implication of world changing. Hunter discusses that many idealistic young evangelicals believe that if they can change a person’s mind and heart through a conversion to Christianity then they can change society and culture as a whole, but as we see throughout scripture as well as historical accounts this arg...
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Reading this book allowed me to find a sense of comfort it's fact that God is not calling me to change the world but rather to use the gifts and talents he as given me to worship him. Being a Christians in not about changing the world or preserving the social well being of all, it is about giving glory and honor to our Creature and allow other to see the light or Jesus. Who are we to say that “Christ’s victory over the principalities and powers of oppressive institutions” was insufficient? When Jesus came to dwell among he not only radically changed culture but eternity, as we know it. His death and resurrection change every aspect of culture and continues to impact the world today.
Work Cited
Hunter, James Davison. To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World. New York: Oxford UP, 2010. Print.
He has also stated in his book that the main purpose of Christianity was to transform the normal human societies and regions into the Kingdom of God as described in the religious scriptures8. Christianity guides the way and described the moral and ethical principles by which not only every individual but also the entire society should function so as to achieve this
The Second Great Awaking consisted of new applications of religion that deviated from rationalism, which sparked promotion of democracy and freedom. The message of salvation rather than condemnation was evident in this movement as spoken by Charles G. Finney. He sought to remove sin from reformed churches and organize sinners to unity and freedom (Doc B). This practice showed the crucial democrati...
In the essay "Worldviews in Conflict," Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey compare and contrast the ideas of Christianity and the views of today's society. Throughout the essay they provide information about how the changes in society affect views regarding Christianity. Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcy's essay was written to contribute information so others could understand their views about the shifting cultural context and how it affects society's beliefs.
...atin America, giving hope to those who are or were afraid to let go of the controlling grip of western dominance and showing that the opinions of the south will be more traditionalist and supernatural. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the changing face of Global Christianity. It is clear that a watershed event has occurred, and we are just now becoming aware of this change. Though at times this book was a bit dry and difficult to read but in the end it wasn’t a bad read. The first few chapters I felt overloaded you with information but as I kept reading it slowly dwindle down to analysis, narrative, and application of the information. For Christian readers, I think the value of this book prepares you for the “new world order” so to speak in Christianity as Africa and Latin American decide which direction the church will take.
McManners, John. "The Oxford History of Christianity." The Oxford History of Christianity. New York: New York Oxford Press, 2002. 28.
The. 1987 Lopez, Kathryn Muller. Read Daniel: Negotiating The Classic Issues Of The Book. Review & Expositor 109.4 (2012): 521-530. ATLASerials, a Religion Collection.
Christianity has its challenges. It places demands on us that set us apart from the rest of our world. The bible calls us a peculiar people, who navigate the challenge of living IN the world, without being OF the world. When we say ‘no’ to temptations that are enjoyed by the masses, we are labeled as self-righteous snobs, religious weirdoes, or worse. But we persevere, and we press toward that invisible line the Apostle Paul drew in the sands of time…for the high calling in Christ Jesus.
There are several aspects to consider when exploring the Christian worldview. There are many facets or denominations and they each have their own distinct beliefs and practices, but they all share the same fundamental beliefs. In this Paper we will explore the character of God, His creation, humanity and its nature, Jesus’ significance to the world, and the restoration of humanity, as well as my beliefs and the way that I interact with Christianity and my personal worldview.
Christian Science is an idealistic and most radical form of transcendental religiosity. The study of Christian Science teaches a feeling of understanding of God's goodness and the differences between good and evil, life and death. The purpose of this paper is to address how the study of Christian Science helps us better understand the impact of globalization in America, as well as the impact of American on globalization. This paper is important because globalization features a dominant worldview. All throughout the world people believe, study and teach different types of religious movements that impact others. People need to better understand how certain religions modify, conflict with, and impact the world. First, it will discuss the life and work of the founder, Mary Baker Eddy. Secondly, it will examine the primary rituals and religious services of the Christian Science movement. Then, it will outline the precursors and history of the religion. In the conclusion, a response will be offered to the question of how Christian Science helps us better understand the impact of globalization on America and of America on globalization.
Rah, Soong-Chan. Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence For A Changing Church. Chicago : Moody Publishers, 2010. Print. READ
Our world needs people who love God tremendously and who want to change it for the better. To become a World-Changer for Christ one needs to display several qualities that God wants them to use on his or her mission for Him. An individual needs to be brave, pure, and committed to God’s goals.
" Christianity & Literature 58.1 (2008): 81-92. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. Fienberg, Lorne. "
Kerr, H. (1990). Readings in christian thought (2nd ed.). H. T. Kerr (Ed.). Nashville: Abingdon Press.
people will give up. The true heroes in this world are those who don't give up
Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity. 2nd ed. New York City, NY: HarperOne, 2010.