If you read my blogs with any regularity, you already know
that I'm a Christian. I see no lasting value in hiding that fact and I
don't consider it narrow-minded or intolerant to hold forth a perspective that
is clearly and unashamedly biblical. I have no problem with the fact that
my faith frequently leads me to stand in prophetic tension with the culture
around me. I made my peace a long time ago with the inescapable fact that
I will probably always be a burr under somebody's saddle. Apparently it's
a gift.
I do, however, find myself far too often deeply annoyed with
what some people say and do in the name of Christianity. (See my
"about" page for more on this.) Baptizing this or that issue or
agenda item, regardless of how seemingly reasonable, and then couching it in
"Christian" language, does not magically transform it into an
immutable article of faith and practice. And it does not excuse fear mongering
and vitriol masquerading as authentic public discourse.
But fearful people say and do fearful things. And even
thoughtful, reasonably winsome discourse, if distinctly Christian in character,
is frequently met with vitriolic knee-jerk push back. Regardless of what the
GPS might say, we're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy!
In an environment that is growing more and more culturally
and religiously diverse, and at times openly hostile toward any intentional
public engagement by Christians, what does it mean to prayerfully, thoughtfully
and explicitly live out our faith and values in the public square? In
business? In education? In addressing the shared needs and concerns
of the broader community?
Christians here in North America talk of living in a
"post-Christian" culture and often appear to be scrambling to find
their footing in settings where their foundational views are no longer the
consensus.
The practical reality is that the world has grown smaller
and our culture is becoming more and more reflective of a global existence.
This is a simple fact. Short of closing off our borders and shutting down
all forms of media for the next forty years or so, there's no turning back the
global clock.
This is not to say that Christians should cave to demands
that they keep their faith and values to themselves. It's just to say
that we need to face reality and begin looking forward instead of
backward. Adapt and innovate. North American Christianity and biblical
Christianity are not one and the same thing.
Perhaps it would make sense to take a cue from some people
who have for years been living out their faith in a multi-cultural
multi-religous context. Daily. And flourishing.
Tom Sudyk is the featured guest on our latest podcast interview, "Faith and Life in the
Global Marketplace." These are just a few of the things we covered
in our conversation as we talked with Tom about his experience building a
global software solutions business based in India, and doing so in a way that
Christian values are intentionally woven into the very fabric of the enterprise
and how it touches lives.
Listen, like and share this important conversation.
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