All culture is shaped by theology. Unless we understand that “culture” is in reality “religion externalized,” we are unable to properly assess the problems facing the world community. The way a people view God, and His relationship to Man, determines their social structures, laws, form of government, and economic system. Theology has consequences, and those consequences are either the blessings of God or His curses (Deut.28:1-68). Those nations that have rejected the God of the Bible are without excuse, and suffer under God’s curse for their disobedience (Rom. 1:20-25). This does not mean we should be compassionless toward them, rather it means that we should be concerned about transforming their culture through the Word of God. The answer for the world’s problems is not “American” capitalism or democracy; it is Jesus Christ, who will bring salvation to the nations. That salvation is more than the “saving of souls,” it involves the transformation of the entire social order.
For the past fifty years U.S. foreign policy toward “Third World” nations has been one of economic aid. Our approach has been to “throw money” to these nations in order to alleviate their poverty. But the reality is that their poverty is most often a result of their theology. Their economic distress is frequently only the symptom of their rejection of God and His ways. It is not the lack of natural resources causing their poverty. Many of these nations have an abundance of resources. It is their religion that is their problem.
Take India for example, where Hinduism is the predominate religion. Their view of life revolves around a cyclical view of time. Western civilization is built upon a linear view of time, which is the Biblical concept. Hinduism sees human existence in terms of non-ending four billion-year cycles. This plays a significant role in their lack of productivity as a nation. Whereas the Bible teaches we are to “redeem the time” (Ephes. 5:16), Hinduism has no sense of time. In Hindi, India’s most widely spoken language, the same word (kal) is used for yesterday and tomorrow. There is virtually no comprehension of chronology, past and future are blurred, it is a “timeless” society. Most of the lower caste members of their society do not know their age or birth date, or that of their children. Because of their cyclical view of time, and belief in reincarnation, their culture is unproductive and economically impoverished.
All cultures are religious based, consciously or unconsciously. The freedoms, economic prosperity, and other blessings we have had in this nation are a result of the Christian theological foundation on which we were built. Unfortunately, we are rapidly slipping further in the abyss in which religious pluralism is determined to take us. Our greatest problem is not military or economic. It is essentially theological.
Don Walker is a teacher, counselor, and writer living in the Kansas City area.To contact Don please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
What do you think? Comment below and start the conversation by engaging.
Troy Allan
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Yes. But lets provide the answers as we highlight the issues What a wonderful concise overview of the Kingdom order as it relates to nations. NOW its time for the SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY to go alongside SLT and BLS so we may truly disciple the nations...NOW... |
Michael Hoge
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Just responding Great insight and thank you for sharing it. I believe that whenever God reveals truth to individuals that can and will speak it, we will all benefit from its' revealing and be motivated to extend its' influence to our neighbors', family, friends and further our own insight as we gain confidence, strength, and focus to extend grace and goodness as we understand the background of where peoples' belief systems stem from. Have you also looked into the effects of Buddist, Taoist, fundamentalist, legalist, Confusianist, Shaminist, etc.? "Religion externalized" is about the clearest definition of culture I have ever read, THANK YOU........and I will be sure to share and utilize that as soon and as often as I can. How are other religions' problems classified? Do Buddists have the same problems as Hindus for similiar reasons? Have you written out a categorically relavent discription of theological problems as per religion involved? I appreciate any response that helps me better focus on how I can be a better understander of Gods' peole, whoever they may be. |
