The story is told in Acts 17 of the Apostle Paul preaching at the Areopagus where the leading Greek thinkers of the day gathered to debate all kinds of matters, including religion. Paul’s presentation of the gospel is sometimes described as the one occasion where his teaching was unsuccessful.

In fact, what he said that day won over many Greeks, including at least one ‘Areopagite’ from among the ranks of the philosophers. But, conversions aside, what Paul’s speech on Mars Hill really represents is the first attempt by a Christian to make a case for the faith by using cultural references drawn from around them. Paul famously refers to a shrine he had seen dedicated ‘To An Unknown God’ – and offers to make this unknown deity known to the listeners (Acts 17:23). He then proceeds from this strange starting point to explain the good news of Jesus Christ, in the process becoming the first preacher who could ever be called ‘culturally relevant’.

The phrase ‘culturally relevant’ has been used so often in Christian circles that it has become almost meaningless. But at its heart is the concept of using something familiar (a book, film, play, gadget and so on) to illustrate something unfamiliar (the gospel). As seen above, it’s a biblical way of getting people’s attention, so why do many Christians shy away from the world around us?

Understanding our culture is the first step towards shaping it. If we ignore new developments, we will find  ourselves either unquestioningly accepting everything that happens or be sidelined into cultural irrelevancy. We cannot engage with the ‘Facebook generation’ if we don’t understand Facebook, but should we just acquiesce to the transmutation of relationships into online ‘friends’? Christians need to critique the culture from a position of strength. (CICC Director, Andrew Cooper)

As Christians we are called to shape culture not withdraw from it, we are told by Jesus that we are to be salt, and salt only makes a difference when it’s in the mix. He said we are to be like a city on a hill, clearly visible. Jesus doesn’t want us to be a Christian subculture but to shape culture, look for where you can make a difference and then make a difference. Go on, it’s your ministry!