From CC: Orriginal Thread

http://centropian.com/religion/academic/theologians/HRNkit/BOARD/viewtopic.php?t=4  

--Last edited by centropia on 2006-08-11 03:54:07 --

It depends upon your perspective. I would argue that both sides of the US political spectrum see themselves as counter-cultural. It is even a possibility that both could be correct. Sadly, we live in a polarized culture, not a centrist society, and therefore one claim has to be more true than the other. One side has to be the culture if there are two sides and one of them is counter-culture.

In order be able to properly answer your question, we must first define the culture in "Christ Against Culture". I have not read this book, but I assume that with reference to political or religious ideas, "culture" refers to those mainstream, polular ideas that Paul warns us against:

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Rom. 12:2

In this case, Christians (who are instructed to emulate Christ) are commanded to be counter-cultural, to be transformed, in but not of (nor yet above) the common culture of the world. If we apply this reasoning to your question the answer becomes obvious: in the course of recent politics Christ Against Culture is expressive of the ________ branches (either politically or religiously).

I think I made myself pretty clear, but if not i'll clarify a little more. If you agreed with my reasoning our blanks are filled with the same word. If not, you're part of "this world".

There once was a man whom was sent by God.  His name was John.
IS that how this verse went?

Hmm.  I am glad that someone has posted on my message board.

Perhaps both sides would se themselves as counter-cultural.  Personally,  I think that both sides have points of agreement with God's truth.  Both also have points of difference.  Both have points of agreement with culture and both have counter-cultural aspects.

I don't think that Christ and Culture is lookig to steer us away from anything that is mainstream.  However, allot of times people simply go with the flow..sometimes in ignorance, sometimes because it is soooo much easier ....etc...

I think that the point is that when faith gets intertwined too closely with the justice and system of the world (despite what form of government or politics) that it simly becomes "the world"

Anyway...that is some temporary babeling.