Supplementary Lesson 2: Ways Christians Relate to Culture

Different positions on how Christians should relate to culture

Attempt: 2

Introduction

The lesson talks about common grace and finding God's truth even among non-Christians. The topic of how Christians should relate to society or to culture is very complex and has been discussed throughout church history.

One of the books that is often quoted as a classic discussion of this topic is H. Richard Niebuhr’s Christ and Culture. He presents five positions that have been expressed throughout the centuries. They basically depend on whether the emphasis is placed on the sinfulness of culture or the goodness of culture.

1. Christ against culture
2. Christ in Culture
3. Christ Above Culture
4. Christ and Culture in Paradox
5. Christ Transforms Culture

Question: Which of the following positions are explained by Richard Niebuhr regarding how Christians have historically related to culture? Mark each correct answer.