So, this post isn't primarily or exclusively about the topic of eschatology. But it is difficult to talk much about culture without also addressing issues related to eschatology, and inevitably talk of eschatology will also lead to a discussion on the nature and the future of culture. The two topics go hand-in-hand. Our theology of culture will reflect our eschatology. For instance, if you are a "Left Behind" dispensationalist, your attitude towards culture will likely be one of antipathy or withdrawl - bunker eschatology. If your eschatology is thoroughly humanistic ("We are both our own greatest nemesis and hope."), then your theology of culture will likely be either more accommodating or alarmist - depending on how well you judge our culture to be creating this great and peaceful society(ies) upon the earth. It is also true that our culture (and our understanding of that culture) will extert a strong influence on our eschatology. For instance, if your culture is highly nationalistic ("Our country is the greatest hope for mankind."), your eschatology will likely reflect that culture. If your community is small and persecuted in the midst of an overwhelmingly hostile culture, your eschatology will also come to reflect that cultural reality. With that in mind, I have been working on this for a while. It is my reflection on the different attitudes and orientations of individuals (and often communities) towards culture. I'm sure that it will not be entirely clear without an explanation, but where would you put yourself or your community on this matrix? Why? How would you defend your theology of culture? Have you ever even thought about what you believe about culture?
I welcome your questions and critiques. It is not perfect and remains a work in progress.
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