We all know we live in a post Christian world that is quickly becoming an anti-Christian world. But before western civilization throws the baby out with the bathwater, it might be a good idea for everyone to pause, take a deep breath, and think about some of the things Christianity has given our culture. Because the list is extensive. Here are some, but definitely not all, of the treasures Christ followers have given us.
- A definition of “person” – We often attribute the intrinsic value Western culture gives to individual people to the Old Testament creation narrative – God has created humans in His image. Therefore we are not just animals, but immortal souls and are of infinite value. But few realize that there is more to the story. Our concept of what a person actually is was defined by the early church when it debated the doctrine of the Trinity: God is three persons in one. But if God is three “persons,” then the question naturally arose, What is a person? The answer the church gave to that question was this: a person is someone who has intellect, emotion and will. In the Bible we see that the Father has all three qualities, the Son has all three qualities and the Spirit has all three qualities. Therefore they are persons. Therefore God is three persons in one God. This focus on what a person is has influenced Western civilization ever since.
- A foundation for science – Science had nascent beginnings in China and the Middle East in the first millennium AD. Unfortunately, it never developed into a full blown discipline. But science really took off in western Christian culture in the sixteenth century. Why? Because Christian culture believed God is rational and intends for us to understand Him. And if God is rational, then His creation must be rational too. And that means we can understand it as well. This underlying conviction that nature is rational was revolutionary and gave early Christian scientists the conviction and motivation to find out what that underlying meaning to nature is.
- A stable family structure – While currently undergoing radical revision in our culture, the concept of the nuclear family – a husband and a wife committed to each other for life for the purpose of raising offspring – was and is one of the main cornerstones of Christianity. The concept of the “sanctity of marriage” has influenced Western civilization for two thousand years.
- A pluralistic society – One could argue that the doctrine of the Trinity – God is three persons in one – gave rise to pluralism in Western civilization. But pluralism in America is really a derivative of the multiplication of Protestant denominations. The ability to form a stable government and social environment that allows for a plurality of belief systems is a gift American Protestants have given to the world.
- Checks and balances in government – The doctrine of the depravity of man – that the Fall has created a tendency toward evil in all people – gave rise to a distrust in any one ruler and a need to curb power in the ruling class. The Constitution accomplished this by separating the three different functions of government – Executive, Legislative and Judicial – into competing and complementing branches of government and by limiting the term of the President.
- An optimistic view of life – Christians believe that ultimately evil will be put down. In fact, this process has already begun in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And while we wait for the ultimate fulfillment of this destiny, we can and do enjoy substantial healing right now. In a sense, then, Western civilization views itself as on a mission of progress toward a Heavenly Jerusalem. One example of this missional view of life is Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement.
- The importance of education – The Reformation, with its conviction that all believers should have access to the Bible and be able to read it, gave rise to public education. In addition, higher education has its foundation in Christian institutions. In America, Harvard, Princeton and other universities began as Christian seminaries.
- A strong work ethic – For Christians, work is a gift from God and an act of worship. Therefore, work has meaning. Rather than avoiding work, Christians seek it out. This high view of work has greatly influenced American culture, making Americans some of the hardest working people in the world. One study published in Bloomberg reported that Americans work 25% more than Europeans.
- Massive contributions to art and literature – A biblical perspective in general, and specific references to the Bible in particular, permeate all of western art and literature. In fact, one cannot understand it and interpret it properly without a knowledge of the Bible. This biblical influence continues to this day. (I.e., the play, “Jesus Christ, Super Star”)
- A culture of generosity and volunteerism – America is one of the most, if not the most, generous culture in human history. The idea that we are to give a part of our income to God and to those in need comes directly from the Bible. In addition, go to the site of any disaster in America and one will see church van after church van filled with Christian volunteers pulling up to do whatever is necessary to help. But it doesn’t stop there. Every year hundreds of thousands of believers volunteer to go on short term mission trips all over the world to help those in need.
- Compassionate organizations – Hospitals, the YMCA, the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse and a host of other humanitarian organizations have their origin in Christianity. The world would be a truly harsh place without the efforts of these groups.
So those are some of the amazing things Christians have done for our culture. We would not have any resemblance to who we are without this Christian influence.
But while it is true that we Christians have given our world many things, I want to point out two things in particular that we have to give to this world right now:
- The gospel – The most important gift we have to give to the world is the good news that God has provided a way for us to come into a right relationship with Him through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All have sinned against God and stand condemned before Him. But Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin when he died on the cross and then rose again. God offers us forgiveness and eternal life when we place our faith and trust in Christ as the one who paid the penalty for our sin. This good news is the greatest gift anyone can ever receive.
- The love of Christ – The second gift we have to give to the world right now is the love of Christ. I’m not talking about the love of Christ as an idea, but the love of Christ as a pattern of action. The widow up your street needs the love of Christ. The single mom in your church needs the love of Christ. The homeless person on the corner needs the love of Christ. Your wife needs the love of Christ. Your children need the love of Christ. The love of Christ is unique and distinctive. When practiced, it is immediately recognizable by the entire world.
And when the world sees the love of Christ in action, it knows it has been invaded by God Himself.
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
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