Faith and Culture
It seems that national and international news has lately
focused on various groups of people trying to navigate the political systems in
which they are living. Although one could analyze the dynamics on a purely
political level, I believe the core issues go much deeper. I want to touch on
this today, from a faith perspective. I
think there is a strong relationship between our faith and the surrounding
culture. If creation is a great value
because of its origins in God, then a universal connection or rationality can
be found not limited to a particular faith group. There is a culture in the way
families are organized, in how we cook our native foods, and how our society is
governed. All of us are affected by culture. History and culture exist within
the realm of God's creation, and I believe under the canopy of God's love. So, as we affirm the action of God in every
culture, we also address any deficiencies and injustices that may be plaguing
our own culture. Whatever our faith affiliation is we must not lose our desire
to critique the culture in which we live.
Our faith beliefs must be active and applied to any system or societal
agenda that usurps God's place of origin and authority. We need to be cognizant
within our culture of the lack of justice, or inequality of social order, or
disruption of family structures. If we understand the redeemer God as the
creator God then as we look at what is all around us, we need to analyze and
act on what our culture is lacking in the fulfillment of God's purposes for all
creation.
Rev. Richard Visconti
Rector, Caroline Church
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