Jason Cutshall

Not to be entirely cynical, but, first how we avoid the dysfunctionality that gregory Paul highlights is to think. In the west our societies have transformed from pseudo-theistic societies to secular and now more pluralistic societies. As we move forward with the gospel, we must reflect on the fact that the gospel does not have the place it used to have in society at large, if it has any place at all, in the contemporary mind.

What I mean by this is that we can no longer state, “the bible says…” with any sort of authority in most contemporary situations. 50 years ago, maybe you could have at least sparked a debate or an out right change of position with that statement, but today, in the west, you would at best be dismissed, at worst mocked for even suggesting it. (This is a general statement, which is inherently general and does not account for all fringe positions.)

So how do we engage with contemporary culture in a Christ like manner? In the public sector, tread lightly. I believe this is the example that Christ gives us. In his interactions with non-Jews or even everyday Jews Jesus seems to be treading lightly. Jesus doesn’t soften his message in the least, but rather he seems to engage with the poor and the everyday in a manner totally opposite from that which is used in relation to pharisees or other religious leaders.

The thought here is that Christ interacted differently with different people. Christ’s message was the same, but his actions were different, his words were different. In a pluralistic society, this must be held as a presupposition to any action or statement. Given our belief what would be the wisest course of action in this realm that we are in, whether it be church, politics, or at the pub. What would cause engagement without judgement or dysfunction, could be the question to wrestle with.

As emerging theologians we will offend, it is the nature of the gospel. The question is how do we maintain Christ-likeness in offending, rather than spiraling off into some form of cultural dysfunction, which Paul points out.

If emergent theology is on some level innovative, which I hope that it is. We must never cease to be innovative. This is said with the presupposition the the core of Christian faith remains in tact, but rather how that faith is related to our time is the innovative part. For instance, a resurrected Christ would be essential to Christian faith, in my view, but how does that notion interact with the contemporary mind and situation.

How do we maintain innovation or application, while maintaining our distinction and our Christ-likeness? The key, I see, is inherent in a reflective community. A community that is constantly reflecting on its own, are we, joyful, self-controlled,…loving. Rather, than reflecting on, are we imposing our truth, are we inviting others into a reflective community? Are we exposing others to the life-giving Christ, through service to them, rather than service to our own beliefs?

My state of mind through this is that I could be wrong. I don’t believe I am but I have to acknowledge that with my lack of understanding of the entire universe, i may be wrong. I know that I react better to humility and I assume most others do as well. In the public sector we must hold to humility (of our place in the universe), transparency (in our motivations and understanding), and service (to those around us).