One of the ways that culture is described is through
language, symbols and values.
It’s relatively easy to notice when we visit a different country that
the culture is different by not only observing the different signs, highway
markers and advertisements but also through the way greetings and emotions are
expressed. If you spend enough time in
another country you’ll also be able to witness sometimes slight but often
significant differences in value systems including just for example the respect for elders, a
disrespect for women and a reverence for God.
Every religion in the same way has a significant and
discernible culture. We are all too
aware of what is happening around the world in general but in the Middle East
and Africa specifically when societies clash with militant Islam. A culture of hate, oppression, and violence
leads to a very clear picture of the overall culture that is prevalent.
What is the culture that is perceived in
Christianity? That is an interesting
question and somewhat difficult to define because Christianity is not one
homogenous group and is expressed in various doctrines, practices, rituals and
denominations. Some look at these
differences as signs that there is more than one church however they are actually
signs of diversity within one church.
At the heart of Christianity are some very foundational
and essential beliefs that transcend our diverse Christian cultures. We are actually one Church because we have
one Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the one
that is part of the God head but came to earth, was born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilot, crucified, died and was buried. All Christians also believe that Jesus arose
from the dead on the third day, ascended
into heaven and will come again.
These foundational and essential beliefs are the only
thing that actually brings unity in the church. Developing a culture of unity in the Church
can be accomplished when we focus on these truths. Unity in the essentials is a familiar saying
that needs to be more than a convenient truism.
Unity of the Church through the belief in the essentials is the prayer
of Jesus. Unity was also the command by
the Apostle Paul to the Church after Pentecost and today unity of the one
Church remains the hope of the world.
