ESCHEW IMAGE II: A World of Other

Along with existing in a world of image, the North American church exists in a world of other. North America has been called a post-Christian society. Most people do not possess even a cursory understanding of the doctrines of Christianity. The word "Christianity" has become a culturally shaped social norm. As such it permits nominal engagement by both adherents and observers. Thus even those professing to be "Christian" have little understanding of the dynamics of Christianity. However, Christianity's historic impact is deeply felt in North America. Some bemoan the loss of "the good old days," and work toward a legislated return to our "Christian heritage." Unfortunately legislated change will, at best, produce behavioural compliance while completely ignoring the crucial and, in Christ's eyes, non-negotiable issues of the heart. Many others have realized that a force of will is contrary to Christ's agenda. Christ behaves, not as legislator of our destiny, but a persistent suitor, romancing us, wooing us to his side. The North American chruch needs to proceed with all the consideration, dexterity and aplomb of a persistent suitor, and as such offer only what Christ offered each and every member of His Church. It is a vision of the Church in keeping with Hudson Taylor's radical approach to missions in China. He didn't presume a Christian heritage meant cultural superiority, thus requiring an imperial transposition of cultural values. Instead he gave equal footing to Chinese cultural values and norms. In this way the Gospel wasn't superimposed on a culture nor did it displace culture. Rather it was allowed to suffuse the culture thereby enabling Christ’s mysterious work of transformation. Indeed, it would be impossible for the Gospel to operate any other way. The gospel is not a book. It is a life lived. The transforming power of Christ's life, death and resurrection doesn’t exist in a vacuum. His life, the Gospel, only has meaning in the context of another life lived. The mystery of Christ incarnate, the Gospel, is in transforming another life. That life in turn becomes the Gospel incarnate. It would seem this is a critical role of the persistent church to simply incarnate the gospel. Live a life in light of Christ's life lived.