Why Should The Church Be Leading This Conversation?
1- We can do it constructively, not destructively (in love). John 13:35
2- We have a better story to tell (the biblical story). John 8:31
Every worldview answers at least four questions:
Who are we?
What’s wrong with the world?
What will make things better?
What is our future hope?
Two Dominant Cultural Narratives:
Narrative #1: Expressive Individualism
Who are we? I am my personal desires and personal accomplishments.
What’s wrong with the world? I am held back by external cultural pressures and by relational limitations.
What will make things better? If people throw off external constraints, follow their hearts, and achieve personal fulfillment.
What is our future hope? A world where everyone can be whatever they desire to be.
Narrative #2: Postmodern Critical Theory
Who are we? I am the intersection of all the groups that I identify with.
What’s wrong with the world? I am held back by the oppression that more powerful groups have exerted over my groups.
What will make things better? When oppressed groups can gain power and oppressive groups lose power.
What is our future hope? Ultimately none because there will be an unending battle for power between different groups.
A Better Story: The Biblical Narrative
1. Who are we? We are human beings created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27, Acts 17:24-26)
2. What's wrong with the world?
We are sinners by nature and by choice (Romans 3:23).
We live in an unjust world under the weight of the curse (Romans 8:19-21)
3. What will make things better?
Jesus died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).
Jesus died to reconcile us to God and to each other (Ephesians 2:15-16).
Jesus died to demonstrate God's commitment to justice & love for sinners (Romans 3:26).
Jesus died to offer grace to those who repent and believe (Mark 1:15).
Jesus died to give us the power to forgive those who hurt us (Colossians 4:13).
4. What is our hope? The return of Jesus to make all things right (Revelation 7:9).
