We’re making our way through Genesis 1-11 This fall
Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
Genesis 4:15-26
Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. 19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
23 Lamech said to his wives:
“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.”
25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.
Niebuhr presents these as distinct paradigms that illustrate the varying approaches of Christians in their interaction with the world around them. The five types are:
Christ Against Culture: This perspective views Christian faith as inherently opposed to and separate from secular culture. It sees the world as fundamentally sinful and corrupt, necessitating a complete separation from worldly influences. Adherents of this view emphasize the need for distinct Christian communities, often withdrawing from broader cultural engagement.
Christ of Culture: This perspective seeks to harmonize Christianity with prevailing cultural values and norms. It believes that Christianity can be integrated with and adapt to cultural ideals, often downplaying or minimizing differences between Christian faith and cultural beliefs. The emphasis is on finding common ground between faith and culture.
Christ Above Culture: This view acknowledges the tension between Christianity and culture but believes that Christ stands above and transcends culture. It recognizes the importance of both faith and culture but holds that Christ provides a higher moral standard or spiritual truth that guides and evaluates cultural norms.
Christ and Culture in Paradox: This perspective sees an inherent tension or paradox between Christianity and culture. It recognizes the value and importance of both but understands that they can often conflict. Adherents of this view live with the tension of being in the world but not of the world, acknowledging the divergent principles between faith and culture.
Christ Transforming Culture: This view believes that Christianity has the potential to transform and redeem culture. It emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to actively engage with culture, seeking to positively influence and transform it according to Christian principles and values. Adherents of this view work to bring about social, moral, and cultural change rooted in their Christian faith.
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