Cultural Christianity vs. Biblical Christianity

Lately I’ve been thinking about this topic because of the destructive ramifications of Cultural Christianity. I’ve seen people destroy what were once good, solid relationships because they buy into the subtle lies of Cultural Christianity – which at its core is selfish, self-centered, and spiritually immature.

Cultural Christianity is where a person’s Christianity is submissive to the values of the popular culture around them.

Biblical Christianity is where a person’s Christianity is submissive to Biblical authority and the principles contained therein.

A cultural Christian in our American culture would put a lot of emphasis on his/her own Freedoms and Rights.

• I have the right to wear a bikini
• I have the right to see whatever movie I want
• I have a right to come and go into various churches as I please

Biblical Christians understand that the Bible’s emphasis is on our responsibilities.

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13


23 "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24

One of the main practices of cultural Christians is that of becoming what Rick Warren calls “church hoppers and shoppers”. Since we live in a culture and society where we have so many choices and places to buy everyday products, the cultural Christian brings that aspect of our culture to the realm of spiritual fellowship. So going to one church on Sunday, the prayer service of another church on Wednesday, and a youth service at yet another church on Friday night is not a big deal. Where they feel good and believe their needs are being met is where they go.

No doubt that people have the freedom to choose a church to attend, especially if they have recently moved. However, the non-committal attitude towards a local body of believers is unbiblical and evidence of a shallow and immature understanding of how God wants his children to grow.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3

Being “devoted to one another”, “patient, bearing with one another" and making “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” are commands that were written to a local church and clearly cannot be fully obeyed unless a person is committed to a local church fellowship. How can a Christian obey the command "Obey your leaders" (Heb. 13:17) when they are dabbling in 3 different churches.  They become their own leadership and are accountable to no one else.

Another aspect of this same mindset is that a cultural Christian will run from a church when conflict or disagreement arises without an orderly process to pursue peace and unity. In our American culture, commitment is not high on the priority list. For evidence, just look at our divorce rates. So instead of patiently working out conflicts and striving “to keep the unity of the Spirit” the cultural Christian will act based on his cultural values --- RUN AWAY and go to the next church. This will ensure he does not suffer too much (self-centeredness) of the emotional pain which is necessary to have strong, biblical relationships.

Outside of loving God himself, the highest Biblical command is:

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34

This kind of love is neither self-centered, nor easy, nor culturally promoted. Yet it is what God says must guide our values, decisions, and actions.