Cultural Christianity refers to a form of Christianity that is more about identifying with Christian culture, traditions, or values rather than having a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is often characterized by a superficial adherence to Christian practices, where the focus is on cultural or societal norms rather than a genuine faith commitment. From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, cultural Christianity poses significant challenges to the authenticity of the Christian faith, as it can dilute the gospel message and lead to nominalism.

Historical Context of Cultural Christianity

Development in History

Cultural Christianity has developed in various forms throughout history, often emerging in contexts where Christianity has become the dominant or state religion.

• Constantinian Shift (4th Century):
  • One of the earliest and most significant developments in cultural Christianity occurred after the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the subsequent legalization and promotion of Christianity in the Roman Empire. As Christianity became the state religion, it also became culturally advantageous to identify as a Christian, even if the personal faith of individuals was nominal.
  • Impact on the Church: The alliance between church and state led to the widespread cultural acceptance of Christianity, but it also introduced the challenge of nominalism—where many people identified as Christians for social or political reasons rather than out of genuine faith.
• Christendom (Middle Ages to Early Modern Period):
  • Throughout the Middle Ages and into the early modern period, Europe was largely considered Christendom, where Christian institutions and beliefs dominated the cultural and political landscape. During this time, being born into a Christian society often meant being considered a Christian by default, regardless of personal belief or commitment.
  • Religious Uniformity: In many regions, church attendance, baptism, and other Christian rites were seen as cultural obligations rather than personal acts of faith. This led to a form of cultural Christianity where religious identity was intertwined with social and national identity.

Modern Manifestations

In modern times, cultural Christianity is often seen in societies where Christianity has had a strong historical influence but where genuine faith commitment has waned.

• Western Societies:
  • In many Western countries, cultural Christianity is prevalent, where identifying as a Christian may be more about family tradition, cultural heritage, or moral values than about a personal relationship with Jesus.
  • Christmas and Easter Celebrations: For example, Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated as cultural holidays, even by those who do not actively practice the Christian faith. These celebrations often focus more on traditions and commercialism than on the religious significance of Jesus’ birth and resurrection.
• Social and Political Identity:
  • In some contexts, identifying as a Christian may be tied to a particular social or political identity, where Christianity is associated with certain cultural values or political stances, rather than being centered on the teachings of Jesus and the gospel.

Biblical Perspectives on Cultural Christianity

The Danger of Nominalism

The Bible warns against a superficial or nominal faith that lacks genuine commitment to God.

• Isaiah 29:13:
  • “The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.'” This verse highlights the danger of a faith that is outwardly religious but inwardly disconnected from a true relationship with God.
• Matthew 7:21-23:
  • Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” This passage emphasizes that mere outward professions of faith are not enough; what matters is a genuine, obedient relationship with Christ.

The Call to Genuine Discipleship

True Christianity, according to the Bible, is marked by a life of discipleship, where believers are called to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even at the cost of personal sacrifice.

• Luke 9:23-24:
  • “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'” Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial and commitment, which stands in contrast to the comfortable and convenient faith often seen in cultural Christianity.
• James 2:14-17:
  • James challenges nominal faith by asking, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? … faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” True faith, according to James, is evidenced by a transformed life that produces good works.

The Problem of Worldliness

Cultural Christianity often blends with worldly values, diluting the distinctiveness of the Christian faith.

• Romans 12:2:
  • “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Paul warns believers not to conform to worldly patterns but to be transformed by the gospel, which is countercultural.
• 1 John 2:15-17:
  • “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” John cautions against the allure of the world, reminding believers that their ultimate allegiance is to God, not to the cultural norms of the day.

Theological and Practical Implications

The Need for True Conversion

A key concern with cultural Christianity is that it often lacks true conversion—a genuine turning to Christ in repentance and faith.

• John 3:3:
  • Jesus declared, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” True Christianity involves a spiritual rebirth, a radical transformation that goes beyond cultural affiliation.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17:
  • “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” True conversion results in a new life in Christ, marked by a departure from the old ways of sin and a commitment to following Jesus.

The Importance of Discipleship and Community

To counteract cultural Christianity, churches must emphasize genuine discipleship and create communities where authentic faith is nurtured and encouraged.

• Acts 2:42:
  • “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” The early church modeled a community of believers who were deeply committed to learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
• Hebrews 10:24-25:
  • “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Regular fellowship and encouragement are vital for sustaining a vibrant, genuine faith.

Witnessing to Cultural Christians

Believers are called to lovingly and truthfully witness to those who may identify as Christians culturally but lack a personal relationship with Jesus.

• 2 Timothy 2:24-25:
  • “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” This passage encourages a gentle and patient approach in sharing the gospel with those who may be nominal in their faith.
• 1 Peter 3:15:
  • “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Christians are called to be ready to explain their faith, doing so with respect and understanding.

Conclusion

From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, Cultural Christianity is a form of faith that lacks the depth and commitment of true discipleship. While it may align with Christian traditions and values, it often misses the heart of the gospel—personal repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and a transformed life.

Historically, cultural Christianity has emerged in contexts where Christianity is the dominant religion, leading to a blending of cultural norms with Christian identity. Biblically, it is challenged by the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who call for genuine conversion, discipleship, and a life set apart from the world.

Theologically, cultural Christianity is problematic because it can lead to nominalism, a superficial faith that fails to reflect the transformative power of the gospel. Practically, the church is called to counteract cultural Christianity by emphasizing true conversion, fostering authentic community, and witnessing to those who may identify with Christianity culturally but lack a personal relationship with Christ.

As believers, we are called to live out a faith that is not merely cultural but deeply rooted in a relationship with Jesus, characterized by obedience, discipleship, and a commitment to the truth of Scripture.