Faith and Culture

I was having a pretty long discussion with Grace about the topic of Culture, which, because it is me, quickly deteriorated into an argument about whether Faith can be Culture or not. Grace took to the point that faith and culture could mix, and I had trouble distinguishing being a part of and actually being the same thing. I think, in the end, we came to the agreement that faith can be a pretty massive part of culture, but it can't be culture, for the sole reasons that it existed before the culture did, and also, just because two things exist at the same time doesn't mean they are a part of one another.

It's just interesting to see how faith can shape culture, especially while sat in a culture which has lost faith as an influence. I mean, America, pretty much has two different cultures, and the term culture war is used pretty often. But looking at other faiths like Hinduism, Islam and Jewish, you can see how much the faith has shaped the culture, and vice versa, that sometimes, it is impossible to split them.

I'm pretty sure that quite a lot of the time when culture messes with faith, two things happen. It gets harder to distinguish between people who believe in the faith because they genuinely do, or they do because culture, and the state, essentially tells them that's the only valid option. And, it gets easier for the masses to become a member of that faith, even if it means the faith changes, into something which resembles the culture.

I don't know where I'm going with this. I think because I live in a culture which lacks the faith aspect, I think that I am envious of people that do have it. At the moment our culture hates the idea of an absolute truth, because that means telling people that they believe in an absolute false. I wish it would be different, because I can't see how Christianity is offensive to people, and I hate my culture making me feel like I should act like it will. I don't want to apologise for speaking the good news.

If someone of a different faith started telling me about their faith, in pretty much 95% of the time I don't think I'd be offended. To be honest, I'm sincerely interested in other peoples views and beliefs. If anything, the last thing I'd be when hearing people's views would be offended.

So how can I go about in life with the fear that culture doesn't like me believing that my religion is right? I think the answer probably will be with great difficulty.

Especially as I won't be forced into being ashamed of the Gospel. To be honest, I'd rather by far hear other peoples views, and let people celebrate their religious holidays and festivals to the full, there is no harm in it. As long as I get the chance to do the same. I want to be able to say the words, Merry Christmas, rather than Happy Holidays, even though I may be saying it to someone of a different (if any) faith. If someone said Happy Hanukkah to me, I'm not going to get offended. I'd respond with Happy Hanukkah back, politely, and I'd continue my day.

How is any of that offensive? Why should I let my culture belittle my rights of free speech?

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Voltaire