What You Talkin' Bout?

Why is it okay to celebrate: how much fun one had at a party; talk ad nauseam about the greatness of their favorite athletic team; brag about a job promotion; show and tell everyone about their material possessions - i.e., a new car; send announcements to everybody about their engagement; their graduation; their newborn; recommend a great restaurant; etc.? 

Why is it acceptable: to talk disparagingly about another person's appearance; race/ethnicity; social status; education, etc.; to maliciously belittle family, friends, co-workers or strangers; to make insensitive jokes; etc.?  

But the very second a Christian mentions Jesus or other persons of faith attempt to share their beliefs – they're told to keep their religion to themselves; they're called self-righteous; condemned;  and said to think of themselves as better than others?

Religion has and rightfully so been scorned for some of its brutal practices and its sometimes narrow perspectives. Yet, the core tenets of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and many other religions challenge us to develop our higher selves and challenges its followers to work toward and mature in sacrificial living and the (spiritual, physical, social, emotional and fiscal) wellness of one's self and community versus individualistic and hierarchical attainments.

Hence it’s puzzling why we would rather; people take that "God talk" elsewhere, while we glorify and celebrate our lower selves. Instead of embracing a spiritual worldview that encourages the growth of the best that's within us; we choose to submit to the cultural gods (sports, entertainment, politics, etc.) and spiritualized consumerism that guarantee diminishing returns. In doing so, we fail to recognize how materialism and the medium of culture is weakening access to our "greater selves".

Is it “God talk” vs. “culture talk”?

In essence, those who chastise the religious, spiritual or evangelical person for proselytizing or attempting to convert them are guilty of the same practices which they condemn - the sharing of what one believes. Consider these conversations: “You’re a vegetarian?! What!, you don’t eat meat?”, “You’ve never had sex?! Are you serious?”, "Whose your team?! You gotta choose one!", “You don’t drink (alcohol) or smoke?! C’mon give it a try?”, “You’re wearing that?! That’s unacceptable!”, You’re friends with___?! Why? She/He is weird!". 

The truth is – people share what’s important to them!

I’m not suggesting we have to desist from sharing what we value or believe. More importantly whether ours is the God of a religion or the god of the culture, we need to:

          1.       Listen to what we say;

          2.      Watch what we do; and

          3.      Determine our desired outcome.

Ask yourself the following:

a. Is what I’m sharing/believing; developing and strengthening my higher self or is it drawing me toward my lower self?

b. Where is my God talk or culture talk leading those with whom I share?

c. What do I value most God or the culture? 

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Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: “A diverse community of faith; inspired by love, committed to becoming and making disciples”.