Culture or Fashion

We might have the impression that certain activities inspire their own cultures. Dirk and I discussed this while at the skatepark. Surfing would seem to inspire its own culture, as would skateboarding. But that doesn't work at all. "I don't think I could recognize a surfer in a crowd, unless he was carrying a surfboard or something," Dirk observed. Skate shoes don't mean we skate. Long hair doesn't mean we play guitar. People in neckties might be the biggest environmentalists, dreadlocked people can be the biggest snobs. People are full of surprises. Even siblings don't often look or act alike. Through families God teaches us to cooperate in, if not to enjoy, diversity. Nobey and Peter look and act quite differently, but they're best friends. They have the same Papa. Because of that, they are together and have everything in common (Acts 2:44), and they share everything they have (Acts 4:32). Jesus promises to inspire His own culture. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God" (1 Peter 2:9) "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom 12:2). To expect that culture to appear in look or lexicon of course is to trade the profound spiritual work of Christ for the superficial religious work of men. To admonish diversity is to resist nature, as God demonstrates in the biological family, and to detour challenges to our perceptions and understandings, and subsequent spiritual growth. I've learned much about faith and love from all the weird people at my church.