Many books have been written about the connections and the differences between culture and Christianity. I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel here, but rather, to share some of the ways that I saw that Christianity has the ability to both shape a culture and to fit into a particular culture, sharing a few observations from my recent time in Russia. My hope is that, as you read, you start to consider how Christianity impacts the culture in which you live, and how the culture in which you live has impacted the form that Christianity takes.
Today I want to focus solely on one thing, the title which the head of the Lutheran Church of Ingria bears. Ari Kuggapi oversees the Lutheran Church of Ingria, and he is known by the title Bishop. Having spent just a mere hour and a half with Bishop Kuggapi, I could see the importance of his faith in his life, the importance of that faith going out and being declared, and his genuine humbleness as he serves his God and Savior.
But I can see where that title, Bishop, would not necessarily work in all places. In Russia, it is a very appropriate title, as their culture and society is one in which people are used to those who are "in charge" simply giving directions for others to follow through. Other Christian church bodies use this same title, and it implies a kind of structure of authority, with the bishop being recognized as "overseeing" others.
I honestly cannot see how this same structure or title would work in North America, however. Here, we have a culture which prizes individuality, and the individual's choice. Having someone "in authority" over us causes us a lot of problems. Even in my church body, where we have men who are selected to "oversee" geographical regions, the thought is very present that they carry no authority to tell others what they can or cannot do. In many ways, these men are supposed to encourage and provide, but really cannot give direction or demonstrate authority over others.
Is one way right and the other wrong? It would seem that the Russian way sounds strange in American ears. Having someone who can tell a pastor if he is doing something right or wrong, and that there are consequences if he doesn't change, seems rather dictatorial and open to abuse, and so, Americans who are raised with individuality as a hallmark of their culture would naturally not be in favor of such a system. However, for the people in Russia, who have a culture of authority and following authority, it fits rather well.
I can imagine that a Russian pastor who worked in America would wonder who really is in charge around here (a question I have frequently asked myself). Our particular culture and values would seem very strange to him, and he might wonder what the consequences are if someone really does get out of line. Those who are chosen to be in positions of authority very likely would seem as though they don't really have any authority. Anyone who tries to tell an individual pastor what he can or cannot do is likely to be told that he has no authority to do so.
There are a number of places in the Bible that speak to each of these scenarios, and our human nature rebels against the things we really don't want to hear. I truly do believe that, at times, our thoughts and reactions are guided more by the culture that we live in than by what God says in the Bible. To me, the saddest part is when we choose not to think about it or really even try to do anything about it.
Today I want to focus solely on one thing, the title which the head of the Lutheran Church of Ingria bears. Ari Kuggapi oversees the Lutheran Church of Ingria, and he is known by the title Bishop. Having spent just a mere hour and a half with Bishop Kuggapi, I could see the importance of his faith in his life, the importance of that faith going out and being declared, and his genuine humbleness as he serves his God and Savior.
But I can see where that title, Bishop, would not necessarily work in all places. In Russia, it is a very appropriate title, as their culture and society is one in which people are used to those who are "in charge" simply giving directions for others to follow through. Other Christian church bodies use this same title, and it implies a kind of structure of authority, with the bishop being recognized as "overseeing" others.
I honestly cannot see how this same structure or title would work in North America, however. Here, we have a culture which prizes individuality, and the individual's choice. Having someone "in authority" over us causes us a lot of problems. Even in my church body, where we have men who are selected to "oversee" geographical regions, the thought is very present that they carry no authority to tell others what they can or cannot do. In many ways, these men are supposed to encourage and provide, but really cannot give direction or demonstrate authority over others.
Is one way right and the other wrong? It would seem that the Russian way sounds strange in American ears. Having someone who can tell a pastor if he is doing something right or wrong, and that there are consequences if he doesn't change, seems rather dictatorial and open to abuse, and so, Americans who are raised with individuality as a hallmark of their culture would naturally not be in favor of such a system. However, for the people in Russia, who have a culture of authority and following authority, it fits rather well.
I can imagine that a Russian pastor who worked in America would wonder who really is in charge around here (a question I have frequently asked myself). Our particular culture and values would seem very strange to him, and he might wonder what the consequences are if someone really does get out of line. Those who are chosen to be in positions of authority very likely would seem as though they don't really have any authority. Anyone who tries to tell an individual pastor what he can or cannot do is likely to be told that he has no authority to do so.
There are a number of places in the Bible that speak to each of these scenarios, and our human nature rebels against the things we really don't want to hear. I truly do believe that, at times, our thoughts and reactions are guided more by the culture that we live in than by what God says in the Bible. To me, the saddest part is when we choose not to think about it or really even try to do anything about it.
> However, for the people in Russia,
ReplyDelete> who have a culture of authority
> and following authority, it fits
> rather well.
This is old information, Pastor. Since about the mid-60's and early 70's and especially since the early 90's our culture has increasingly been a culture of pretending to follow authority and quietly doing stuff that benefits self while authority doesn't see or chooses not to notice as long as its (authority's) position and benefits resulting from it are not affected.
Alexey, you are living proof why it's always better to get information from the people who live there rather than out of a book! Thanks for keeping me updated with good information. I really appreciate it!
ReplyDelete