I have a few thoughts about the concept of a Christian's role in influencing culture.

If you look for it you'll notice it. Relevant Magazine seems to push this kind of mindset pretty hard. Some crossover bands are into it as well like Mutemath. The thought is, Christians need to influence (some say "reach") our culture.

It's pretty vague language, and language that needs definition.

I don't necessarily disagree with the idea. Christians are supposed to be in the world, yes. We're supposed to be "salt and light," yes. I have questions though when it comes down to what exactly people mean when they say we need to influence culture.

Do you mean we should make such good music and movies and art and books that unbelievers will say, "Wow, that's really good. I need to do better"? Or maybe we want them to consider some deep truth they might not have realized before. Or maybe we want them to know there is a God by how well we do things.

"Influencing culture" is not the same as telling people about the gospel so they can repent and have faith in Jesus. No one can have faith in Jesus by looking at a painting. I doubt anyone can come to Jesus by listening to music (unless the song is filled with Scripture). No one can come to Jesus by watching Lord of the Rings. As I was reminded last night, faith comes through hearing, and hearing comes through someone telling another the message that a holy God will pour out His wrath on sinners unless they repent and put faith in Jesus and His payment for sins. It happens through people hearing and responding to the Word of God. Not art. Not music. Not movies. The Spirit moves through the Word.

Frankly, who cares if Christians make good art if all the while they refuse to tell their lost artist friends about the gospel!

A good movie or a good song is not worth the whole world. But a person's soul is.

The only way we can truly "influence" culture is when the message of Jesus is shared. Then, lost artists become redeemed artists. Lost musicians become redeemed musicians. Lost movie-makers and actors become redeemed movie-makers and actors. Then, I guarantee you, by the power of God, the culture of those people will be vastly different.

Jacob