There are very few things I love more than seeing an excellent display of art (pick one, musical or visible) by a craftsman from a redeemed worldview in the public sphere. It's exciting. In private, I might give a, "Haa Haa Haa, Yeaaahh Boi"… but publicly I'd keep it together, and crack a small smile. It's a big deal… it should be, it shouldn't be, and everything in between.
I quick history lesson: Since as far as I can remember, and older people will tell you the same thing: Christians were distinctly separate from culture. In an attempt (with good intentions) to honor God, and not be stained by the "world," they withdrew. For some people it looked like not going to movies, dancing, or playing cards. So as this "culture-less" culture took shape, they began creating their own habits that were considered to be more "sanctified." As you can imagine, this group of people with certain habits and tendencies (a culture) shaped what an outsider thought Christianity looked like (keep that in mind, we'll talk about it in a moment). Now we have Christian clothing lines, coffee shops, clubs, and greetings (no 4real tho… google the "Christian side hug"). Again, let me emphasize the "good intentions" part.
Side note: I stopped listening to secular music for a few years and built a very large collection of Christian Hip Hop. I mostly stayed out of the streets and posted up in my studio apartment… it was a good season of life to separate myself from my past.
We're in a time now where a huge shift has taken place. Believers are in the public sphere doing their craft… and it's excellent. Not only is the art great, but it's being displayed more frequently. I remember feeling like the globe stopped as your ex-favorite rapper spit in the BET Cypher. I couldn't tweet about it fast enough. I was so excited to get to the barber shop and tell everybody and they momma about how a Christian 'gave that work' to their favorite rappers…. because I knew they watched it. Ohh the public sphere!
It seems like every week I see another Christian "show up" on a secular (I hate having to use that word but some of y'all wouldn't get it otherwise) website/interview/magazine/galleria. It's becoming more common. Now I might nod my head in approval, say a quick prayer, RT, brag to my wifey, or just read it like it's normative. Slowly for Believers and non-Believers, the perception of what a Christian should look like is changing. Understandably so, it might feel uncomfortable for many of the Redbox hating, non-dancing, anti-poker players (if you're lost, see the prior example in the history section above). A Christian who is going/ sent/ engaging/ intentional/ pursuing/ drawing /persuading/ voicing/ representing/ reflecting/ defending/ dialoging to, with, or at the culture through God-given gifts shouldn't surprise us as though this is a new concept. It's not new, but it is new, and everything in between.
It seems like every week I see another Christian "show up" on a secular (I hate having to use that word but some of y'all wouldn't get it otherwise) website/interview/magazine/galleria. It's becoming more common. Now I might nod my head in approval, say a quick prayer, RT, brag to my wifey, or just read it like it's normative. Slowly for Believers and non-Believers, the perception of what a Christian should look like is changing. Understandably so, it might feel uncomfortable for many of the Redbox hating, non-dancing, anti-poker players (if you're lost, see the prior example in the history section above). A Christian who is going/ sent/ engaging/ intentional/ pursuing/ drawing /persuading/ voicing/ representing/ reflecting/ defending/ dialoging to, with, or at the culture through God-given gifts shouldn't surprise us as though this is a new concept. It's not new, but it is new, and everything in between.
In light of all these changes, I hope that the "culture of this sub-culture's culture" no longer defines things by what it's not. This can result in unnecessary separation, self-righteousness, egotism, and it doesn't lend to a greater witness by demonstration. Confusing? Here is an example: If you are a Christian, instead of saying," I'm a Christian, so I don't sell prostitutes" try saying, "I don't sell prostitutes because I'm a Christian so I value dignity and sexual fidelity". I realize that for most, this is may seem like an extreme example but it brings color to my point. Let's practice verbalizing the roots of our dispositions and avoid simple blanket statements, especially in the public sphere. As the Christian witness in non-religious spheres increases, it will be interesting to see how we engage with (not against) the culture and leverage the roots of our beliefs. I'm looking forward to the day when popular culture is artistically dominated by a Christian worldview who through their craft, provides reason to their art and beliefs.
In the words of Carl Ellis Jr., "Disciple the culture."
In the words of Carl Ellis Jr., "Disciple the culture."
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