Usually ”contemporary Christianity” discussions centre on music, frequently overlooking that the meaning of contemporary is “from the same time period“. Technically anyone alive at a given point in time is contemporary!
Some favour music, methods, clothing and life attitudes from a much earlier (nostalgic) era. They promote a static version of Christianity (often legalistic) towards, bible versions, dress standards, outward forms of worship and music. A common argument used against this fundamentalist (exclusive) preference for hymns in public and private worship is that Martin Luther used tavern music as the basis for his hymns. Although the Luther Tavern Music argument may be mythic, he did utilise similar musical constructions in his hymns. I would liken it to, say, the way U2 repeatedly use the same or similar riff in a number of different songs. The songs are all different but the mechanics are the same. Same with Luther – he used techniques and methods employed outside the “church” to put scripture to music. Not to make them more palatable, but so they could be sung corporately and understood by those of the day. i.e. His contemporaries!
To be biblically oriented and effective in demonstrating and communicating the gospel is the goal of all (well, most) Christians. Presenting a model that restricts the expression of Christianity to the standards of earlier generations in a guise of holiness parallels the religious Pharisee’s Jesus rebuked.
Instead of rejecting everything “contemporary” because it doesn’t fit a self constructed Christian sub-culture, we should consider what Jeremiah said to the Jews exiled to Babylon.
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:4-7
Effectively communicating with our culture, whether in it’s music, art, media, technology, sport or other forums allows us to live as a “city set on a hill” rather than an ineffective, outdated lump of worthless salt. NONE of this requires abandonment of historically orthodox teaching of scripture. It does require that we apply and demonstrate our faithfulness to Christ and the gospel “contemporaneously” rather than imitating someone from 50 or 100 years earlier. Something effective in 1892 or 1956 or 2007 does not, of necessity, make it effective now. We should have the humility and courage to admit this and seek God’s wisdom on how best to tell and demonstrate Christ to our contemporaries.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. Colossians 2:6
