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The Christian and Culture: Is All Culture Equally Healthy?

The Christian and Culture: Is All Culture Equally Healthy?

It is the Christmas season, and as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s only Son, sent to save the world from sin, consider what that means. It means that Jesus came to win our hearts and minds back to trust, so that we will leave behind everything of this world that is out of harmony with heaven and trust Him and follow Him into a kingdom of love, truth, and eternal freedom.

The kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world are not the same. I am passionate about calling people out of the systems of this world and into God’s kingdom of love. Unfortunately, sometimes what I say is misunderstood. I recently received a letter (yes, an actual pen-and-paper letter), airmailed from the United Kingdom, expressing concern over some things I said during Come and Reason’s Bible study covering lesson nine of the fourth quarter 2020, entitled “The Church and Education.” The letter was sent anonymously with no return address, so I am unable to respond directly to whomever sent it. Therefore, I will respond here in hopes that the writer sees it and to clear up any misunderstanding.

From the letter:

We here in the U.K. have been watching your programme for some time now and we found it interesting and informative. The programme on education and the church we find very discouraging, shocking and hurtful for the following reasons: Jesus never taught Racial or National superiority, you are teaching that America as a white protestant nation, culture and civilization is SUPERIOR to all others. Jesus did not teach this neither did He encourage His disciples to do so.

Jesus never went around Palestine destroying non-Jewish culture and civilization…

The letter then details a long list of offenses of the USA; for instance, being number one in abortion; rape and abuse of children; gun crimes and homicide; drug abuse; number one spreader of COVID 19; and number one for false religion. The letter then goes on:

America is like its mother the Roman empire Vampire that went round the world in ancient times raping, pillaging, and murdering the native people for their land and resources, America like its mother is a PARASITE civilization and culture.

The forefathers who left here in the U.K. to America and to the rest of the world were fleeing religious persecution and yet they did the same thing to Black and Brown people all over the world… We implore you to stop teaching American nationalism, culture and white Protestant superiority. We here in the U.K. for the time being will no longer watch your programme or support your ministry.

I can’t tell you the sadness I felt reading this. Again, click here to find the lesson that this person is referencing, so you can listen to the lesson or read the notes. And below is the text of my prepared notes for the lesson. Before I respond to this person’s concerns, I want you to read the notes or listen to what I said. Then consider the concerns of this very hurt individual.

My notes from lesson 9:

From the bottom pink section, “What prejudices does your culture and society teach, either subtly or openly, that as a Christian, you must rise above?”

Do you believe it is righteous or unrighteous to seek to destroy another people’s culture?

And let’s define what I mean by culture – I am not talking about a culture of microorganisms in a lab, nor am I talking about manners or politeness, I am talking about:

a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period – the African culture, the American Indian culture, the Greek culture etc.

So, with that in mind, is it righteous or unrighteous to seek to destroy another people’s culture?

In our society today, would progressivism and leftism, want to destroy other cultures, or would progressivism want to validate all cultures and not eradicate other cultures?

When Jesus said to His followers,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV84,

was He instructing them to go out and eradicate paganism and all cultures based on false views about Him, to eradicate cultures based on the principles of this world, to establish a culture based on love for God and love for others, on truth, love and liberty?

So if we follow Jesus’ command will we seek to convert people to Christ? And will converting people to Christ simultaneously be destroying the following cultures?

So, can Christianity, if it fulfills the gospel commission to make people disciples of Jesus, really support the idea of protecting other culture?

Do you see why progressivism, leftism, which believes all cultures are equal and should be protected, works to obstruct via laws, via social pressure etc. the sharing of the gospel? It becomes illegal to try to convert people to Christ. Books like The Great Controversy, which exposes the abuses of the Roman church through history, are labelled as hate speech.

The principles of God are truth presented in love while leaving others free. If you have truth on your side, then you have nothing to fear by open speech, ideas being investigated, evidence being presented. But, if you have lies, then once your lies have been accepted you don’t want people investigating, you want to silence any voices that bring truth, because the truth will expose the lies.

So, do we agree that presenting the truth about Jesus will destroy the cultures based on Satan’s lies (2Cor 10:3-5)?

And do we agree that doing so by converting people is a good thing?

What about destroying other cultures through military might, by killing those who won’t join us – is this a good or bad thing for the world?

As Christians, we cannot advocate the methods of might and killing to advance our cause, but does that set us up to draw false conclusions about the results of those who do or have done so in the past?

For instance, there is an idea being propagated in our society today that America is evil because it was founded by war against the Native Americans and essentially wiped them out and destroyed their culture and this is bad. What do you think?

Would the world be better off if Cortez and the Spanish did not go to war with the Aztecs and destroy the Aztec culture? Would the world be better off if the Aztec culture continued in Mexico and we have ongoing human sacrifice and cannibalism practiced south of the US border?

Or are the people who have lived, since the Aztec culture was destroyed, better off without human sacrifice and cannibalism?

So, is the idea being pushed today, that all culture is equally valuable, healthy, good and all culture should be respected and protected, true? No, it is a lie and Christians should have the ability to discern the truth from lies and not buy into the leftism and collude with those who want to stop the gospel from going forward.

So, back to the question in the lesson, what prejudices does our culture or society teach that we must rise above?

Would it be movements that oppose Christianity – any movements that promote godlessness, would that include evolutionism? Humanism? Secularism? Leftism?

What saddened me about the letter is that the person who wrote it completely misrepresented what I was saying. Let’s break down the false conclusions:

  • The person alleges that I teach racial, national, and white superiority. This is false. You will not find this idea in my lesson or in any of my teachings. You will find the opposite, that I teach that in Christ there “is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28 NIV84), that racial differences are irrelevant and what matters is character. Sadly, this person’s letter reveals what he thought I was teaching, not what I actually teach.  
  • The person alleges that I teach that America, as white Protestant, is superior to all other cultures. This is false. I teach that Christianity – as Jesus taught and revealed it, as God designed for human beings to live with love for God and others, where every person is renewed in heart to be fully trustworthy, where God’s laws are written on the hearts of every citizen and people have genuine freedom – is a culture that is superior to every other.

Thus, I am not “defending” the USA. I have said over and over again that all human governments are described in Scripture as beasts and use the beastly methods of coercion to force their way. This includes the USA.

What I believe and teach is beautifully described in this quotation from the book Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 386:

No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple, that every soul may have free access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satan’s circle the poor souls who have been deluded by his deceptions. It places them within reach of the throne of God, the throne encircled by the rainbow of promise.

“In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free. All are brought nigh by His precious blood.” (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:13.)

So we want to take forward the gospel of Jesus Christ, the message of equality of all people as children of God, the message of love, which demolishes every wall of separation, including cultural walls that teach racial or national superiority, and all culture that promotes caste division, falsehoods about God, or any other culture built upon lies that enslave the minds of God’s children.

But “though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5 NIV84)

Yes, we are in a war, a war between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, and we are to demolish everything that interferes with the kingdom of God. But the weapons we use are not worldly. We do not use the weapons of physical might and force, but the weapons of truth, love, and freedom. We convert; we do not coerce. The beastly governments of the earth coerce. So we actively seek to advance the kingdom of love and truth which will demolish culture that values:

  • Entertainment and pleasure over achievement.
  • Physical appearance over character.
  • Immediate reward over delayed gratification.
  • Survival-of-the-fittest as a principle of living.
  • Demeaning and exploitation of one segment of society (sex, race, religion etc.)
  • Belief without reason.
  • Rules over principles.
  • Punishment rather than protection and discipline.
  • Lies rather than truth.

But as we advance God’s kingdom with truth and love, as we convert people, they will truly be changed – lies will be replaced by truth, fear with confidence, selfishness with love, superstitions with reality-based understanding. People will leave behind all culture that is out of harmony with God’s kingdom and enter into the only culture that matters: the culture of heaven.

So, writer from the U.K., I hope you will see this blog, reexamine what I have said, reconsider your concerns, as they are not representative of this ministry nor what I teach, and then join us in taking the gospel of Jesus to the world.

 

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Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain