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The debate regarding how much Christians should interface with the secular world may be as old as the faith itself. Certainly we are familiar with the discussion as far back as the 16th Century, when Anabaptist leaders called on their followers to withdraw from the corrupting influences of the world. In more recent times, scholars like Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, who teaches Christian Ethics at Duke University, seems to have taken up this mantle, warning of the perils for Christians to think they can change a corrupt world.

But other Christians have existed who have felt a sincere call from God to bring the gospel to the various dimensions of culture and society. Whether in politics, the arts, architecture, even the military, they seek to witness for Christ and change culture for Him by interacting in it. As Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper famously proclaimed, “There is not one square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!”

We knew we’d get a thoughtful examination of these two traditions from Dr. Tim Keller, Senior Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. You may have read one of his best-seller, The Prodigal God, or his latest release, Generous Justice. Both are available in our online bookstore.

Dr. Keller believes that both sides in this debate have something to offer one another, lest either of them go too far. Indeed, the church often times does its best work when two thoughtful traditions are held in tension. If both sides hold some truth, it is up to us to gather the strands of truth found in both, as God is the author of all truth and doesn’t want us to miss out on any of it.

For more of Dr. Keller’s views, check out his books in our online bookstore!

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“Discourse,” an occasional podcast on BreakPoint, applies a Christian worldview lens to a broad range of issues related to contemporary culture. Stephen Reed, a Centurion in the class of 2008, is a former talk radio host and serves as Web content editor for the Colson Center. If you see any cultural issues out there you would like to see us address in a future podcast, e-mail Stephen at: stephen_reed@pfm.org.

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