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An Approach to Cultural Myths
“It is the intention of this paper to clarify a theological understanding of God’s plan, as it includes the popular myths of culture. One’s understanding of how Christians are to interact with the culture, in which it has been placed by God’s providence, has everything to do with one’s reaction to the elements of that culture. As clarified in Niebuhr’s Christ and Culture, the various reactions span the conceivable categories of Christ against culture, Christ above culture, Christ of culture, Christ and culture in paradox, and Christ transforming culture. If Northland were to fit into only one of those categories, it would probably be the last one. Northland’s approach is one that recognizes God’s sovereignty in the “secular” as well as the “sacred” (the culture’s false dichotomy). We do not initially separate ourselves from the culture in which we have been placed. Rather, we look for ways that God may be preparing people to hear His call, so that we may use them to draw attention to His real truth, as differentiated from the world's “missing the mark” sin. Myths are an attempt to explain some important aspect of human life through an imaginative story. Such stories are a way of introducing the deeper concepts of life to minds that cannot yet comprehend them. If imagination or pretending is wrong in itself, then myths are wrong to tell. However, if the myth is used as a prelude to interest the elemental mind in finding the deeper story, and if it is clearly conveyed as an intriguing hook to a real mystery, then myth can serve as an introduction to God. Accordingly, we would give the following counsel to parents. Realize that everything in this world was made to lead to Christ (Colossians 1:16-18), either by being a foreshadowing of His love or, in its deteriorating sinfulness, pointing to the need for Christ. The greatest gift we can give to the immature is the example of relating everything to Christ. The question is this: How broad of a spectrum can we use to relate back to Christ? That depends on the spiritual maturity and grasp of the parent. If some can use Santa Claus or Easter eggs to relate the story of a Christian saint’s (St. Nicholas) celebration of Christ’s birth, or the symbol of new life in the resurrection, that can be good. Some may even be able to use Halloween to teach lessons on witches or All Saints Day origins, etc. Such an example would require much maturity indeed. However, the main concern of the Christian parent should be this: Can I lead my child to Christ through this cultural myth? In no case should the myth be left simply a trick played on a child because of a custom. Such practices breed suspicion and distrust in many children.” |
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