Read Philippians 2:1-4.
Should culturally-relevant content be taught with a different focus at a
Christian university than it would at a public university?
Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)
2
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill
my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord,
of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish
ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better
than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own
interests, but also for the interests of others.
With the
popularity of politically correct inclusiveness being promoted in today’s
global culture, Christian universities should teach culturally-relevant content
in a different light than public universities. Public universities are subject
to the whims and pressures of mainstream popular culture. Inclusiveness has now become a philosophy of
everybody and everything is equal with all roads and religions leading to God
and heaven. At first glance, Philippians
2:1-4 would seem to support this line of thinking and, in turn, support
Christian universities support of the mainstream inclusive philosophy. However, Christians also know of Jesus’ reply
to Thomas about not knowing where He was going in John 14:6 (NKJV), “I am the
way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
Me.” To know Jesus is to know God.
This is the point at which Christian universities and public
universities part ways. Christians are
not pursuing an agenda of “selfish ambition or conceit” by adhering to the
principle set forth in John 14:6. In
fact, Christian universities should approach culturally-relevant content with both
John 14:6 and Philippians 2:1-4 in mind.
Christian universities should take a non-judgmental approach toward
culturally-relevant content. Cultural
differences should be recognized while emphasizing each other’s similarities as
people. Focusing on personal
similarities can promote fellowship by looking out for both our own and other’s
interests. The discovery of how each
person is like the other may serve to bridge gaps in personal and religious
philosophies. Fostering this fellowship
will present opportunities for Christians to reflect God’s love through their
daily walk and allowing them to be used by the Spirit to reach others with love
and not condescending judgment. Culturally-relevant
content does not have to be a stumbling block for Christian universities. With a scripturally based approach, they can
leverage diversity as a way to reach out to people of all cultures.
