Fellowship of the Spirit

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.