Tim Keller’s response:
1) I believe what Abraham Kuyper says about sphere sovereignty. It is my job (as a pastor) to disciple people so that they know how to go into the world to work out of a Christian worldview, which is automatically going to help them to be salt and light and to lead to some kind of cultural change. It has to. It is not my job to start an art gallery or film production company. It is my job (as the pastor) to preach the Word, to administer the sacraments, and exercise discipline. In the process, I disciple people to go out into the world and do those kinds of things that lead to cultural change.
“In the total expanse of human life there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, 'That is mine!' Abraham Kuyper
2) Do you think it was a good thing for our culture to abolish slavery? Do you think that it got us a little bit closer to conformity with what God’s will is for human society?
“If you cannot help people (with their particular concerns, challenges, questions), then you do not know how to disciple. You only know how to bring them out of their worlds into your church.” Tim Keller
What are your thoughts? How can you trust God to use your gifts and calling to elicit social change by advancing the Kingdom of God?
i have had a couple conversations about similar topics recently. although i completely resonate with Tim Keller's response, does it answer the question?
ReplyDeleteit seems sphere sovereignty and salt-light concepts bring about societal transformation as the overflowing by-product of individual believers in corporate community (the Church)seeking to order their lives under the rule and reign of our Lord.
it seems to me that the church's goal should not be cultural transformation, but rather the goal is Christ. instead of focusing on us as the agent of transformation, let's desire and allow Christ to be the agent of transformation in us.