Embracing Any Kind Of Culture Inhibits Growing In Faith
Regarding the one time slave's letter, I really liked to see how intelligent he was; and he wrote in a manner in which he wanted to awaken the slave owner. This kind of thing (like so many historical records) shows how mankind really has not changed wholly...There are still cultures where slavery is still happening! Yes, fewer than 1860's, but it's not the heart of men which has dramatically caused change, but the circumstances which control his life. Down through history men were often acting in what we deem as evil, but in those times it was the legal and a cultural norm. If you ever want to read about how this happens, read the story of men missionaries who were killed in Ecuador, then a couple of these guys' wives went and lived with the tribe. After a while the tribe became totally civilized. Look up Elisabeth Elliot and her books for the story..... In the same (kinda) way, I was able to escape my hippie culture upon following Christ, and grasping His ways. This is how all cultures gradually mature, by more and more people following God’s ways.
Oh, I should say, I'm not saying follow organized religion, memorizing scripture, or going to church every week; or follow a cultural interpretation of Christ. No doubt these can be effective tools to help us grow; but following Jesus' example — following true definitions of Love, as demonstrated by Jesus’ life, is the essential way to mature and be closer to God.
All cultural interpretations of Jesus are very tainted by religious perspective, but a man's conscience following Christ is only tainted by succumbing to the influences of cultural ideas about God. 'Growth' is the result of emptying those things out, and taking up the cross daily. Which is sacrificing oneself for others.