I was recently reminded of a rather challenging question that I have wrestled with for many years now. The fact that I don’t really have clear resolution on it is probably reflecting the relative nature of the question as it pertains to culture. Since culture is constantly changing, and the norms we have are in flux, we keep having to set standards. It’s a bit like nailing jello to the wall. The question is, what qualifies as shameful in Ephesians 5:12? In youth ministry, we seek to be “hip” to the culture. We want to be “relevant” and know the lingo, see the television shows and movies that they watch, and generally be able to speak into their world. At what point though do we say no? A guy on youth commission challenged me years ago when we were talking about a Sacha Baron Cohen movie (that I had not seen) and suggested that it would be inappropriate to view it. I think much of the stuff that Seth McFarland produces for Fox TV can fall into the same category in that it brings Ephesians 5:12 to mind (or should).
What brought this to mind this week? A recent blog post by Carl Trueman raises the verse as one that certain Christians seeking to be relevant by embracing contemporary culture don’t seem to pay attention to. Carl teaches at Westminster Theological Seminary and is an impressive thinker. I encountered him more than ten years ago at Cambridge Summer School of Theology where he did some guest lectures. He was at the time about to move to the states from having taught in Scotland. Carl is specifically aiming his post at a group of Christian leaders that are known as the young, restless, and reformed crowd. If you are not aware, they are younger church leaders tracking with reformed theology and often doing some cutting edge (and massive) ministry. They include the likes of Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, Josh Harris, etc. All great men whose teaching I have appreciated. Driscoll’s recent book on sex and marriage is what perhaps prompted the post.
The challenge in applying Ephesians 5:12 is that culture is constantly changing the norms of what is acceptable. Those who complained about Bart Simpson years ago had no idea the horror of Beavis & Butthead would make Bart seem very safe. South Park made them both look lame and now the airwaves feature the shocking work of Seth McFarland which makes all that seem like no big deal. Perhaps when we watch and cringe and feel ashamed for laughing at something really gross or shockingly immoral, we ought to take notice and take a stand. Otherwise, the slide is endless.
Trueman’s post is worth reading and considering because he sets the verse in context pretty well.
(I never did see the Sacha Baron Cohen film, though his characters are funny but I must confess to being a Stewie Griffin fan)
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