Being In the World But Not Of The World
Since U.S. culture defines as acceptable many things that Christians find objectionable, Christians in the U.S. face a problem similar to that of countries that find aspects of the Internet to be offensive: how do we embrace the good things the Internet has to offer without becoming corrupted by the things we find objectionable?
In John 17:15-18, Jesus prays for his followers:
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. (ESV)
As Christians, our dilemma is this: How can we be in the [Internet] world without becoming of the [Internet] world?
The options available in the Christian home or institution are similar to those available to a country:
limit and control the Internet entry points into the home/institution, and censor/filter objectionable material that crosses those entry points;
make home/institutional rules against objectionable materials, prevent people from accessing the Internet except in monitored places so that the rules can be enforced;
impose no restrictions on access, but take proactive steps (e.g., educational programs) to counter the influence of objectionable materials; or
make home/institutional rules against objectionable materials, allow unrestricted access, leave it to people to "do the right thing"; or
some combination of these.
Different Christians have different opinions as to which is the best approach. Some Christians argue that the first approach (censorship, usually through filtering) abdicates our responsibility to live in the world and learn to make responsible decisions. Others say that the latter approaches (no restrictions) will inevitably lead some Christians to stumble and become of the world. What do you think?
This page was written by
Joel Adams.
© 2001 Calvin College, All Rights Reserved