Choosing Relevant Cultural Illustrations for Congregational Context
Choosing Relevant Cultural Illustrations for Congregational Context
The use of cultural illustrations in preaching and teaching is a longstanding practice in Christian tradition, aimed at making the gospel message more relatable and understandable to diverse congregations. John Calvin, one theologian, discusses the role of illustrations in his Institutes, cautioning against the use of images in churches that could lead to idolatry, but acknowledging the value of certain kinds of representations for instruction or admonition [5].
The biblical text itself employs various forms of illustration, such as metaphors and similes, to convey spiritual truths. For instance, the Psalmist uses vivid imagery to describe the wicked, comparing them to "serpents" and "vipers" (Psalm 58:3-5) [1]. Similarly, the book of Proverbs is replete with illustrations drawn from everyday life, such as the ant and the sluggard (Proverbs 6:6-11), to teach moral lessons [2].
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses cultural references to illustrate the gospel message. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:23, he writes that believers belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God, using a familial metaphor to describe the relationship between Christ and believers [4]. The use of such illustrations helps to contextualize the message, making it more accessible to the audience.
The early Christian tradition also recognized the importance of using illustrations to convey theological concepts. The use of metaphors and analogies was seen as a way to communicate complex ideas in a more understandable manner. For instance, Augustine, as quoted by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, explains that one becomes a "child of the devil" by imitating him, not by being born of him, highlighting the distinction between generation and corruption [3].
In choosing relevant cultural illustrations for a congregational context, preachers and teachers must consider the cultural background and experiences of their audience. Calvin's caution against the misuse of images in worship highlights the need for discernment in selecting illustrations that are not only relevant but also theologically sound [6]. The principle behind this discernment is rooted in the understanding that "it is natural to man to attain to intellectual truths through sensible objects" [7], as Aquinas notes.
The task of selecting appropriate illustrations involves understanding the congregation's cultural context and using that understanding to communicate biblical truths effectively. This requires a deep knowledge of both the biblical text and the cultural nuances of the community being addressed. For example, Matthew Henry's commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:1 illustrates how Paul's directions on charitable giving are contextualized within the specific needs and circumstances of the early Christian community [8].
Sources
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 3:23: 3:23 Just as they may now claim everything as their own, so Christ has claimed them for himself (see Rom 14:7-9), and in Christ they are ultimately claimed by God (see 1 Cor 6:19-20; 7:23).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 27: of events, and pictorial, which merely exhibit bodily shapes and figures. The former are of some use for instruction or admonition. The latter, so far as I can see, are only fitted for amusement. And yet it is certain, that the latter are almost the only kind which have hitherto been exhibited in churches. Hence we may infer, that the exhibition was not the result of judicious selection, but of a foolish and inconsiderate longing. I say nothing as to the improper and unbecoming form in which they are presented, or the wanton licens”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 27: decreed not only that images were to be used in churches, but also that they were to be worshipped. Every thing, therefore, that I have said, is in danger of suffering great prejudice from the authority of this Synod. To confess the truth, however, I am not so much moved by this consideration, as by a wish to make my readers aware of the lengths to which the infatuation has been carried by those who had a greater fondness for images than became Christians. But let us first dispose of this matter. Those who defend the use of images ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part (Prima Pars), The Nature and Extent of Sacred Doctrine, Art. 9: Article: Whether Holy Scripture should use metaphors? I answer that, It is befitting Holy Writ to put forward divine and spiritual truths by means of comparisons with material things. For God provides for everything according to the capacity of its nature. Now it is natural to man to attain to intellectual truths through sensible objects, because all our knowledge originates from sense. Hence in Holy Writ, spiritual truths are fittingly taught under the likeness of material things. This is wha”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 16:1: In this chapter Paul closes this long epistle with some particular matters of less moment; but, as all was written by divine inspiration, it is all profitable for our instruction. He begins with directing them about a charitable collection on a particular occasion, the distresses and poverty of Christians in Judea, which at this time were extraordinary, partly through the general calamities of that nation and partly through the particular sufferings to which they were exposed. Now concerning this observe, I. How he introduces his direction. It was not a pec”