Universal Principles in Diverse Cultural Contexts of Christianity
The New Testament frequently addresses the challenge of applying universal Christian principles within diverse cultural contexts, particularly through the teachings of the Apostle Paul. A foundational principle is that believers should do everything for the glory of God [2]. This overarching directive guides behavior in various situations, including those where cultural practices might differ.
Another key principle is to avoid causing offense or harming another person's faith [2]. This is emphasized in passages like 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13 and 1 John 2:10, suggesting that Christian conduct should prioritize the well-being of others over personal liberties [2]. For instance, Paul advises that believers should not give offense to Jews, Greeks, or the church of God [2]. This means that while certain actions might be permissible in themselves, they should be foregone if they cause a weaker brother to stumble [2].
The concept of discerning "things that are excellent" or "things that differ" is also crucial [4]. This involves evaluating various doctrines and practices to determine what aligns with biblical truth and what does not [4]. John Gill notes that the doctrines of the Gospel are "excellent in their author, nature, and use," distinguishing them from human traditions or legalistic requirements [5, 1]. Believers are called to examine and choose what is right and best, rather than accepting everything without distinction [4].
Furthermore, the New Testament encourages believers to remain in the state or condition in which they were called to Christianity, understanding that their circumstances are part of divine providence [3]. This principle, articulated by Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 7:17, suggests that one's cultural or social standing at the time of conversion does not inherently need to change for spiritual growth [3].
The Great Commission itself implies the application of universal principles across diverse cultures, instructing disciples to "teach all nations" the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel [6]. This global mandate necessitates the communication of core Christian truths in ways that are understandable and applicable within varied cultural frameworks, while maintaining the integrity of the message [6]. The emphasis is on the uniformity of biblical doctrine, which stands in contrast to "divers and strange doctrines" that may arise from human traditions or other sources [1].
Sources
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:31: 10:31-33 Paul concludes his discussion by summarizing the two principles that are to guide Christian behavior in issues like this: (1) Believers are to do everything for the glory of God (see Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11); (2) believers are not to give offense and should avoid doing anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith (cp. 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10). Christians’ behavior is to be guided by what is best for others rather than by personal privilege (cp. Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2). These two basic principles lie at the heart of Paul’s advice on”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 7:17: Here the apostle takes occasion to advise them to continue in the state and condition in which Christianity found them, and in which they became converts to it. And here, I. He lays down this rule in general - as God hath distributed to every one. Note, Our states and circumstances in this world are distributions of divine Providence. This fixes the bounds of men's habitations, and orders their steps. God setteth up and pulleth down. And again, As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. Whatever his circumstances or condition was when he was conver”
- Philippians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Philippians 1:10: That ye may approve things that are excellent,.... Or "try things that differ". There are some things that differ one from other; as morality and grace, earthly things, and heavenly things, carnal and spiritual, temporal and eternal things, law and Gospel, the doctrines of men, and the doctrines of Christ; all which differ as much as chaff and wheat, as gold, silver, precious stones, and wood, hay, stubble. These are to be tried and proved; they are not to be received without distinction, but should be examined, which is right and best to be chosen and preferred;”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 8:6: Hear; for I will speak of excellent things,.... Such are the things of the Gospel; they not only excel what the light of nature dictates and directs to, but even what the law of Moses commands and requires; the doctrines of the Gospel are excellent in their author, nature, and use; particularly those which respect the love, grace, and mercy of God, the person and offices of Christ, the efficacy of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, and the great salvation which he has wrought out. These are the doctrines of grace which proceed out of Wisdom's mouth, and are suc”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore,.... Into all the world; some into one place, and some into another; since his power and authority, and so now the commission he gave them, reached every where: before it was confined to Judea, but now it is extended to all the nations of the world; see Mat 10:6, and teach all nations; Jews and Gentiles, first the one, and then the other, the doctrines of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it; whatever they had learned from Christ, or were ordered by him, or "disciple all nations": make them disciples by teaching them; or, as the Persic version, by ”