Reflection Options  

Journal  (reflect on one or more of these questions)

• You have probably heard it said that Christians should be in the world but not of it.  What is your understanding of what that might mean? How do you live that out?

• Make a list of some of the ways culture shapes you (and from what source? News? Global experiences? TV/Movies? Friends? etc.).  Make another list of the ways you have invited God to shape your perspectives?  What is the ratio of the first list to the second in time, strength of message or receptivity?  What has this exercise shown you?

• As you consider your context, have believers or your church/local ministries been more shapers of current culture or shaped by current culture?  Why do you think that is?  What has been your role in shaping or being shaped?

Quote Interaction (Interact by agreeing, disagreeing or otherwise engaging with the quote/quotes)

• “[The Pharisees] were trying to make Israel holier and holier as a way of separating their nation from other nations; but the point of the law and the prophets was to make Israel the light to the nations.”  (N.T. Wright-Luke For Everyone)

• Matthew's Gospel reminds us that it is the role of a disciple of Jesus to stir up trouble by playing an active, resistant role in the struggle of good and evil, by resisting the ways of the world and its power bases – economic, religious, nationalistic, politic, military – which are most often in direct opposition to the ways of the Kingdom of God and the way of discipleship.” ― (Megan McKenna, And Morning Came: Scriptures of the Resurrection)

• The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country. (Jerry Falwell)

Reading and Reflection from Shaping The Journey of Emerging Adults: 

• Read, starting with the scripture quoted (Matthew 9:35-38, pp. 18-21).  As you read about the American culture and other cultures, do you agree that there is an acute level of spiritual crisis? What do you think of the “mission-critical” strategy that is suggested here?

• Read “Value Shifts” (pp. 33-36). Which of the 4 shifts concerns you the most?  How have you been affected by those shifts?

• Read “From Twentieth Century Thinking to Twenty First Century Thinking (p. 46-48) What approach has your own church employed in the effort to reach our “increasingly secularized culture”? How effective has it been? What would you like to see continue and what would you like to see change?

• Read “Biblical Vision, Guidance and Support” (pp. 171-173). How has your idea of sexuality been informed by this culture? How does that contrast with what is presented as a biblical vision (in brief, read on for more explanation)?

• MENTOR: Read “explore and resolve spiritual doubts” (p. 139) and “the Father’s heart regarding masculinity and femininity” (p. 187) and “Look for truth in God’s world to connect to God’s wisdom” (p. 202).