The Way of Christ in Culture, Benjamin T. Quinn & Dennis T. Greeson. B & H Academic (ISBN: 9781087775111) 2024.

Summary: How those walking in the way of Jesus might live faithfully in all aspects of our cultural life.

It is not uncommon to hear Christians speak of Jesus as the Lord of all of life. But what does that mean? How does the biblical story intersect with all the ways we live life everyday? That is the question addressed in this book.

The authors begin by articulating the way of Christ in the biblical story. Then they ask the question of what is culture? Their simple definition is that “culture consists of the ways and products of creatures in creation.” This reflects an approach that sees culture as an expression of our God-created creaturely existence. Culture exists because God created humans in his image. But since the fall, culture can go either with or against God’s ways.

What was once a single story became divergent stories. Thus the question is how to relate to ways and products that do not always correspond to the way of Christ. The authors consider the classic typologies of how Christians have approached culture. After assessing various typologies, they draw upon Herman Bavinck to articulate a “Grace Infuses and Restores Nature.” approach. This means God is already at work in the world impelling Christians to join him in his restorative work.

In “Creator and Creatures,” the authors elaborate a theology of how we relate to the Creator. This means considering both who God is and who we are as God’s imagers. They conclude, “our purpose, our vocation, is to walk wisely in the world, at all times and in all places.” The following chapter considers the idea in scripture of walking in wisdom, concluding with loving obedience to Christ in community with his people.

The final two chapters offer practical questions to offer a framework of how we engage with our culture. They propose three questions that help us “triangulate.” First, we ask “When are we?”, understanding how we live between the times. Second, we ask “Where are we?”, discerning what is true, good and desirable. Third, we ask, “How do we get there?”, discerning how we walk and who we can follow. In particular, they offer examples of several figures who have engaged culture.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this book is the approach to culture. Specifically, grace infusing and restoring nature means God is at work in culture as well as in the Christian. He can guide us in the way of Christ, the way of wisdom. This book is the first in a “Christ in Everything” series, offering a solid and concise foundation for those that follow.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.