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Cultural engagement in light of the wisdom of James

            The book of James is an often overlooked book of the Bible. In fact, seventeenth century Reformer Martin Luther wanted James and a few other books to not be in the Bible at all. This was his famous “canon within a canon” proclamation. Over time, scholarship has found James in particular to be “innocent” of Luther’s claims--- notably the controversial concept that James seems to be espousing that “faith without works/deeds is dead” (see 2:14-26). As it turns out, it’s incredibly important for the author of a text to say what they are actually saying and therefore to have their words and concepts be defined by them…. not, say, Paul whose juxtaposition of James’ claim needs to be read in his own context, as does James. What do these two individuals mean when they use words like faith and works? Therein lies the answer, an answer one will find, that is not a contradiction in the Scriptures but rather a case of two men using different dictionaries. Anyone in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender can surely relate!

            I say all that as an introduction to a “series within a series” (note the pun, from above) in which I want to go through parts of James and note how they can be a guide to our cultural engagement. I read through James in its entirety this morning and many things were brought to light that I had not thought about before. But first, a personal story. For my day job, often times I attend events put on by Chamber of Commerce’s and the like. In particular, I attended a mixer yesterday evening and noticed some striking observations. The most striking perhaps was the level of noise in the room. Granted, it was the kind of setting where noise is inevitable and in fact encouraged. But I almost felt as though the whole event is a contradiction-in-purpose because the idea is to strike up conversations with complete strangers and network to see if business transactions might be a possibility.

I found myself though having an incredibly difficult time to make conversation with really anyone. The room was completely crowded. At several points I felt myself being boxed in where I could literally not go anywhere, even to itch my nose. A paranoid person such as myself is constantly checking to make sure his wallet is still there in an environment like that. Whenever I tried to introduce myself to someone and strike up a conversation I would inevitably get bumped by someone, or they would, or “that guy” (the guy who talks so loud you can’t hear yourself think) is two centimeters from your face laughing uncontrollably, about to go into a seizure any moment, and all the while chip crumbs flying out of his mouth. Not a pleasant experience to be around indeed!

It’s as if the whole idea of having a thoughtful conversation with somebody is beside the point….. even though that is the point of the gathering. It’s impossible to talk to someone and not get anything past name, rank, and serial number. Hi I’m Daniel and I’m with such-and-such company, we do this and that. What do you do? *exchange of business cards* Okay, well it was nice to meet you, we’ll be in touch. (Probably not). Next….

            I think next time I am going to go around and literally just hand everyone in the room my business card and leave. In and out in six minutes! The whole idea of “Well if I hear of anyone needing your services I’ll have them give you a call.” is a moot point. The point between face/hand shake and business card becomes blurred ten minutes after you get in your car to leave. I don’t remember who that person was, nor will they remember me. But we exchange niceties and scream in each other’s faces for two hours. Perhaps the key is repetition. Oh I remember her, she is the one always with skunk-butt breathe! Moving on…

            What do situations like these tell us about our broader culture? And thus, how ought Christians who are to be distinct from this environment to engage it? Although not exhaustive, I think there is one thing in particular that the wisdom of James can show us. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… “ But why James? “for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Oh geez, what should I do then? “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” --- James 1:19-21

            Beautiful. Have you noticed that our culture is the opposite of James’ warning here? Instead of being quick to listen, our culture tells us that our own opinions are the only ones that matter. Instead of being slow to speak, our culture tells us that we need to be constantly talking even if for no other reason than to hear our own voice. Instead of being slow to anger, people like the aforementioned seizure-having-crumbs-flying-out-of-mouth-two-centimeters-from-my-face-guy who completely wigged out after some inane fault during an otherwise repugnant and pedestrian sporting event. All that anger, for what? All that talking, for what? All that not listening, for what?

            For whatever reason, the warning is clear: “for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (vs. 20) How then can Christians be distinct in an environment like this that is so unbelievably prevalent? I admit, it’s incredibly difficult. I found myself not even being able to think about such matters because the “culture noise” around me was so overwhelming. I can only imagine that people whose environment like this is typical it becomes not just second-nature, but first-nature. Unlike me, they might not have a quiet apartment to come home to and relax and reflect upon such esoteric ponderings. I feel sorry for people like that, it really is a travesty.

             But for Christians especially, this is what we are called to. We are called to a life of holy and righteous living before our Maker. We are called to be distinct from this intoxicated air in which we breathe, for Kingdom’s sake, for the sake of the Cross. On one hand, James’ suggestion in verse 21 makes complete sense. On the other hand it seems almost impossible. “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

            We should create a culture in an environment like this that is purged of “moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent”. I suppose that personally I did this and will do this in a number of ways. Instead of treating events like this as mere parties where anything and everything goes, I did/will try to bring back the purpose of my being there. We are there to network for business, not create a buzz and watch soccer. You can do that on your own time and I don’t know about you, but I’m on the clock at events like this! Instead of a beer, I had water (and I’m not saying beer in and of itself is bad, but the appropriateness of the situation needs to be gauged. More so, you are representing your company at events like this. How you are is how your company is perceived. Think Donald Trump.) Instead of making drab conversation about the Nuggets I ask how your business is doing (and care), how the economy has effected your business (and care), and should the Lord open a door, how you are doing, really doing (and care).

            It is having this sort of compassion toward your fellow man that I think is one step in a very good direction of being distinct from what they are so used to, and drowning in. Our culture is suffocating us to be people who don’t take James’ words to listen, to be slow to speak, and slow to anger seriously. Our culture doesn’t care about living a righteous life before God. Our culture doesn’t care about purging evil from our midst. Our culture doesn’t care about the word (the Bible) that is planted in us, which is the only thing that can ultimately save us (vs. 21 again and keep reading!).

It is my hope that people take James’ words more seriously. I hope that I do too. I hope that Christians can create a culture of difference from the depravity that surrounds us. I hope that Christians can be a community that does not give in to culture, but rather culture looks at the community of believers and asks why they are so different. And then we tell them why, because we are a community that recognizes the finiteness and temporality of this world and looks forward to a new and better world to come. A world made possible by the saving grace of a crucified and resurrected Lord.