Where in the World is the Church: A Christain View of Culture and Your Role in It

by Michael S. Horton

Book Overview

Have Christians misunderstood what it means to be in the world but not of it? Has the church, in a sense, neglected the world to the detriment of all? Michael S. Horton has written Where in the World... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802492398
• ISBN13: 9780802492395
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

You are free indeed!

Prof. Horton's book is a tour de force wherein he discourses on the lofty premises and conclusions of R. Niebuhr, Thomas Reid, Immanuel Kant, David Hume, and the evidentialists. Although written in a genial, even effervescent style, it is actually geared to the well-educated reader. There are many "main points" woven together in this book, but I'll just mention a couple. First, the evangelical church in the USA tends to be of the world but not in it. For Prof. Horton, our churches have promoted a kind of ghetto mentality wherein many churches avoid "the world" instead of "worldliness." Yet, at the same time, the low brow music in churches, mistaken views that they are escaping "the world" while at the same time using current events, marketing, and pop psychology as their m.o., and a general misunderstanding of the difference between common grace and special grace/revelation have together led to a non-Biblical, anti-theological positioning that draws the church away from Christ, not towards Him. Second, Prof. Horton, if I read him correctly, posits that the Christian scientist,artist, or educator need not feel guilty if he or she is striving for excellence in terms of his or her field of endeavor. They are not wasting their time as Christians by pursuing "art" or "science" as their callings in life. They do not need to justify their artistic or scientific work to themselves or others by forcing the issue and making the art or science "Christian" nor should they see their main role in the workplace as one of witnessing for the Lord. Rather, Almighty God has given us our respective callings and that understanding will motivate and uplift us in our work. He really clears the air on many issues that have become hyped. For example, I heard a preacher this morning speaking about Revelation. He said to the youth gathered before him, "In Revelation there's an angel throwing fireballs at the Earth." Then he added, "How's that for a ministry?!" In another part of the lesson, he announced that one-third of the Earth's population -- about two billion out of six billion -- would be killed in the space of seven years. He was positively gleeful about this, commenting, "How's that for some rock 'n roll?...." Somehow, I don't think Prof. Horton would appreciate this type of exegesis. He also disparages the Christian right in politics, especially those Christians who become discouraged or glum about particular election results. I guess that's me as I'm still praying to be able to look beyond the setbacks for America of the Obama administration. Also, I am more moralistic in my outlook, I think, than Prof. Horton would find appropriate. However, the fact that I fall under his criticisms at a couple points in no way takes away from the merit of this book. If you love the arts and sciences and love your work, whatever God Almighty has called you to do, you will be encouraged and uplifted by this book. Again, I could barely put it down,

Very Enlightening

This book is a good warning to Christians who tend to hide from the world for fear of losing their faith. The author argues for the Christian's liberty to read fiction, to listen to good music, or to engage in scientific research without feeling guilty that his activities are "purely secular" and that God's time is too valuable to be "wasted" on such things. Prudent participation in culture is both a duty and a pleasure. It helps God's children to see Him as the Creator of everything that is beautiful and brilliant and to be able to say with J.S. Bach: SDG (Soli Deo Gloria)! The author does a wonderful job supporting his conclusions Biblically.

Excellent book on a Christian's relationship with the World

I would give this book 5 stars except for the fact that this wasn't an easy read. Sometimes I find it a pity that Horton doesn't write books that are easy and well organised. His book on "Putting amazing back into grace" was very good in terms of being organised and being able to reach out on a popular level. His others I have read so far, not so. And it's a pity because his books are so excellent and if it can be organised better and can be read by more people, then more in the body of Christ would be blessed by his great wisdom. I serve in the youth ministry in my Church and thus i know that to reach these young Christians, you need to simplify and better organise things. Horton's books are basically excellent in theology and insights - and i like that. I can take that because i love reading a lot. But not so for others who are less inclined to read and don't know as much theology. This book needs to be read by all Christians - especially young people who struggle on how to relate to the pop culture around us. Should we go to movies? Should we abstain from listening to secular music? Do i have to be in full time ministry in Church to truly please God? Or can i be a scientist? These are questions that young people face. The book helps us see things in the light of what the bible teaches. Yes, it is not wrong to watch secular movies or listen to secular music. It is not wrong to be a scientist or a full time athelete. However, all this so called non-spiritual or non-Christian things can be still be done for the glory of God and can still please God. Bravo Mike for writing a book full of insights that are very relevant to all Christians - just next time maybe write on a more popular level so that more in the body can be blessed yah?...:)

De-bunks widely held views; Demonstrates better view.

From book jacket: "Scripture teaches that there are two dangers to avoid -- separatism and worldliness -- and church history teaches us how easily we fall into either." "Followers of Christ...should be fully engaged in the culture around them, while simultaneously holding fast to the foundation of the faith set forth in Scripture". "MANY CHRISTIANS TODAY EMBRACE AN US-VERSUS-THEM MENTALITY. They avoid anything that seems "secular", from the arts to politics, from science to academics. The result is a subculture replete with "Christian" music, resorts, cruises, seminars, business directories, and television networks." "Christians are free to enjoy creation (and) fulfill their God-given potential..." The author provides a intellectually solid presentation that is not difficult to read or understand. The author de-bunks widely held views while demonstrating better views. The creation and redemptive work of Almighty God are distinguished and this theology is applied to various areas of human endeavor. This is an important message. Specific application is given to the fields of philosphy, art, music, and science. From history, the Reformation period is held out as an example of succesfully living as "in the world, but not of the world". This is a good, thought-provoking, and liberating message.