The Gift of Purpose: Orienting the Christian Life in Western Culture (God's Gifts for the Christian Life - Part 3)

Many writers and commentators are convinced that Western culture and society are unravelling. Who can blame them! As I write this, violent protests rage across the USA in response to senseless murders. The political sphere has never seemed to virulent, and a deadly epidemic has affected all our lives. Many are agreed that there are serious problems working themselves out in Western society, yet among Christians, there is little agreement over the approach we should take to the West and its problems. This issue, how Christians should approach engagement with culture, is not a new one, nor is it a uniquely Western issue. Christians in every age and in every culture are confronted with this question. In response to many today who see it as the Christian responsibility to save the West, to preserve its unique cultural heritage and achievements, this author argues that our lives in this world need to be governed by three theological themes, ecclesiology, soteriology, and eschatology. That is, we must prioritize the local church, engage with society with the understanding that earthly kingdoms are manifestations of Satan’s kingdom, and live in light of Christ’s imminent return.

James Rutherford graduated from Pacific Life Bible College with a Bachelor of Pastoral Leadership (2014) and from Regent College with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, majoring in Hebrew, and a Master of Theology, majoring in Old Testament (2018). Currently, he is a PhD student at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. James manages Teleioteti.ca. He is happily married to Nicole and the father of Aliyah. When not writing or studying, he is the parish administrator for St Matt's Ashbury, enjoys cooking, and enjoys exploring the East Coast of Australia with his family.