the concept culture with only the negative use of the Greek word ‘Kosmos’ in the New Testament. It takes no cognizance of the fact that the word has positive connotations as well as seen in John 3 vs. 16 where John uses the same word to indicate an object of Gods love. Secondly the God against culture position makes an invalid presumption that culture is an external concept therefore human beings can in some way escape from it. Culture is a way of life that is inherent to human existence, it is not external, but has its formulation intrinsically in what is humanity. Thirdly they make the mistaken postulate that all culture is evil. Black Theology is quick here to denounce this as a fallacy. J de Gruchy and C Villa Vicencio assert,’ ‘Much of that culture has been suppressed in favor of European culture .’ in the African context.(1994;p179) they attribute this suppression to the view that African culture is evil and should be disposed of and argue rather that culture is not evil but rather the use of cultural forms. They go on to say ‘culture had become an instrument of domination, what Steve Biko called an arrested view of culture’ and believe that the use of culture today by social forces is evil and not the culture itself, the culture has just been arrested. Finally it is important to note that no matter how hard they pursue the fallacy of escapism the proponents of this view, God against culture, remain consciously or unconsciously culture bound.
God in Culture
The second position of a God in culture philosophy advocates that God is contained in or endorses
Curated Literature & Atlanta Downtown Calendar
The Architecture of Focus: Deep Work & Modern Mastery
By Founders Library Press
A structured framework for strategic clarity, productivity, and authentic execution.
Upcoming Downtown Happenings
Live acoustic sessions, gallery receptions, literary salons, and independent trade shows across Atlanta.
