HOPE FOR THE HOME: Integrating Christianity and culture

Father and Mother: As a Christian couple, what guidance can you offer for faithfully applying the teachings of Scripture while living in a culture whose values often conflict with a biblical worldview?

Jerry: This truly is a great question. I am concerned that too many Christian couples never give this a thought. In many homes, the influence of our godless culture often becomes stronger than the authority that should shape our children most: the teachings of Christ. Let me suggest first that you have a daily devotional with the entire family. This should not be optional. Children need to understand what the Bible teaches about the world they live in so they can recognize false ideas and confidently defend their faith. Young people will not remain faithful to a faith they do not understand and cannot defend. In a culture which thrives on mocking Christianity, it is more critical than ever for young people to know what the Bible teaches and how to be prepared to defend themselves from attacks to their faith. We are instructed in 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Becky: Moms and Dads, your children may know the Bible stories and may have watched every episode of VeggieTales, but that alone will not prepare them for the challenges they will face when they step onto a secular university campus. Teach them there are more than 25,000 ancient portions of manuscripts of the New Testament in existence today. No other ancient document comes close to that. Your children need to understand what others believe and learn how to evaluate those beliefs through the truth of Scripture. Teach them that Christianity is the only religion that is not a works-based religion. Teach them what the word of God says concerning: biblical sexuality, the biblical definition of a man and woman, the biblical view of marriage, the value of life, the role of the church, family and government, the biblical mandate to take dominion over creation, and a biblical understanding of justice and race. If we are silent about these basic issues other voices will provide godless answers.

Jerry: We have been told that 70 percent of children raised in regular church attendance will leave the church once they leave home, and many may never return. This makes the responsibility clear: we must teach and train our children in the truths of Scripture, not leave them vulnerable to the deceptions of our culture.

Let me suggest two tremendous books which will be a great help in preparing your children to defend their faith: More Than a Carpenter, by: Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell and The Case for Christ Student Edition, by Lee Strobel and Jane Vogel.

For parents, we also humbly recommend The Hope for the Home Study Bible by Jerry and Becky Drace. This unique family devotional Bible is designed to help parents stay focused on their own spiritual growth and maturity while also guiding the spiritual development of their children.

Jerry and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopeforthehome@juno.com.