Torch, Spring 2004

T he world we live in is a lot different than it used to be. We are all part of the Post- September 11 Generation. Images of global terrorism, like airplanes flying into buildings, are a part of our culture now. Just a couple of years ago we did not even know what al-Qaeda was. Now we are going to live with these images and dwell in this culture for the rest of our lives. They are going to define who we are as Americans and as Christians. When we talk about evil, terrorism, murder, and destruction, we are looking into the heart and soul of the world that God has called us to serve. This is the culture we are called to engage. If you hope to be successful in that engagement, you will need to understand how and why the culture is what it is. And you have to understand why it’s important to engage the culture and how we are to engage it with the heart and mind of Jesus Christ. This is part of the reason why students attend Cedarville University. Our students are not here just to get a better job, but to think deeply and broadly about who they are and what they are becoming. Meaningless, Meaningless Most of American culture thinks life is meaningless. This is nothing new, of course. Shakespeare’s Macbeth says, “Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” 1 Signifying what? Nothing. Country music artist Faith Hill’s song “The Secret of Life” says: The secret of life is a good cup of coffee … keep[ing] your eye on the ball … a beautiful woman … The secret of life is in Sam’s martinis … Marilyn’s eyes … Monday night football, Rolling Stones records and Mom’s apple pie … The secret of life is there ain’t no secret. … The secret of life is nothin’ at all. 2 You might say that’s just a song. But millions of people listen to and sing this song. It tells the culture how to live, what to believe, what’s important, and what’s not important. You must recognize the impact that cultural phenomena have on those around you. For example, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have more impact on the thinking, values, and culture of Spring 2004 / TORCH 5 By Dr. William Brown