Main Scripture Focus: Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
The Bible, though written thousands of years ago, holds timeless truths applicable to every culture and generation. God’s Word continually challenges believers to remain rooted in His truth, even amidst shifting societal norms. Cultural relevancy, therefore, must be seen through the lens of biblical faithfulness. When navigating issues of cultural engagement, Scripture calls believers to both be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16) and to stand firm in God’s standards (1 Peter 1:14-16). This delicate balance requires discernment, courage, and a constant return to what is written.
Paul’s letters, the teachings of Jesus, and the wisdom literature provide frameworks for this balance. For example, Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:22 said, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some," demonstrating the need to engage culture thoughtfully for the sake of sharing the gospel. Yet, in Galatians 1:10, he reminds us, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." This tension—engaging culture while remaining faithful and distinct—is exactly where Christians are called to live.
Additional Scriptures for Reflection:
John 17:14-16 - Jesus prayed for His disciples to be in the world but not of it.
Philippians 4:8 - Focusing on things pure, lovely, and commendable amidst cultural noise.
Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding your heart against cultural influences that lead away from truth.
Daniel 1:8-16 - Daniel navigating Babylonian culture without compromising his faith.
Matthew 5:13-16 - Being salt and light—preserving truth and shining brightly for the world.
Memo on Scriptural Reflection and Cultural Engagement
Each of the questions below warrants at least one paragraph of personal notes. These prompts serve as valuable opportunities for deeper reflection, allowing you to connect scriptural insights to your own experiences and thoughts about engaging with culture. Take time to explore how the passages resonate with your daily life, decisions, and faith.
1. How does John 17:14-16 guide our approach to living in the world but not being of it?
John 17:14-16 reminds us of Jesus' prayer for His disciples, acknowledging that though they remain in the world, they are not defined by it. This scripture encourages a mindset of distinction, urging believers to live in alignment with eternal truths while navigating temporary cultural landscapes. It warns against assimilation while fostering purposeful engagement with the world around us.
2. What does Philippians 4:8 teach us about where to focus amidst cultural distractions?
Philippians 4:8 urges believers to direct their thoughts toward what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This instruction acts as a filter for cultural input, guiding us to reflect on what aligns with God's character and His truth, effectively silencing cultural noise that seeks to shift our focus away from divine virtues.
3. How can Proverbs 4:23 help us safeguard our spiritual integrity?
Proverbs 4:23 calls us to guard our hearts diligently, recognizing it as the wellspring of life. This wisdom urges believers to stay vigilant against cultural influences that could erode their faith or distort their moral compass. By protecting what we allow to influence our inner selves, we maintain spiritual health and truth-centered living.
4. What lessons can we draw from Daniel 1:8-16 about navigating culture with faithfulness?
Daniel 1:8-16 illustrates how Daniel respectfully yet resolutely lived out his convictions in the midst of Babylonian culture. By choosing not to defile himself with the king's food, Daniel demonstrated that faithfulness to God can coexist with cultural navigation, provided there is unwavering commitment to biblical principles.
5. How do Matthew 5:13-16's metaphors of salt and light inform our role in culture?
Matthew 5:13-16 emphasizes believers' role as both salt and light in the world. Salt preserves truth and prevents moral decay, while light dispels darkness, guiding others toward God's glory. Together, these metaphors encourage active participation in the culture while steadfastly upholding and radiating God’s truth and grace.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to “not conform to the world” while living in the world?
How can believers remain culturally relevant without compromising biblical truth?
Why do you think Jesus prayed for His disciples to be sanctified in truth but still “sent” into the world (John 17)?
What are some real-life examples of being in the world, but not of it?
How do Philippians 4:8 and Proverbs 4:23 help us filter what we consume culturally?
In what ways can believers, like Daniel, affect change in secular spaces with grace and courage?
Have you experienced tension or pushback for living out biblical values in a cultural setting? What lessons did you learn?
What does it mean to be “salt and light” in today’s cultural landscape?
How does humility play into cultural engagement (1 Corinthians 9)?
Are there areas in your personal life where cultural norms have subtly influenced you away from God’s truth? What practical steps can be taken to ensure cultural engagement is rooted in Scripture?
Compare Paul’s adaptability in 1 Corinthians 9 with his firm stance in Galatians 1. How do these passages guide us?
How does meditating on Scripture (Psalm 1) ground us amidst cultural trends or chaos?
How can healthy conversations about culture turn into gospel opportunities?
How do we lovingly hold others accountable without being judgmental?
What responsibilities do Christians have in addressing injustice or harmful cultural norms?
What role does prayer have in engaging culture (James 1)?
How can the church be more effective in equipping believers for cultural relevancy?
Is there a difference between being relevant for culture and relevant in culture?
How do we discern which elements of culture can be redeemed versus rejected entirely?
Personal Notes for Facilitators
The tension between loving people and remaining faithful to God’s truth isn’t new—it’s something Jesus, the prophets, and the early church navigated daily. Remember that cultural relevancy isn’t about chasing what’s new; it’s about pointing everything back to the timeless hope found in Jesus.
Cultural relevancy isn’t about bending truth to fit trends; it’s about presenting the unchanging gospel in a way that connects with the world we live in today. With the Bible as our foundation, we’re equipped to reflect His light without losing His truth.
We will kick things off with a potluck before settling in for a special viewing of the first season of Pose. Feel free to bring your favorite American dishes to share—think mac and cheese, fried chicken, apple pie, or even takeout if you're short on time!
First Season Viewing of Pose
This season, we will be engaging with the first season of Pose, a groundbreaking series that explores the vibrant and emotional stories of the ballroom culture in 1980s New York City. The show dives deep into themes of identity, resilience, chosen family, and the societal challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ and ballroom communities during that time. It weaves personal struggles, collective triumphs, and moments of joy into a rich tapestry of storytelling that remains both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Please note that Pose addresses mature topics such as discrimination, family rejection, and the AIDS crisis. The show also contains emotional and impactful scenes that may feel heavy, as well as content that may not be appropriate for everyone. We strongly encourage younger viewers to get parental permission before watching.
After watching, we’ll use group discussions to unpack the complex themes, characters, and events. Below are 20 thought-provoking discussion questions to guide us as we reflect on the episodes.
Discussion Questions and Themes
How does the concept of chosen family play a central role in the show, and why is it so important for the characters?
What does the ballroom serve as for the characters, and how does it shape their sense of identity?
Discuss Blanca’s leadership as a mother of the House of Evangelista. What makes her approach unique?
How do power and competition manifest in the ballroom, and how do they translate into the characters’ personal lives?
The show addresses themes of rejection and acceptance. Which moment stood out most to you, and why?
What does Pray Tell bring to the lives of others within the community? How does his role go beyond just being an emcee?
How does Angel's storyline highlight experiences of gender identity and societal biases?
Reflect on Damon’s life goals and struggles. How does his passion for dance drive his character forward?
HIV and AIDS are prevalent throughout the series. How do the characters confront this part of their reality, and what does it reveal about their resilience?
Discuss Elektra’s character arc and her strong sense of authority. How does her confidence mask personal vulnerabilities?
Which ballroom scene had the most significant emotional impact on you? What made it so memorable?
How does the show use fashion and performance to express individuality and empowerment?
Blanca fights to create a legacy. What does leaving a legacy mean to her and the House of Evangelista, and how does that resonate with the larger community?
How are prejudice and discrimination addressed in the series? Did any particular instance feel especially poignant to you?
Discuss the mentorship dynamics between characters. What role do mentors play in the series?
The show often portrays moments of joy within adversity. Which scene or storyline best captured this balance?
How does Pose challenge traditional definitions of family and success?
What does the series teach us about self-acceptance and fighting against societal norms?
How do workplace environments, such as Angel’s modeling opportunities or Stan’s corporate job, highlight the challenges of navigating identity in the '80s?
If you could ask any character from the series one question about their experiences or choices, who would it be and what would you ask?
We’ll use these questions to explore the deeper themes in Pose and apply its lessons of love, perseverance, and community to our own journeys.