InREVIEW: Book Look
By Michael J. Breznau
Crouch, Andy. Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2008.
The evils of the culture are often decried from the pulpit and among conservative commentators. “Our culture is going down the drain,” more than one concerned parent has quipped. As a pastor, I admit the moniker “culture” has been the proverbial whipping boy in various talks and sermons that have passed through my lips. Certainly, the cultural trends across North America appear to be veering further away from Christian morality and ethics. However, according to Andy Crouch in his landmark work, Culture Making, thinking of ‘culture’ as merely an idea or trend is highly myopic.
Many Christians consider themselves at odds with culture. Our modus operandi is often to criticize or condemn culture or, on the flipside, to rather numbly copy or consume culture (cf. p. 93-97). But Crouch argues that culture, beyond merely an idea or belief, is at its core, a gift from God. God is both Creator and Ruler (p. 21). “Culture is what we make of the world,” which God has made (cf. 23, 39, 102). Crouch expands this concept: “Culture is not just what human beings make of the world; it is not just the way human beings make sense of the world; it is in fact part of the world that every new human being has to make something of” (25, cf. 41). Rather than viewing culture as a movement or idea, Crouch argues for culture as artifact, in a broad sense (see pg. 48ff).
Therefore, we are called to create, renew, and redeem culture to the glory of God, i.e. to reveal the qualities and character of the Creator as His image-bearers (p. 25, 36, 98, 175, 216). Throughout this unique, inspiring book, Crouch deftly paints numerous portraits of how we can live as culture-makers in the coalescing realms of business, education, art, science, service, and stewardship.
Culture Making, according to Crouch, “is for people and a Christian community on the threshold of cultural responsibility” (p. 9). Mere listening to or an awareness of culture or societal trends is not enough. We must hold a renewed vision for our cultural mandate as God’s people and this leads us into action. The author raises two problems that press against a biblical vision for curating and creating culture: (1) theological liberals employ the historical-critical method of interpretation to “[dismantle] the claims of Scripture in light of its cultural context” and (2) “evangelical Christians have often done a fine job of ignoring the cultural import of Scripture while defending its divine inspiration” (p. 11).
So, in order to develop a robust and persuasive case for our creative, culture-making calling, Crouch presents three main sections in the book (cf. p. 10-11): The first part focuses on sociology, definitions of culture, and a philosophy of culture (Ch. 1-5). The second portion dials in on the metanarrative of scripture, a biblical theology for culture, and culture as a gift of God and a means by which to glorify God (Ch. 6-11). The third part outlines a vision for our calling as Christians to be culture makers, not merely in opposition to culture but rather to cultivate and co-create as image-bearers (Ch. 12-16).
He weaves in poignant summaries of “culture categories” (p. 18), numerous stories and anecdotes to illustrate his points (cf. p. 42ff), even a delicious description of chili (p. 65-66) as a through-story for culture-making in the home. To guard us from missing the point, Crouch repeatedly reminds the reader, “Culture is not finally about us, but about God” (p. 13). Faith in God leads to following the calling of God, which is to depend on our Creator and cultivate from what He has made in every aspect of life (cf. p. 131). Every Christ-follower should take up this book and apply its vision of cultural creation and renewal into their home, work, and worship.
Strong Points
Crouch’s careful work in writing Culture Making has many points worth applauding. His extensive experience as a journalist displays his wide vocabulary and captivating writing style. As much as he is a writer, he is also a skilled exegete and seminary-trained minister. These two disciplines combine for an extraordinary book. Three primary strengths are as follows:
First in gracious critique: He provides an excellent evaluation of both the progress and failure of efforts toward cultural change or transformation (p. 33-53, 59), as well as an erudite critique of fundamentalism to modern evangelicalism. He cautions against our rather common penchant for treating a new hit Christian band (or similar contemporary Christian phenom) as a technological device or “silver bullet” (p. 59-60) that will turn the tide of culture. Instead, we must take small steps in everyday life to create, renew, and cultivate. He presses us toward obtaining a clearer definition of worldview by utilizing questions like: “Who are we? Where are we? What’s wrong? What’s the remedy?” (p. 61). Lastly, culture is not something we just intellectually consider but holistically apply. So, Crouch purports the difference between thinking and living. Our work on and in culture must be embodied not disembodied (p. 61-63). To bring this idea closer to home he asks: “But what happens after youth ministry? What does it mean to be not just culturally aware but culturally responsible?” (p. 10). If a student only hears or talks of culture but fails to apply his or her own role within the culture, then we have failed to follow the cultural mandate of God for His people. We must inspire and move toward something more – our creative calling.
Second as a persuasive exegete: Crouch demonstrates biblical-exegetical acumen in building his argument for our call as culture-makers through the story arch of Scripture – from Genesis to Revelation – from the Garden to the Garden City (p. 78ff, 102-110, 120-131, 147, 184-89, 213ff). Crouch also sprinkles in poignant, succinct defenses of biblical events such as the exodus. Perhaps above all is his powerful explanation of the tectonic occurrence of the resurrection (see p. 204-205). This one event brought change, at first small and slow, but eventually across every corner of the globe (p. 144-145).
Third as a compelling preacher: Here his long-time work with college students via CRU shines through. He does not allow the reader to simply absorb inspiring scriptural exposition or theory. Crouch ushers us into detailed, direct application of all the biblical theology that went before (see p. 214-263). We are called to sacrificial service and stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us (p. 231ff). So, he compels us to ask: “What is God doing in culture? What is his vision for the horizons of the possible and the impossible? Who are the poor who are having good news preached to them? Who are the powerful who are called to spend their power alongside the relatively powerless? Where is the impossible becoming possible?” (p. 214) Crouch weaves in numerous biographical sketches (even juxtaposing Princess Diana and Mother Theresa) so that we can see how the call of culture-making may fit into anyone’s everyday life.
Weaker Points
Culture Making is both rigorous and innovative. Yet I will mention just a few points of weakness and disagreement.
First, surprisingly, the book begins with a heavy dose of theory freighted with technical language. The first twenty-plus pages were not necessarily endearing; therefore, the average reader will not likely be drawn into the text. I find this unfortunate. He owns up to this fact on page 27 when he says, “Up to now I’ve indulged in a risky shortcut: talking about culture in the abstract, almost as if it were an ethereal Big Idea…” But, thankfully, his analogies with omelets and interstate highways helped illustrate his theories (p. 28-35).
Second, I disagree with Crouch’s assertion that the “golden age of faith [was] after the Civil War, when a wave of reform movements, institution building and cultural creativity was energized by self-described evangelical faith” (p. 81). The first great awakening led by the likes of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and in some degree, John Wesley, which preceded the Civil War, was characterized by wide-sweeping repentance, orthodox doctrine, and personal and national reform. However, the second great awakening, which followed the Civil War (alluded to by Crouch) was characterized by numerous cult spin-offs, legalistic moralism, a coerced revivalism by Charles Finney and company, and doctrinal perversion by the likes of Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, etc. However, Crouch otherwise offers a fair historical overview (e.g. 80-83).
Third, he presents a somewhat confusing sentence that could be construed at least two ways: “I am not personally persuaded by the valiant efforts Bible-believing Christians have made to fit every detail of the Genesis creation stories into the story told by modern cosmology and archaeology” (118). While I theorize that Crouch is contending against six-literal day creationists, his statement could, conversely, imply that he disagrees with old earth creationists or theistic evolutionists who seek to reconcile the biblical testimony of Genesis 1-2 with the general consensus of modern science. No explanation is offered, so the reader is left to wonder.
Lastly, Crouch overstates his case when he remarks, “not a single human cultural artifact has changed the word at that scale [of all six-plus billion people] – neither the compass nor indeed any other application of magnetism, the Gettysburg Address, nor any other work in the English language, Einstein’s theory of general relativity…” (p. 95). But what about the invention and mass production of the lightbulb? Surely, that single cultural artifact has changed the world – in nearly its entirety (except, perhaps, in a radically isolated tribe in the deepest Amazon jungle).
Reflection and Interaction
Culture Making is full of ideas and exhortations to put into practice within our homes, churches, workplaces, and hobbies. Due to space constraints I will focus my reflections on immediate application within the church community.
First, to create and renew culture within the church, we must inspire through teaching. Regrettably, I have often generically and myopically condemned the culture instead of inspiring others to engage with or renew the culture in which God has planted us (p. 85-86). Like many conservative evangelical churches, we have often spoken of ‘culture’ as a movement antithetical to our views and ideas. Yet, ironically, Monday-Saturday, most churchgoers are simply consuming or copying the culture like the rest of society (see p. 93-98).
Crouch offers a wise and biblically-grounded corrective: we must move our congregations toward an embodied faith, i.e. a lived out and practiced faith that demonstrates our creative calling from God (p. see 63). If we seek to bring gospel-centered cultural change, then we must employ our God-given creativity (p. 73). God calls us to be cultivators and co-creators from what He has made (p. 98). In this way, we are reflecting the creative character of our Maker (p. 104). Furthermore, we must teach God’s people how to steward their cultural power in the manner of Jesus, who was “the most powerful and the most powerless person” (p. 208-210, 226).
We must guard against merely theorizing from the pulpit or lectern without tangible action. Thinking and analysis of culture falls short (p. 93-97). We can write, speak, and think to the nth degree yet accomplish very little. As Crouch reminds us, “academic libraries are full of brilliant analyses of every facet of human culture that have made no difference at all in the world beyond the stacks” (p. 69). Such is why I chose my D.Min. course of study at Talbot School of Theology instead of a Ph.D. program. Certainly, a terminal degree such as a Ph.D. will appropriately serve people geared for academic research and education. However, the practical nature of a D.Min. program drives one out of theory and into practice. We must, in turn, model and inspire the church to something more than merely inculcating religious goods and services on a Sunday morning, but to fulfill their creative calling for the glory of God every day.
Second, to flourish as a creative community of Christ-followers, we must knock down barriers, meaning we must courageously remove any obstacles that stifle or discourage people from deploying their creative calling. We must foster creativity by providing structure, space, and opportunity for artisans, musicians, inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs to expand their work within the context of the church (see p. 22, 106-109). If we are rightly concerned by the cultural offerings of secular society, then we must offer viable, quality alternatives (p. 68, 72).
The current film series, “The Chosen,” which depicts the life of Christ and his disciples has been capturing audiences of all types. Why? It is remarkably good art. Not only are the producers and screenwriters exquisitely interpreting the Gospels, they are also communicating the greatest story ever told with powerful acting, dramatic cinematography, skilled lighting, and more. By creating structure and space for creativity within the church community, we will be providing freedom for more men and women to deploy their God-given abilities for all manner of culture-making endeavors. Additionally, Crouch relays his experience of entering a county courthouse, in which he felt radically out of place due to the unique subculture elements of the environment (p. 42-43). Similarly, we must realize this is likely how most unchurched people feel when they enter our own church culture. They will likely feel rather anxious and even helpless unless someone tears down the cultural obstacles to help them assimilate and, in time, deploy their own giftings for the glory of God.
Third, in order to cultivate change in the church and wider context we must start small and think local. Crouch reminds us repeatedly, cultural shifts and changes begin small. Think about it. Can you even change your life (p. 200)? “It is possible to change things quickly for the worse,” says the author (p. 58). But changing for the better is often slow, arduous, and even painful. We must have the long view in mind. Weekend conferences, a single powerful sermon, or a unique film may have momentary impact. But lasting change requires small, incremental steps of faithfulness. We must ask: How might we be boldly creative today? And then proceed to do the next right and good thing for the glory of God and the good of mankind. As we plod forward as people distinct from the world but engaged within culture, we begin to discover that all “our work will be praise” (p. 174). And we look forward to the end of days, when the Lamb shall be the Light. As Crouch so beautifully displays for the reader, our creative calling began in a garden. Although broken by our rebellion against a loving Creator, redemption draws nigh. At the Tower of Babel, humans sought a name for themselves and God’s judgment was all language diversified. But in the Acts of the Apostles, God’s mercy triumphs over judgment as He brings languages – and all peoples – back together through the Gospel. So, from the first garden soon will come the garden city ripe with beauty, goodness, love… culture. And in this glorious kingdom, we will rule and reign, cultivate and co-create with the King of Kings and with all the redeemed!
