Pastor Tim Keller says he is often asked: “Should Christians be involved in shaping culture?” His answer “is that we can’t not be involved in shaping culture.” His double negative illustrates an important point. Either we shape culture, or culture shapes us. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to “take every thought captive” in one of his letters. He warns us in another of his letters to “see to it that no one takes you captive.” Either we are taking thoughts captive or else the culture will take us captive.

In a recent article, Tim Keller uses a powerful example. He reminds us that in the years leading up to the Civil War, many southerners resented the interference of the abolitionists, who were calling on Christians to stamp out slavery. In response, some churches began to assert that it was not the responsibility of churches or Christians to “change culture.” Their only mission was to preach the gospel and see souls saved.

Tim Keller explains the tragic irony that these churches were shaping culture. Their insistence that Christians should not be changing culture meant that those churches were supporting the social status quo. They were de facto endorsing the cultural arrangements of the Old South.

This example illustrates the point. If Christians do not address the moral and social issues of the day, then they are supporting the status quo. They will most likely also assimilate into society. However, if Christians do address those issues and work for social change, they will be a countervailing force. Of course, they will also be criticized. People and organizations that want to continue the status quo won’t like it when dedicated Christians oppose their policies and programs.

The Bible warns us not to compromise or be captive to the culture. Jesus taught we are to be the “light of the world” but also warned us not to put our light “under a basket.” Paul taught that we should “not be conformed to this world.” Instead, we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

The conclusion is simple. Either we shape culture, or culture shapes us.