How the inconceivable was conceived: The evolution of a new sexual morality

Christians have a problem with culture. Especially with the huge disconnect that has developed between the church and the Western World in the last forty or fifty years. How are we to respond to these changes?

Take the example of contemporary films and TV. Christians may be shocked when ministers such as myself watch contemporary films, films which themselves reflect the culture in which we live. Of course, clearly toxic films and TV series should be avoided because of their content. We must exercise discernment, but we must also engage with culture. We are to be ‘in the world but not of it’ (John 17:16).

While we are in the world we need to have, as John Stott put it, ‘one foot in the Biblical World and one in our culture,’ (1) otherwise we are in danger of losing connection with ordinary people and becoming withdrawn in a world only occupied by people who agree with us! If we are to be ‘salt and light’ (Matthew 5:13-16) and give witness to Christ, then we must be engaged, and I would argue watching film and TV can help us to understand the culture we live in. The apostle Peter wisely gives us the godly way we can do this, when he says in the opening phrase of 1 Peter 3:15: ‘But in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.’