The Culture of Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the "culture of Christ" as described by Elder Jackson?
- How does the culture of Christ relate to our individual earthly cultures?
- What are some of the key characteristics of the culture of Christ?
- How can we incorporate the best of our earthly cultures into the culture of Christ?
- What is the role of the gospel of Jesus Christ in shaping the culture of Christ?
Topics
Understanding the Culture of Christ
Elder Jackson describes the culture of Christ as the original, eternal culture that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. This culture is grounded in the testimony of our Heavenly Father's existence and love for us, the concept of equal worth, charity, revelation, agency, learning and study, faith and obedience, prayer, covenants and ordinances, priesthood, missionary work, equality of women, sanctity of family, and an eternal perspective.
This culture is grounded in the testimony that our Heavenly Father exists, that He is real and loves each one of us individually. We are His "work and [His] glory."
It is a culture of faith and obedience. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of our culture, and obedience to His teachings and commandments is the outcome.
In the culture of Christ, women are elevated to their proper and eternal status. They are not subservient to men, as in many cultures in today's world, but full and equal partners here and in the world to come.
- What are some of the key principles and values of the culture of Christ?
- How does faith in Jesus Christ play a role in the culture of Christ?
- How is the concept of equal worth manifested in the culture of Christ?
- How can you incorporate the principles of the culture of Christ into your daily life?
- What changes might you need to make to align more closely with the culture of Christ?
- How can you contribute to promoting the culture of Christ in your community or congregation?
The Influence of Earthly Cultures
Elder Jackson discusses the influence of earthly cultures on our thinking and behavior. He emphasizes that while earthly cultures can be a source of strength, they can also become obstacles if they lead us to reject godly ideas or fail to recognize man-made weaknesses in our own cultures.
What a magnificent world we live in and share, home to a great diversity of peoples, languages, customs, and histories—spread out over hundreds of countries and thousands of groups, each rich in culture.
It can be such a strong influence that we can fail to see the man-made weaknesses or flaws in our own cultures, resulting in a reluctance to throw off some of the traditions of our fathers.
- How can earthly cultures influence our thinking and behavior?
- What are some potential pitfalls of being overly fixated on one's cultural identity?
- How can earthly cultures become obstacles to embracing the culture of Christ?
- Reflect on your own cultural background. Are there any aspects that may be inconsistent with the culture of Christ?
- How can you navigate the tension between your earthly culture and the culture of Christ?
- What are some positive aspects of your earthly culture that align with the culture of Christ?
Embracing the Culture of Christ
Elder Jackson shares a story about a man from India who was initially resistant to the gospel because he felt it would betray his cultural heritage. However, after learning about the gospel, he realized that he could incorporate the best of his culture into the culture of Christ, enhancing his fellowship with the Saints.
He discovered that bringing that which is consistent with truth and righteousness from his old life into his new one serves only to enhance his fellowship with the Saints and to assist in uniting all as one in the society of heaven.
He has found that there is no problem incorporating the best of his local culture into the greatest of all cultures.
- How did the man from India come to embrace the culture of Christ?
- What does this story teach us about the relationship between our earthly cultures and the culture of Christ?
- How can we incorporate the best of our earthly cultures into the culture of Christ?
- What steps can you take to incorporate the best of your earthly culture into the culture of Christ?
- How has your understanding of the gospel influenced your perspective on your earthly culture?
- What aspects of your earthly culture have you found to be consistent with the culture of Christ?
The International and Supernal Nature of the Church
Elder Jackson emphasizes that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a Western or American cultural phenomenon, but an international church and, more importantly, a supernal institution. He invites all to bring their faith, talents, and knowledge, and let the Church add to it through the gospel.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hardly a Western society or an American cultural phenomenon. It is an international church, as it was always meant to be. More than that, it is supernal.
We are invited, one and all, to bring our faith and talents and knowledge—all that is good in our lives and our individual cultures—with us and let the Church "add to it" through the message of the gospel.
- How does Elder Jackson describe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
- What does it mean for the Church to be "supernal"?
- How does the international nature of the Church influence its culture?
- How can you contribute to the international and supernal nature of the Church?
- What talents or knowledge can you bring to the Church from your earthly culture?
- How has being part of the Church enriched your understanding of different cultures?
The Blessing of Being Part of the Culture of Christ
Elder Jackson concludes by expressing gratitude for the blessing of being part of the culture of Christ. He emphasizes that this culture, grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ, helps provide a healing balm that the world desperately needs.
What a blessing it is to be part of this grand and noble way of life!
Because this culture results from the application of our Savior’s teachings, it helps provide a healing balm of which our world is in such desperate need.
- What blessings come from being part of the culture of Christ?
- How does the culture of Christ provide a "healing balm" for the world?
- What blessings have you experienced from being part of the culture of Christ?
- How can you help spread the "healing balm" of the culture of Christ in your community or congregation?
- Reflect on your journey of embracing the culture of Christ. How has it influenced your life?
