Is it just me…or is the evangelical subculture on a trajectory toward the outer edge of Christian conduct and lifestyle? I say yes, it is.
Perhaps it's a reaction to the 60s and 70s when many Christians almost defined themselves by the cultural things they DIDN'T do. Today's generation appears bent on ramming right up against the outer edges of acceptability. Statistics show that in general, they drink more, watch more R-rated films, use cruder language, and are much more comfortable than previous generations playing violent or sexually explicit video games.
Now clearly it was a non-biblical world view to define yourself by the stuff you DIDN'T do. No question. But there's hardly a biblical trophy set aside for most-worldly-cultural absorption.
Conveniently stashed away by many in today's generation—either by ignorance or choice—are biblical commands to be holy—that is set apart. And if that “set apartness”–that essential call to holiness–does not influence our choices in entertainment or leisure, or speech, then exactly what is it for? A reminder to show up for Sunday School (providing you're not too tired from the over-night Halo party)?
But if we watch the same sexually explicit films as our unsaved friends, play the same violent video games, use essentially the same salty language, and hoist a sudsy mug with the same frequency as our unsaved friends, exactly how set apart can we claim to be?
To those who disagree, let me ask this simple question: If your Monday through Saturday is loaded with entertainment choices and language choices and leisure choices that are identical to the world, doesn't it seem like you have watered down most any hope of a lifestyle contrast? Exactly what are you left with—the fact that you go to church on Sunday?