For those of us who disciple children and young people, the question of how to engage with culture is an ongoing challenge. It’s tempting, and indeed common in some Christian circles, to view culture solely as a battleground—a place where we must protect young people from harmful influences.
Yet, we need to approach culture with both discernment and hope. Culture is a conduit for worldviews, often conveying values that conflict with the gospel. However, because of God’s common grace, we can also find traces of beauty, truth, and goodness in every created thing around us—echoes of Eden and glimmers of grace. These moments can point us to God, remind us of Scripture, and ultimately lead us to Jesus.
Culture is Always Teaching—But Not Always in the Way We Expect
There’s no denying that culture is powerful. It’s always teaching, shaping the way young people see the world, themselves, and their purpose. Whether through a film, a song, a social media post, or a trending topic, culture constantly offers a story about what matters, what’s worth pursuing, and what gives life meaning. As parents, gospel workers, and volunteers, it’s our job to help young people discern these messages and respond biblically.
But here’s the good news: not everything in culture is opposed to the Christian faith. Yes, the world is corrupted by sin, and yes, we must guard against false worldviews. Yet, because of God’s common grace, we can also find reflections of His goodness in even the most unexpected places.
Common Grace and the Echoes of Eden
The doctrine of common grace teaches us that God, in His mercy, restrains the full impact of sin in the world. This means that even outside the church, even among those who don’t acknowledge God, moments of beauty, truth, and goodness still exist. These are gifts of God’s grace to the world—reminders that, despite the Fall, we are still made as His image bearers, are culture makers as His image bearers and live in a world He created.
In these moments, we catch what C.S. Lewis called “echoes of Eden”—longings for the goodness, beauty, and truth present in God’s original creation. When young people encounter a song that stirs their hearts, a story that speaks of love, or a scene in a film that touches on themes of justice or redemption, these are echoes of the way things were meant to be. They can become opportunities for us to point them to the deeper truth of the gospel.
Finding Glimmers of Grace in Culture
As we help children and young people navigate culture, we must teach them to recognise both the dangers and the glimmers of grace. For instance, a song might communicate unhealthy messages about relationships but could also express a deep longing for connection. A film might contain worldly values yet also wrestle with themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and redemption—concepts that find their fullest expression in Christ.
Our challenge is to help young people see that every good gift in culture points beyond itself to the Giver. Beauty in art and music, acts of justice and mercy, and stories of hope and redemption all reflect the nature of our Creator. These can be starting points for deeper conversations about how everything good in this world ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus.
How to Engage Culture Thoughtfully
Here are some practical ways to disciple young people to engage with culture thoughtfully, recognising both the influence of sinful worldviews and the beauty of common grace:
- Start the Conversation
Don’t shy away from discussing culture. Ask what your children or young people have been watching, listening to, or following online. Instead of dismissing their interests, engage with them, ask questions, and explore the deeper messages behind the media they consume. Approach these discussions with curiosity rather than condemnation, which builds trust and opens doors for meaningful conversations about faith and values. - Discern the Worldview and the Grace
Help young people develop discernment by teaching them to identify both the worldview behind cultural artifacts and the moments of grace. What is this song or film saying about the world, about happiness, or about human nature? Where do we see the influence of sin, and where do we see echoes of God’s truth, goodness, and beauty? Encourage them to think critically, always bringing their observations back to Scripture. - Teach Them to Filter Everything Through the Gospel
Culture constantly presents ideas and values, but not all align with a biblical worldview. Teach children and teens to use the gospel as their filter, helping them distinguish what aligns with God’s truth from what distorts it. This gospel-centred lens allows them to see both the beauty of common grace and the brokenness of sin, leading to a balanced approach that celebrates the good while rejecting the false. - Encourage Curiosity with Guardrails
Children and young people are naturally curious, which can be a gift when directed toward godly pursuits. Set age-appropriate boundaries, allowing them to explore culture within safe limits. Rather than sheltering them entirely, nurture their curiosity to examine and engage with the world in ways that honour God. This builds resilience and prepares them to face a diverse world with a gospel-centred foundation. - Promote Gratitude Over Cynicism
It’s easy to approach culture cynically, seeing only its flaws and dangers. However, cultivating gratitude helps us see God’s work even in imperfect places. Thank God for beautiful music, well-crafted stories, and the creativity He’s placed in humanity. By promoting gratitude, we model a hopeful and Christ-centred engagement with culture, helping children to see God’s hand in all things.
Jesus as the Ultimate Fulfilment of Culture’s Longing
Every cultural artefact expresses a longing—a search for truth, beauty, meaning, and connection. As Christian parents and workers, we can help children see that these longings ultimately find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate Truth (John 14:6), the source of all beauty (Colossians 1:16), and the perfect image of love and justice (1 John 4:10).
By teaching our children to see culture through this lens, we help them not only appreciate the goodness of God’s gifts but also avoid idolising what is, at best, a shadow of the true fulfilment found in Jesus.
