Perspective: A Culture Shock

What is culture? It is socially learned knowledge and patterns of behavior shared by a group of people. Another dictionary definition is "The sum of attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguishes one group of people from another." Ever notice how the word cult begins the word culture?

A cult is a group of related individuals of a similar nature or character. So it is safe to say that within a cult is a particular culture. A cult shares the same beliefs and rituals. That is, its members believe in the same thing and have common behaviors. Within any culture lie behavioral components. These are what people regularly do, for instance, sharing one's faith and studying the Bible at Starbucks.

It is amazing how cult and culture go hand in hand. Sadly, there have been dangerous cults that have abused many lives and destroyed families. However, there are other cults who are looked upon as dangerous but do no evil thing.

Paul, a follower of Christ during Jesus' ministry, says in Acts 24:14 "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect..." A sect is defined as a group of people with a common interest, doctrine, etc. Even Jesus' ministry was called a sect. Sect is a synonym for cult. Why was the ministry of someone who was perfect called a Sect? They all shared their faith, preached the word, and taught many people about the word of God. (Acts 5:27-42).

These actions enabled them to be labeled as a cult in the eyes of religious leaders during their time (the Pharisees). Would you consider Jesus' ministry dangerous? Recognizing this definition, there are numerous non-dangerous "cults" or "sects" on campus.

Out of the many organizations at Howard, each has its own rules, purpose, behavior patterns, and swag that makes it unique. In other words, each has its own culture.

I hearten you to discover for yourself whether we are dangerous, as some proclaim. Every Tuesday at 6:30pm and Thursday at 7:30pm we have an amazing informal Bible discussion that we call Bible Talk.

There's also one every Monday in the PunchOut at 7:00pm. Nothing is private. In fact, our Bible studies are all online: visit wdcicc.net. We are not a dangerous group that is trying to control peoples' lives. However, we do believe in applying the Word of God to our lives. Thus, we teach others to do the same.

We are part of the incredible DC International Christian Church. Our culture consists of how the first century church lived in Acts 2:42-47 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings [Bible], to the breaking of bread, and to prayer...all the believers were together and had everything in common...and the Lord added daily to their number daily those who were being saved."

Our culture does not consist of what was mentioned in earlier Hilltop ads. Those were false testimonies and half-truths. Even Jesus was crucified on half-truths (Matthew 26:57-68).

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This perspective was submitted under the condition of anonymity.