catapult magazine

greetings all.

perhaps this has been long discussed, but i’m new here – and haven’t read all the pages and postings on this site. but i have skimmed a few. and one of the old bible study discussion interested me (for the background, you’re welcome to read it – “the seventh day – 8-1-03”). here’s a quote from anton that can get us started or restarted perhaps.

before i insert the quote, know that the unidentified “this” refers to Jesus words that there will be no procreation or marriage in heaven (made fully clear in the context – anton was quite articulate).

- QUOTE -
A former professor at the seminary I attend argued that this means the end of culture. He argues that culture is unique to humans on earth. The angels have no such culture, and as such neither will we engage in cultural activities in heaven. Our rooms are already made for us in heaven (John 14:1), will there be a need for architecture?

I think this brings up an interesting question. Will culture not be optional in heaven, because it won’t even exist? Hmmm….
- End QUOTE -

if i may suggest a few questions….

1. how do you/we define culture?

2. is that culture unique to humans?

3. is that culture unique to humans on earth, and not in heaven?

as a newbie on a site located at “cultureisnotoptional”, i thought this would be an interesting opening discussion for me to listen in on.

I think we do have a definition of culture somewhere on this site, don’t we laurencer?

Concerning this question of heaven, I’ve been thinking lately that we Christians think way too much about the future and not enough about where we are now and what we ought to do with our now. We are NOW called to cultivate what God has given us—to culture the seeds or small stalks where they are now. Instead of busying ourselves with the work at hand, though, we sit in front of the baby cornstalks and wonder what it will be like when it’s full grown and how good the corn will taste come harvest time. Meanwhile, the sun moves across the sky and the watering can sits in our hand and our asses are stuck in the mud and the harvest is looking more and more like an impossible dream. You know what I’m saying? Heaven isn’t just something to wonder about in the distant theoretical future apart from where we’re at now. It’s possible to see glimpses of it right now, within our own generation’s Christian culturing.

That’s some metaphor Grant. I don’t suppose you ever spent any time near a cornfield?
You mention a little glimpse of heaven Grant. What does that little glimpse tell you about the culture in heaven?

1. How do we define culture?
Good grief I should have a better answer for this than I do. But I think culture deals primarily with the relationships we form. Good art, music, theater and other “cultural” things deal with our relationships with eachother and our relationships to God, nature and ourselves.
2. Is that culture unique to humans?
I think that animals have community and relationships. Certain species take one mate for life and I think there must be a reason for that. But as far as seeing “Culture” in a proactive sense of relating with our God, I don’t think animals can do that. Then again, isn’t there a Psalm that says that if humans don’t praise God even the rocks will cry out. Maybe the dumb noises of animals hold more than we think. Maybe they go beyond simple warnings and mating calls and tie into worship.
3. Is that culture unique to humans on earth, and not in heaven?
There was culture in Eden, so I don’t think culture is a result of the fall. Our primary purpose in heaven (and on earth too I guess) is to worship God. I think we do that both directly and indirectly on earth. I don’t know what it will be like in heaven. Will we be able to say/sing anything more than “Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty!”? I’m not sure. I kind of hope so though.