Ref 1: The Reformed Tradition and the Transformation of Culture (D.G. Hart)

 

The authors explore the attitude of Machen towards the church and the relationship of culture. Though it can view the difficulty of modern culture poses by the Reformed tradition. There is a possibility of the inseparability of gospel proclamation, cultural transformation, and the idea of the priesthood of all believers.  The author points out the importance of reformed marks which tells that the idea that Christianity involves the transformation of culture as well as the proclamation of the gospel. In view of Machen, the vision of cultural transformation is both faithful to Reformed theology and sensitive to what we call the issue of time. 

Cultural diversity and religious freedom take a great challenge to the reformed tradition that cultural transformation takes seriously.

Machen presents his vision in regards to the Reformed tradition and the transformation of culture in the following parts. First is the consecration of culture, Machen was active in cultural engagement. It shows that working with liberal Christians and non-believers in numerous humanitarian and social causes. Though there is a big difference in terms of theological principles then there is also a numerous commonality to work with them. Second is the separateness of the church, Machen’s standpoint on culture affirms in cultural engagement and withdrawal are both affirming. In view of this reason, that’s why Machen becomes active in cultural transformation. Church itself primary task is to become the witness to Christ. Being a Christian is not only a religious experience but a life founded upon doctrine and primarily an account that happened such as a piece of good news or gospel.  The third one is the relationship between church and culture, Christians must and need to work their relationship with the culture around them, because culture changes over time but the church remains it is. Fourth, the modern predicament. As reformers, they come up with their own unique interpretation of cultural transformation. Machen argues that church institution has no means, nor does its ministry involve intervening in cultural or social affairs. The power and weapon of the church in other words are spiritual, not corporal. And the last one is the responsibility of the church in our time. Machen's emphasis on the witness of the church led him to distinguish between church and individual believer’s duties. He told people the matter that could not be expected to church. It is wrong to see the church cooperating and inappropriate to expect the church to give. So for the author Machen, the church's responsibility of the church in our times is the same as in every age.

It is a great reminder for us that Machen view of the cultural transformation of Christianity may obscure the weighty matters of the gospel and the church’s duty to proclaim it.