Four ways to communicate Christ in a culture of confusion
This article was first published in our biannual magazine, In Touch. You can download the whole issue for free today.
Our world is dominated by complex issues – divisive politics, cultural conflicts, moral confusion, and profound polarisation. How do we navigate these challenges without getting bogged down in debates or trapped in the toxicity of outrage culture?
The answer lies in the approach of the Apostle Paul. When faced with a confused and hostile culture in Athens (Acts 17:16-34), he didn’t retreat or lash out. Instead, he identified a bridge that could lead to the gospel. Here are four lessons from his approach that can help us engage wisely and redemptively.
1. Take time to understand
Paul began by observing the culture, studying what people valued and engaging with their beliefs. When we meet those with different beliefs, we should ask questions and listen. A friend of mine once asked his Muslim colleague, ‘What do you believe?’ After listening, he responded, ‘I’m a Christian, and we share some similarities, but there are also differences…’
Here are four helpful questions to prime spiritual conversations:
- Do you think there is a God, and if so, what is he like?
- Who or what do you think human beings are?
- What do you say is wrong with the world?
- What do you think the solution is?
A different friend claimed total disinterest in God, but had opinions on those last three questions. Discussing those created opportunities to explore the first one.
2. Go where people are
Paul didn’t wait for people to come to him – he went to the synagogue and the marketplace. We can’t just wait for people to come to church.
For years, I thought being nice at work – helping colleagues, washing coffee cups – would lead people to Jesus. But they didn’t connect my kindness to my faith. We need to be intentional about making our faith clear. When someone asks about your weekend, mention church, because small statements can spark curiosity.
Also, pray and watch for opportunities (cf. Colossians 4:4-5). Our job is to join in where we find God is already at work in people’s lives.
3. Find points of connection
Paul built bridges by referencing the Athenian ‘altar to the Unknown God’. He didn’t begin by critiquing their beliefs but found common ground. In our secular world, people care about things that only make sense if Christianity is true – justice, human dignity, love, and beauty. If life is just atoms and molecules, why do these things matter?
A teacher friend of mine once asked his class, ‘Who thinks it was wrong that the Taliban mutilated a young girl who escaped a forced marriage?’ Every hand went up. But when asked, ‘Why?’ the students struggled to answer.
One said, ‘It just is.’
‘But why?’ my friend pressed. ‘If we’re just accidents of nature, where do human rights come from?’
The question lingered. Later, his agnostic head of department admitted, ‘I’d never considered how much our idea of justice depends on God.’
Many people care about justice, the environment, and human worth – without realising their worldview doesn’t explain why. We can help them see how the Christian faith does. (If you’d appreciate some pointers, check out Have You Ever Wondered? for help with 28 contemporary issues.)
4. Connect everything to Jesus
In Athens, Paul built towards Jesus. He didn’t just engage in philosophy or social commentary. Many assume Christianity is primarily an ethical system, but the gospel is not good advice – it’s good news. Jesus changes everything.
A student asked me how I could take Christianity seriously when so many church leaders abuse power. Instead of defending the church, I pointed to Jesus: ‘I share your disgust. That’s the opposite of how Jesus lived. Unlike any other leader of his time, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. And ultimately, he laid down his life for others.’
The student saw something different in Jesus. We gave him Mark’s Gospel, in which Jesus says, ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ (Mark 10:45)
Therefore look for moments to say:
- ‘That reminds me of something Jesus said…’
- ‘That reminds me of something Jesus did…’
- ‘That reminds me of a story Jesus told…’
The more naturally we speak of Jesus, the more others will see His relevance.
A culture desperate for hope
The early church was a tiny group of fearful believers in a hostile society. Yet they changed the world as they listened, went where people were, built bridges, and introduced Jesus into conversation after conversation.
We live in a culture longing for hope, love, and meaning. And the good news is, what people are searching for – though they don’t realise it – is Jesus.
Therefore we can step forward with confidence. Not with fear, but with faith. Not to argue, but to invite; not to impose, but to show that in Jesus, everything finally makes sense.
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