Give Me The Experience But Not The Culture

Whilst on holidays I had the chance to meet some really fanatical golfers, fishermen and kayakers (outdoors types). It was interesting to me because all three are activities I have really enjoyed in the past (and I am really enjoying golf at the moment), but all three have their own cultures, which at various times have put me off. It made me wonder about the extent to which you have to accept being part of a culture (or sub-culture) in order to enjoy an experience.

Whilst playing golf I met some really nice people, but I also met some typical examples of golf-culture. The cigar-chomping, cart-driving, big-tale telling examples of bluster and braggadocio that made me want to throw my clubs int he river and run away screaming “this is not me.” I’ve made the decision before (after my first experiences of competetive golf) that if I had be part of the that culture to play golf, I would give up on golf. Thankfully, I have found ways to enjoy the game without giving into the culture, but every know and then I revisit the decision.

This makes me wonder if the same is true of faith and church. For some people the experience of faith is what they crave, but the culture of church is what puts them off. To be honest, I find myself thinking that at times as well.