The gospel of Jesus Christ is always situated within a particular cultural context. But how should Christians approach the complex relationship between our faith and our surrounding culture? Should we simply retreat from culture? Should we embrace our cultural practices and mindset? How important is it for us to be engaged in our culture? And how might we do that with discernment and faithfulness? William Edgar offers a rich biblical theology in light of our contemporary culture that contends that Christians should-indeed, must-be engaged in the surrounding culture. By exploring what Scripture has to say about the role of culture and by gleaning insights from a variety of theologians of culture-including Abraham Kuyper, T. S. Eliot, H. Richard Niebuhr, and C. S. Lewis-Edgar contends that cultural engagement is a fundamental aspect of human existence. He does not shy away from those passages that emphasize the distinction between Christians and the world. Yet he finds, shining through the biblical witness, evidence that supports a robust defense of the cultural mandate to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it," (Genesis 1:28). With clarity and wisdom, Edgar argues that we are most faithful to our calling as God's creatures when we participate in creating culture.
"William Edgar has written a thoughtful introductory work on a biblical theology of culture. This would function as a good supplementary text to an Introduction to Mission or Biblical Theology of Mission course at the seminary level, especially if it is read alongside other works from diverse global theologians."
Edward L. Smither, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Fall 2017
"Edgar undertakes the important task of evaluating the concept of culture through a rich biblical-theological lens that diagnoses, affirms, and challenges the contemporary view of cultural dynamics. This work is not only valuable for understanding what Scripture has to say about culture, but also helpful for seeing how Scripture interacts with the constantly evolving concerns of culture in our modern world."
Stephen T. Um, senior minister of Citylife Presbyterian Church of Boston
"Bill Edgar's Created and Creating is the most thorough and the most solidly biblical contribution to the current discussion of Christ and culture. Edgar's analysis of the historical discussion is wonderfully erudite and nuanced. His treatment of biblical texts and principles is deep and cogent. His conclusion is that God's cultural mandate to Adam is still in effect and that the Great Commission of Jesus applies that mandate to a world lost in sin. I hope and pray that many will read this book and take its message to heart."
John Frame, professor of systematic theology and philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary
"This book's greatest strength lies in its comprehensive treatment of culture from a biblical perspective. . . . For this and many other reasons, many will benefit from this profitable read."
Linden D. McLaughlin, Bibliotheca Sacra
"Throughout Created and Creating, Edgar excellently presents what the academic meanings of culture are and what the legitimacy of the cultural mandate is. . . . It is recommendable to those who want to grasp a comprehensive concept of culture and one of the major Christian responses to the culture."
Jun Ho Jeon, The Artistic Theologian, Vol. 6, 2018
