Culture in Transition Pt. 2
Culture is always in transition. Throughout biblical history, we witness these transitions. We witness a cultural change in the book of Daniel:
“Among these were some from Juda: Daniel, Hananian, Mishael and Azariah. (7). The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. (8) But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” Dan. 1:6-8
A review of this account reveals that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had besieged Jerusalem. The king of Babylon carried the Israelites into captivity. The king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and nobility. Ashpenaz was to teach them the language of the Babylonians. Also, Ashpenaz would give them new names and place them on a different diet. The king’s objective was to prepare them for service in his court.
A closer look reveals that this was more than just a change in their personal lives. The truth reveals this was more than a change in their lives, but also a shift in culture. Whether they realized it or not, they were no longer at home. Daniel and the others were now foreigners in a distant land. Everything now is different. The king commanded that they have new names. If they were to serve in the king’s court, they must represent the culture in which they now resided. The king also required that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego learn the language of the Babylonians. Finally, their diet would change, as well. It is important to note that when one experiences a transition, it dictates internal change. No one can remain who they were before when they encounter such a dramatic shift in their surrounding.
The first thing that a transition in culture demands is a change of one's identity. A change in one's identify is required. The ultimate intent is for the person to forget who they were before they experienced captivity. Next, there must be a change in language. It is impossible to represent your new king if you cannot communicate in the language of the land where you now dwell. The last thing to be altered is their diet. As a foreigner, you must acquire a new taste if you are to participate in the social gatherings sponsored by the king. You must learn everything new while forgetting all that represents the past. Your past no longer fits into your present. A new identity, a new language, and a new diet are necessary if you are to experience success in your new-found home.
Is it any small wonder that men struggle with their identity today? Is there a reason why the references to manhood are described in terms that do not represent the past? More importantly, how does one explain the reality that our culture seems comfortable with this shift in what a man is? The purpose of manhood has never changed. The Creator of mankind was not confused when He created the man, and He is not confused now. If there is confusion it is not with the Creator, but with the culture. The culture is experiencing transition. The transitions in culture are not new. Every man, woman, boy, and girl must realize that no shift in culture comes without costs. Whenever the past conflicts with the present, something must change. Let us pray that remembering who we are, where we have come from remains a priority for us.