A City on a Hill Cannot be Hidden
Here goes, the last blog post of our LGP journey (calamari!)
Knowing that Tom Holland’s Dominion was waiting for us at the end of this semester, I’ve noticed his name popping up seemingly everywhere I look for the past couple of months. First, I saw his book on a friend’s bookshelf. Then he was discussed in a podcast I listen to regularly. I heard his name in connection with other authors we’ve read in the LGP program, like Jordan Peterson and Michael Bird. My interest was piqued. What does Holland have to say that is so special, I wondered.
It turns out that his main idea is quite straightforward. Holland asserts that Christianity has so permeated Western culture that our most dearly held values stem from this ancient faith, even though we no longer recognize them as such. These values include concepts like the inherent dignity of each individual or the value of life itself manifested in investments in healthcare and education. We, even our non-Christian neighbors, would consider these to be fundamentally good and right. But Holland argues that this would not be the case without a Christian history.[1]
Interesting as his argument may be, there are two by-products of Holland’s work that I find even more fascinating. First, numerous self-proclaimed atheists are re-labeling themselves as “cultural Christians.” Broadly speaking, this would include individuals who desire to “uphold the legacy of the Judaeo-Christian tradition” and value the “unifying story” and “the principles of Christianity.”[2] This in no way means that these individuals believe in the importance of confession sin and placing their faith in Jesus for salvation. They simply appreciate the fruit of the Christian worldview. Holland himself leads readers to question whether that approach is sustainable.[3] The late Tim Keller suggests that it is not. He agrees that atheists can be highly principled and act unselfishly, but can an entire people group continue on in this fashion? Can Western society simultaneously move farther and farther from the core of the gospel message and sustain its underlying Christian values? Keller suggests that without a sincere belief in God, the motivation to live self-sacrificially will crumble.[4] This calls to mind the apostle Paul’s words to Timothy when he describes humans of the day as “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5 NIV).
The second fascinating question I ran across is the following: Is cultural Christianity better than no Christianity at all?[5] On one hand, living in a society that reflects Christian heritage is to the benefit of all, certainly to the benefit of the poor, women, children, etc. On the other hand, if our society’s values were wildly opposed to Christianity, might we have more opportunity to be a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14 NIV)?
That brings me to my dinner table. My family often hears me say something like, “Wow, I did not expect our dinner conversation to go there!” The latest installment of Sanford dinner conversation involved discussing the New Testament household codes and God’s view of slavery. I recently learned (and thus lectured my children about) the pattern Paul and other New Testament writers employ mirrors the writings of ancient moral philosophers such as Aristotle and Seneca. The early readers of the New Testament would have been familiar with the civic codes of Aristotle, etc., so the common pattern of husband/wife, parent/child, master/slave were recognizable. In the Greco-Roman worldview the paterfamilias (male head of the household) had ultimate authority and expected to be obeyed. Anything less pointed to a poorly run household. Our modern ears might hear the New Testament household codes (Colossians 3:18-4:1; Ephesians 5:21-6:9 and others) and object to the subservience of women or the acceptance of slavery. But we have to remember that these passages which “reenforce care and compassion” teach the paterfamilias that he is not the ultimate authority, but he is subject to a Sovereign Lord.[6]
If this post has taken a bit of a detour, let me connect the dots. The early church was a light on a hill because their relationships (husband/wife, parent/child, master/slave) were recognizable to their Greco-Roman neighbors while being radically different, overflowing with care and compassion and love that came from Christ. As society has aligned more closely to Judeo-Christian values, perhaps our “city on a hill” opportunities are different. We’ve discussed at length becoming undefended as a leader; perhaps that offers us a unique “city on a hill” opportunity. Perhaps the opportunity lies in becoming a humble, RARE leader. Perhaps the opportunity is different for each of us. I have a few more ideas, but I would love to throw the question out to my cohort. In your context, maybe personally, maybe in the church you lead, what do you see as your “city on a hill” opportunity?
[1] John Gray, “Why the liberal West is a Christian creation,” 18 September 2019, https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2019/09/why-the-liberal-west-is-a-christian-creation
[2] Madeleine Davies, “The rise of cultural Christianity,” 21 August 2024, https://www.newstatesman.com/cover-story/2024/08/the-rise-of-cultural-christianity
[3] Holland, Tom. Dominion. La Vergne, TN: Basic Books, 2019. 540
[4] Tim Keller, “Nietzsche Was Right,” September 23, 2020, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/dominion-christian-revolution-tom-holland/
[5] Vischer, Phil. “Keep Christianity Weird & Lessons from the Church Abuse Scandal with Kristen Kobes Du Mez”. The Holy Post, October 9, 2024. Podcast, https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=d34Fq6YkEd8
[6] Nijay K. Gupta. Tell Her Story. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2023. 182-187.
About the Author
Kim Sanford
11 responses to “A City on a Hill Cannot be Hidden”
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Hi Kim,
Nice post. You asked, “In your context, maybe personally, maybe in the church you lead, what do you see as your “city on a hill” opportunity?”
On Thursday, I am speaking about immigration (probably to a hostile audience). I hope to lead with scripture (it is a Bible study) and then discuss the personal actions I have taken to contribute to the immigration process. (My NPO is interlinkt.org)
My hope is that my actions will speak louder than words.
I lack the eloquence to convince anyone, but my desire is that my NPO will demonstrate how big problems do start with small solutions.
At the end of it all, I am willing to let them be wrong.
While it is important to have a grip on the white and dark spaces of Christianity’s past. I believe that, your NPO and the cohorts is focused on the future.
A Christian future.
All of our NPOs are HIS work. I believe that we are responding to Satell’s Cascade…creating ripples of change.
Shalom. and Calamari
Hi Kim,
I love your “city on a hill” perspective and opportunity question. It’s interesting being in a nation where it’s illegal to share one’s faith with the religious majority. I can’t tell anyone I’m a Christian accept other Christians. So being a city on a hill looks like kindness, showing interest, care, and engaging in friendly conversation. It’s been interesting and inspiring to observe the impact of Christian love and service to a very marginalized population that shares the majority faith tradition, yet has been rejected and under-served because of their race. My apologies for being so vague!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
I love this perspective, “On one hand, living in a society that reflects Christian heritage is to the benefit of all, certainly to the benefit of the poor, women, children, etc. On the other hand, if our society’s values were wildly opposed to Christianity, might we have more opportunity to be a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14 NIV)?” I enjoyed your post; it was extremely engaging.
And yes…Calamari!
Kim,
Wow. So much to think about as I read your post. I loved your reflection into the culture of the day and how Christians still impacted their world even in trying times. “A city on a hill” will soon look different for me as we transition. I am already wondering what new ways God will have us extend his grace and love.
Hope you have a great week as you move towards another finish line!
KIM: MIKE DROP.
Seriously, what a great observation. The ‘city on a hill’ question (Is cultural Christianity better than no Christianity at all?) is somethign I’ve been processing but haven’t ever been able to articulate that well.
I contend (humbly) that the farther culture gets away form Christianity the more opportunity we have to be a light. I know that conflicts with the Catholic Moral Theology we read in Pretusek and maybe I’m stating it too boldly, but I’ve thought for a while that we’ve actually lost the culture wars so many in my church still want to fight. I’m interested not in rehashing those battles but in finding what’s next.
Thanks for your provocative post.
And for always having something encouraging yet challenging to say. It’s rare to do both, but you do that well and you do it in a spirit that is winsome and attractive. No wonder God called you to be a missionary to France!
Hang in there. We’re almost done!!!
What I love about you Kim is the way you have consistently brought it back to your dinner table. You may not have used those words in each week’s blog post, but the passion and intent has always been there. You have an extraordinary ability to take lofty thoughts and bring them to the dinner table.
So good!
What a blessing you have been to all of us, and to me. Grace & Peace my friend.
Wow Kim- Way to knock the last blog out of the park. I really like the way you framed the revolution of the Gospel would have had on family gender roles in Greco-Roman culture. So interesting!
To answer your question, I have been thinking a lot about how, in my corporate experience, power and authority are cultivated and managed. Since reading Holland, I now see the impact of humility on that landscape differently. Our society is are infused with these ideas of conquering and domination as a representation of “the good life” which really reflects that Greco-Roman idea of a god-king. How do I work to replace that with an attitude of humble submission to God? Still working on it!
I like the detour your post took, Kim. But first, regarding modern (self-proclaimed?) atheists identifying as cultural Christians, Jonathan Haidt comes to mind. I don’t think I’ve heard him say he is a cultural Christian, but I do think he has at the very least been friendly toward Christians. And I think he’s found common ground with Christians on a few things, including some of the issues in The Anxious Generation. He even did a podcast with Andy Crouch on the Trinity Forum.
And regarding your question, this is going to take more reflection. I’m pondering what is recognizable to those around us (my wife and me and our church) but is at the same time radically different and marked by love and compassion. Tonight we will be taking part in our neighborhood’s progressive dinner, and this question will likely follow me around the neighborhood.
Excellent post, Kim. May the Lord bless you and your family and your work in France! Have a wonderful Xmas!
Great reflections on how as leaders we ought to consider our unique “city on a hill” opportunity. I totally agree. I think that God is awakening people to this truth. Living “like” a Christian is not the same as loving the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul. There is a distinct difference that involves daily denial of self, taking up His cross and following Him in everything.
Kim, it has been a pleasure being in a cohort together. I love reading and praying for you, your family, and the work you are doing in your mission outpost across the pond. Thank you for sharing your mission updates. Praying that God gives you a sense of peace and assurance of a job well done as you wrap up this final fall of the doctoral journey.
this is an interesting thought! “The second fascinating question I ran across is the following: Is cultural Christianity better than no Christianity at all?[5] On one hand, living in a society that reflects Christian heritage is to the benefit of all, certainly to the benefit of the poor, women, children, etc. On the other hand, if our society’s values were wildly opposed to Christianity, might we have more opportunity to be a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14 NIV)?” Thanks for bringing this up. I think it says a lot, when our identity is based in our faith traditions vs. when it is part of our culture. I have never heard of cultural Christians. interesting.